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94-year-old Vivian Rodriguera says, “If you have breath, you have work to do.’
At age 94, Vivian Rodriguera, known affectionately as “Brigadier Rod,” holds a unique distinction: she is the final surviving brigadier in The Salvation Army Western Territory. While no longer used, the title was a special rank given from 1889 to 1974 to officers (pastors) who demonstrated exceptional service or outstanding abilities.
In recognition of her decades of dedication, The Salvation Army presented Rodriguera with the Exceptional Service Award. The organization’s international leader, General Lyndon Buckingham, presented the award at a territorial gathering—the West’s Testify Congress in June 2024, where the announcement was met with enthusiastic applause from attendees.
When Territorial President of Women’s Ministries/Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Commissioner Colleen Riley announced Rodriguez as an award recipient, the audience responded with cheers and applause.
“I had a feeling I was going to have to stop after I said her name,” Riley said in the presentation.
As her family had kept the upcoming honor a secret, Rodriguera was taken by surprise, initially thinking someone made a mistake.
Today she says, “I give God all the honor and glory, and the blessing is mine.”
Rodriguera’s 75-year journey of service began in her home country, the Philippines. There, she and her late husband Rudolfo Rodriguera made history when he became the first Filipino national to serve as General Secretary—second in command of The Salvation Army’s operations there. The couple received their promotion to the rank of brigadier in 1971 to mark this significant appointment.
After moving to the United States, the Rodrigueras served in three different Salvation Army corps (churches), and led and played a crucial role in relief efforts following Hurricane Iwa in Hawaii. Vivian Rodriguera also expanded her influence beyond The Salvation Army, serving as President of the Philippine Church Women United and hosting a radio show that featured Salvation Army musical bands from around the world.
Rodriguera said she appreciates the opportunities she’s had to witness to people worldwide about the Lord, even when she thought others would be more adequate for the task.
“If the Lord chose me, then he will give me the ability to do what he wants me to do,” she said. “The Lord can speak through me in spite of my fears.”
Today, Rodriguera remains active at The Salvation Army in Missoula, Montana. According to Major Monica Covert, who leads the Missoula Corps with her husband Major Robert Covert, Rodriguera continues to participate in all aspects of ministry and community outreach.
During the 2024 Christmas season, Rodriguera demonstrated her ongoing commitment by playing her piano accordion—with her characteristic smile—at one of the Army’s iconic red kettles stationed outside a local Walmart store. This musical tradition has been part of her service throughout the western United States for many years.
“The shoppers loved this, and the heartwarming Christmas songs she played put people in the holiday spirit—and they gave generously, which was so helpful to our efforts,” said Monica Covert. She added that Rodriguera has often said, “If the Lord gives you breath, it is because he still has work for you to do.”
Even in the past year, Rodriguera has maintained an active schedule, speaking at events in England and the Philippines to share her message of encouragement. At her corps, she makes a point of greeting everyone personally, offering prayers for them and their families. She stays connected with fellow Salvation Army officers through phone calls, letters and visits when possible.
“Whether it’s a crowd of hundreds, a small congregation of 10, or a one-on-one conversation, she offers the same excellence and urgency in her words, demonstrating she is a true ambassador for God’s royal family,” Covert said.
Rodriguera’s phone ministry is particularly important to her, according to her daughter, Grace Wridge, who said in addition to making calls, she’ll accept them no matter the time, day or night.
“It is her ministry, and she will always wake up and listen and pray with the caller,” Wridge said.
Rodriguera quoted her favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:28, and Wridge added that her mother has always lived in accordance with that verse—knowing God is in control.
Territorial Commander Commissioner Douglas Riley praised Rodriguera for setting an example for all officers to remain dedicated and purposeful in their service.
“As our last ranked officer of brigadier, she has exemplified the covenantal relationship with God and this Army,” Riley said. “Throughout her life, she has given her all to win souls for God and has had a tremendous impact on her family to do the same, and thus they are serving all over this territory to do what she has taught them through her life and spiritual journey. Still useful, still praying and still impacting others for the kingdom.”
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