A Tragic Day in Greenfield
May 21, 2024, was a day that residents of Greenfield, Iowa, won’t soon forget. The storm sirens began in the morning in surrounding communities, but by midday, the skies had cleared, and calm set over the area. By 3:00 PM, however, everything had changed. What began as a small speck on the radar grew into a monstrous tornado that tore through Greenfield, destroying hundreds of homes, claiming five lives, and leaving nearly 20% of the town’s housing in ruins.
In the sudden tragic aftermath, Union State Bank’s presence as a pillar in the community served not only as a place of financial support but as a beacon of hope and help.
History and Local Ties of Union State Bank
Union State Bank has been an institution in Adair County since 1890, weathering decades of change and growing alongside the community it serves. Though ownership has shifted a few times over the years, the bank’s commitment to the community has remained loyal. Most recently in 2008, a group of local shareholders took ownership, determined to keep the bank’s focus local and dedicated to serving their neighbors.
For bank President Matt Mensing, the connection runs deep. Raised on a nearby family farm and an Iowa State graduate, Matt joined Union State Bank in 2010. He appreciates the close-knit community and feels strongly about giving back. “Growing up here and now raising my own family on the farm, I understand how valuable it is to have a place that’s both rooted in tradition and committed to progress,” he says.
Preparing for the Unthinkable: The Day of the Storm
Union State Bank prepared to close early on May 21, after forecasters warned of tornadic weather. By early afternoon, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, but by 3:15, darkness rolled in from the southwest. Matt recalls standing in his driveway, watching as the tornado formed—a massive wedge, miles away yet frighteningly clear.
Rushing his family into the basement, Matt felt an unmistakable dread as the wind roared closer. “That sound… I’ll never forget it,” he recalls. By the time they came out from shelter, his phone was already buzzing. The tornado had left Greenfield in shambles, and Matt’s first thought was the bank: Was it intact?
Rising from Rubble: Union State Bank’s Immediate Response
The day after the tornado, Union State Bank reopened and was ready to hit the ground running with support of all forms. Every morning in the following days, the bank team gathered early, assigning roles and determining what people needed most. “We could have closed, but people needed us,” says Matt. “Looking back, I’m grateful we stayed open. Just seeing a familiar face made a difference for many.”
Despite the unforeseen scale of the tornado’s damage, Union State Bank already had a previously-created disaster recovery plan in place—a measure they never thought they’d need to put into action. Though it didn’t perfectly fit the unpredictable circumstances they faced, the team was able to use parts of the plan to organize their reopening. “There’s no way to predict the magnitude of something like this,” Matt admits, “but having bits and pieces of the plan gave us the framework to open the next day. We were thankful we had it.” He wants to urge other banks to create a disaster recovery plan for themselves. He hopes they never need to use it, but if they ever do, they at least have something solid and logical to pull from in the midst of confusion and chaos.
As volunteers poured following the storm, the bank shifted to become an organizing point, gathering donations, distributing essentials, and helping connect people with resources. The bank’s employees didn’t just provide financial assistance; they walked alongside their neighbors, helping them navigate immediate decisions on insurance and FEMA aid, as well as dealing with the overwhelming feelings of loss.
Acts of Kindness: The People Who Made a Difference
The tornado’s destruction brought out acts of generosity from all corners. Just hours after the storm, an out-of-town business owner, eager to help, donated $15,000 in gift cards to support families affected by the disaster. With mutual contacts at Union State Bank, the donor asked bank employees to assist in distributing the gift cards to those in need.
“We went house to house, distributing those cards,” says Matt. “It was both uplifting and heartbreaking to meet each person face-to-face and hear their story. We saw firsthand the toll of loss but also the gratitude and strength that defined our community.”
Rebuilding the Community
Months after the tornado, Greenfield was filled with the sounds of steady hammering of nails and the buzzing of saws. While some homes were being rebuilt, the impact of losing 200 houses, many of them rentals, intensified the housing shortage that had already existed.
The bank worked closely with residents needing assistance with mortgages while also supporting local initiatives to rebuild affordable multi-family housing. “It’s an uphill battle,” Matt acknowledges, “but every new roof and freshly painted wall brings hope and progress.” Today, Greenfield is slowly healing, one home and building at a time, with Union State Bank continuing to serve as a cornerstone of this recovery.
Why Community Banks Matter: Union State Bank as a Pillar of Greenfield
Union State Bank exemplifies what it means to be more than a financial institution. In Greenfield, the bank is part of the community’s lifeblood, connected by personal bonds and common hardships.
“It wasn’t something we planned for, but we knew we needed to be here for our neighbors,” Matt reflects. “This is our community, our family. Standing by them wasn’t just an option; it was a privilege.”
A Testament to Community and Resilience
The rebuilding in Greenfield will take years, but as Union State Bank’s team shows up each day, they remind everyone that recovery is possible. Though unexpected, the tornado became a catalyst for the town to rebuild with fresh energy. With Union State Bank’s guidance, Greenfield is finding its way back, stronger and more unified, knowing that they’re not just customers—they’re family.