Ryan Companies: Grateful for help after crash

On May 8, 2015, a charter bus carrying 26 team members of Ryan Companies Des Moines office was involved in an accident just west of Williamsburg.

Almost immediately, other motorists became good Samaritans when they stopped to provide aid to our team and others involved in the accident. We were fortunate that some of these good Samaritans were actually medical personnel who just happened to be traveling; others stopped because they cared and simply wanted to help.

Iowa State Patrol Troopers, as well as first responders from several surrounding communities were on site within minutes. Our team members, along with others involved in the accident, were transported to three nearby hospitals - Marengo County Hospital, Mercy Hospital in Iowa City and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. We cannot overstate the compassion, calm manner and high level of care we experienced from these professionals.

If not for the heroism of the good Samaritans, first responders and medical personnel, our story, and the story of others, may have had a very different outcome. These individuals not only helped to save lives, they also provided comfort and compassion in a time of need. For that, we are deeply grateful. We are very happy to report that our team members are healing and all are expected to make a full recovery.

To each of you who came to our aid, whether it was helping pull people from the wreckage, offering blankets and care on the roadside, providing care in the ambulances and hospitals, or returning found items to our office, words cannot express our gratitude. We may not know your names, but we know you cared enough to act with empathy and remarkable selflessness. On behalf of our team and entire company, we offer a sincere and heartfelt thank you.

' Brad Schoenfelder, previously a senior project manager for Cargill and General Mills, is Vice President of Development for Ryan Companies. Comments: (515) 309-8503; brad.schoenfelder@ryancompanies.com