A tale of two resiliencies: Community and infrastructure stand strong after town-shattering tornado

There’s a special type of solitude that comes with the one-hour drive heading southeast of Des Moines, passing the rural rolling hills of lush farmland. You stand tall along the long prairie grass that ripples against the ground like an endless flow of waves, but your size is quickly humbled by the towering silhouettes of wind turbines poking out through the endless sea of sky. 

Given the time of year, late spring, Iowa’s growing season was already underway for agricultural icons like corn and soybeans, and boundless herds of brown and black cows were dispersed across the abundant landscape, accompanied by their young calves. The signs of rebirth and renewal were undeniable as I made my way into the small town of Greenfield on May 21, 2025—exactly one year after a devastating EF-4 tornado shattered the community of 2,000 residents. 

One year later, one year stronger

"The tornado tore through the town—and our lives," said Gary Freeland, a survivor of the natural disaster who lost his home on that fateful day. He shared these words in a relief and prayer service held on the one-year anniversary event of the disaster, shortly after a town-wide moment of silence. 

Iowa experienced a record-breaking 125 tornadoes last year, but the one that devastated Greenfield was recorded as the state's worst. Peak winds of 185 mph gusted through 44 miles of Adair County, causing significant damage that leveled much of the south side of the town, taking the lives of four residents and destroying more than 200 homes and 30 businesses in its wake.   

 “When you walked around town, you couldn’t even recognize where you were standing because there was nothing—no landmarks, no homes, no street signs. It was like a warzone,” said Brian Eisbach, commercial loan officer at the local Union State Bank, as he recounted his memory of May 21, 2024, with a haunting lucidness. “It was like, what do we do? Where do we start? There was no playbook for this.” 

Eldon Ray, manager at Schildberg Construction Company and another survivor of the tornado, shared the most chilling first-account story of the tornado during my visit to Greenfield. He showed me photos of the office where he was working that day, glass windows shattered into a million pieces, and almost everything else around him vanished. He was one of the lucky ones who was able to account for his memories of how slowly time moved until he knew he was safe again. 

“I’ll never forget what happened that day,” said Ray, shaking his head in bewilderment. “But I am most grateful that we didn’t lose more people than we did. Even though we lost a lot that day, even in a bad situation, we have to be blessed it wasn’t a lot worse.” 

One year later, the town has found a way out through the rubble with the support of a caring community. Rather than dwelling on the devastation that reduced infrastructure to debris, residents spoke of how tragedy brought out the best in humanity. Everyone—residents, businesses and surrounding neighborhoods and partners—joined forces to form a strong and united front that does nothing short of demonstrating the power of collective resilience. 

“It was really heartwarming and hopeful to see everyone come together to try to start something,” said Stephanie Valentine, president of Greenfield Chamber Main Street, “because we couldn’t stay where we were. We had to get up and get our community back.   

Building back better—together

In honor of the tornado’s anniversary, high-speed internet provider Kinetic partnered with the town to sponsor a week of community remembrance events, along with updates on the significant progress to fiber investments the company has made and will continue to make. 

Kinetic established an all-day presence in the town’s bustling public square, offering comfort, entertainment, and critical connectivity resources to residents and small businesses, along with a $5,000 donation that covered a free dinner for every member of the community. Additionally, Kinetic contributed $1,500 to Greenfield’s Tree Memorial Fund, which aims to replant trees that were completely uprooted or severely damaged by the tornado. 

“This past week in Greenfield was both heavy and celebratory—holding space for grief while recognizing how far this amazing community has in the year since an EF-4 devastated the town,” said Tish Kemp, Kinetic’s regional marketing and operations consultant for the Midwest. “I’m proud to be part of our Kinetic and Greenfield, Iowa, family.” 

A $650,000 investment in Greenfield’s future

Kinetic has held a steadfast presence in Greenfield—before, during and after the tragedy. In the immediate aftermath, Kinetic crews sprang into action, prioritizing the restoration of connectivity to help residents and business owners communicate in the wake of disaster and regain a sense of normalcy.

Recognizing the importance of perseverance, Kinetic embarked on a mission to "Build Back Better," replacing the damaged copper-based network infrastructure with modern buried fiber, ensuring a faster, stronger, and more weather-resilient network for everyone in Greenfield. 

“Ever since the tornado, I've seen plenty of Kinetic vehicles around town helping to restore stuff—they have a logo on them that catches you,” said Ray. “I remember seeing those vehicles all over the south side of town and helping us restore it. They were prompt to get out here to help, and they've been here ever since."

The company's total investment of $650,000 in Greenfield's restoration has not only facilitated the rebuilding of critical infrastructure but has also fostered hope and determination among the residents. This substantial financial commitment underscores Kinetic's dedication to supporting both businesses and families in their efforts to rebuild and thrive. The town square, once again bustling with activity, stands as a testament to this partnership. Local businesses are opening and expanding with renewed vigor, and residents are reconnecting over shared experiences and aspirations for a brighter future.

Upon completion, Greenfield will benefit from approximately 99,100 feet (about 19 miles) of buried fiber from Kinetic. This upgrade will equip 920 homes and businesses with high-speed broadband fiber internet, meeting their daily requirements now and sustaining them for years to come. Enhanced connectivity will support the town's growth, encourage innovation, and fortify the community bonds that define Greenfield as a resilient and flourishing locale. 

Broadening access to resilient networks

Kinetic is undertaking a transformative $2 billion multiyear investment strategy to significantly enhance its multi-gigabit fiber service across an 18-state footprint, with the Greenfield fiber builds contributing to this expansive initiative.

Residents and businesses interested in Kinetic fiber internet, as well as current customers looking to upgrade to multi-gig capable speeds, are encouraged to reach out to Kinetic by calling 1-800-347-1991 or by visiting GoKinetic.com. 

A reflection on resilience and renewal

Throughout my time in Greenfield, I felt both the weight of its history and the promise of its future. The scars of the tornado were evident in the absence of the trees that once lined the streets and the stories and tears shed by its inhabitants, but the city’s rapid revitalization was undeniable. Many homes have already been rebuilt, and businesses buzz with activity and neighborly chatter—testaments to a community that refuses to be defined by catastrophe. 

“Small town Iowa has a lot of pride and a strong sense of community,” said Eisbach. “I’m really proud of how we've banded together. Not that you forget how bad it was, but we’ve come a long way in a year. We're not there yet, but we are getting closer every day.” 

The unity and strength I witnessed were remarkable, and every member of the Kinetic team present, including myself, for the anniversary felt deeply honored to support the community during such an emotional and historic moment. The genuine warmth and gratitude expressed by Greenfield's residents for Kinetic's unwavering support and commitment to strengthening their city served as a powerful reminder of the importance of Kinetic's mission—to build back better and serve entire communities through the best and worst days. Witnessing this reinforced my belief in Kinetic's role as a supportive and reliable partner to rural communities like Greenfield, dedicated to helping communities thrive amidst challenges. 

When it was time to head home, I drove away with a fiery sunset blazing from behind, casting a warm glow over the town. I felt I had become one with Greenfield in this short visit, embraced by the infectious spirit of its people and inspired by their unfaltering resilience. I carried with me a piece of this vibrant community and the conviction that its strength lies not just in its rebuilt structures but in the indomitable spirit of its residents. 

*The author, Alyssa Miron, serves as Kinetic’s Director of Strategic Communications.