OMAHA, Neb. -- NFL coach Tony Dungy is visiting Omaha Monday as the featured speaker at the D.J.'s Heroes award luncheon in support of the Salvation Army.

The head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, who won the 2007 Super Bowl, had breakfast with about 140 patrons of the event. Dungy told the crowd it is a pleasure and honor to be in Omaha.

"I have not been to Omaha before. This is my first time. I've been to Lincoln several times. A couple times as a player, where it wasn't that pleasant, and also as a scout coach, meetings with Osborne and Solich -- always wonderful visits," Dungy said.

Dungy said he's impressed with how the Salvation Army assists the community and helps young people grow. He said mentoring youth is something he's always been passionate about.

He also said he's learned there are a lot of Colts fans in Omaha, and he's grateful for that.

D.J.'s Hero winners receive a $5,000 scholarship toward their selected college or university. The 2008 D.J.’s Hero Award recipients are:

• Matt Brandl of Seward: Matt's parents were killed by a drunken driver in 2002. he dedicated his life to getting good grades and getting involved in UNICEF, FFA and Cancer Relay For Life. He wants to become a trauma nurse.
• Mary Cecilia Daly of Omaha: Cecilia tutors children in poverty in Winnebago and Detroit. She raises money for needy families and has been to the Dominican Republic to raise money. She also helps her mother to care for her father and brother, who have disabilities.
• Brittany Haga of Kearney: Brittany fought back when an attacker invaded her home and stabbed her and her mother. She also was asked to talk to the Women's Self Defense Association's International Conference in Canada to tell the story of father's alleged abuse. She's been involved in Student Council and Cornhusker Girls State.
• Stacey Mitchell of Omaha: Stacey's parents died within a month of each other. He said he trusted God to provide, and he choose success at Omaha Public Schools instead of violence on the streets. He motivates other and leads prayer.
• Nikita Robinson of Grand Island: Nikita overcame a meth habit at 14. She wants to graduate from Nebraska Christian College to become a counselor. She volunteers with Lincoln's People's City Mission.
• Amanda Steele of Omaha: Amanda left a dysfunctional family situation and become homeless during her sophomore year. She worked to support herself and still managed to be a top student and gifted cheerleader. She is enrolled as a University of Nebraska-Omaha Aviation Institute flight student.

KETV is a sponsor of this year’s D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon.

The Salvation Army D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon is held each year in honor of D.J. Sokol, who lost his battle with cancer at the age of 18. His parents, David and Peggy Sokol, are proud to sponsor a scholarship program that grants funds to local Nebraska youth who share D.J.’s qualities of faith, selflessness, volunteerism and commitment to the community.

In addition to the six youth being honored, Tom and Nancy Osborne will receive the Adult D.J.’s Hero Award for their outstanding service to the community through their TeamMates Mentoring Program.