Frontlines — News Briefs of the West

Listen to this article

By Bob Bearchell –

Salvation Army disaster teams responded to the mid-air explosion of TWA flight 800 immediately following confirmation of the disaster off the Long Island coast. A team of officers went immediately to Kennedy Airport to provide trauma counseling, emotional and spiritual support and practical assistance in terms of travel and motel accommodations for families and relatives of the victims.

NEW OUTREACH POPULAR

Demand is so high at the Army’s first outreach center in Turlock, Calif. in 40 years, that workers can’t keep up. Already pressed for room after being open just a week, the Army has asked if it can lease a larger building. “We have been overwhelmed by the love of the community” say Captains David and Diane Ebel. “The farmers have been generous, bringing in boxes of corn and fruit and all types of food.” Since their opening July 15, about 75 people a day are coming in for food or counseling.

PORTLAND ROCKIES

ADOPT TEAM

The Portland Rockies team has “adopted” the baseball field at the Portland Moore Street Corps Community Center. The Rockies are maintaining the field, which is a big job, especially in the summer. This is just an example of how “Sal” Community Centers can build winning partnerships. One night in July the Rockies named the Army the beneficiary for the evening’s ball game proceeds. Three cheers for Lts. Doug and Colleen Riley, their staff, and the Rockies!

ALOHA SPIRIT PROFILED

Independent producer Cynthia Yip, in her half-hour series, “In a League of Their Own,” profiles people from the Hawaiian Islands who bring the spirit of giving to those in need. Recently she featured Capt. Bill Begonia, Kaluhui Corps officer, whose family has been reaching out to those in need for generations. Fine recognition for work well done!

HUs INSTALLED

Nearly 250 persons attended the recent installation of Captains Robin and Tereasa Hu at San Francisco Chinatown Corps, conducted by Chief Secretary Colonel Dennis Phillips.

ROEHL GETS “MASTER” STATUS

Capt. David Roehl, corps officer in Casper, Wyo., serves as the volunteer head chaplain for both the Casper Police Department and the Natrona County Sheriff’s Department. He recently attended the 23rd Annual Training Seminar of the International Confer-ence of Police Chaplains in San Jose, Calif. Roehl was also awarded Master Certification status as a police chaplain by the I.C.P.C., which is the highest level of credentials granted by this organization. The minimum requirement for this certification is at least 10 years of law enforcement chaplaincy. Congratulations!

SOUTHARD RECEIVES M.B.A.

Samuel N. Southard, Jr., finishing in the top of his class, recently received an Executive Master’s in Business Administration degree from the University of Southern California. During Southard’s first year his study group did a project for the A.R.C. Command with a focus on improving sales. Great work!

DISASTER TRAINING OFFERED

The Army in Great Falls, Mont., is offering a training course for volunteers who help during disasters and other emergencies. “Most people plead guilty to panic when a crisis hits. If you are trained and have the presence of mind to know what to do when a disaster strikes, you will be able to help not only yourself and your family but those around you who need assistance,” says Salvation Army Disaster Services Coordinator Denny Strand. Training will cover the entire process of emergency, what to keep in disaster kits, and the steps to take once it happens. All who attend will receive a certificate and may sign up to be part of the Army’s Disaster Response Team.

KORINA GETS WISH

Korina Cusson, daughter of Ken and Ruth Cusson, passed away in Chicago while returning from Disney World, a trip arranged by the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Please keep the Cussons in your prayers. Cards may be sent in care of the Salinas Corps.

You May Also Like