TELLING THE SALVATION ARMY STORY FOR 43 YEARS • 1983–2026
NEWS FROM THE SALVATION ARMY USA WEST • JULY/AUGUST 2026 • VOL. 44, NO. 4
Lt. Kevan Garrett is commissioned as San Gabriel (California) Corps Officer. | PHOTO BY JOY YI
Keepers of the Covenant receive first appointments
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BY HILLARY JACKSON After two years of training— and for some children of officers, a lifetime of preparation— it was time. “Proclaim His Holy Name,” the Service of Appointments, marked the afternoon the Keepers of the Covenant received their first appointments as lieutenants in The Salvation Army, and the culmination of the 2026 “Holy Forever” Commissioning weekend. The June 14 service at the Cerritos Center for Performing Arts in Cerritos, California, began with music from the Territorial Staff Band and Staff Songsters. Next, came the celebratory entrance of leaders. Marching APPOINTMENTS PAGE 11
Young people from across the territory gathered on stage for a final performance of “All Hail King Jesus" to close out the June 13 Celebration of Youth.
‘HOLY FOREVER’
| PHOTO BY REVAMPED MEDIA
A recap of the West’s 2026 Commissioning events
The Western Territory held its Commissioning weekend, “Holy Forever,” June 1214 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) in Cerritos, California, led by territorial leaders Commissioners James and Sue Betts. The West gained 18 Salvation Army officers in its ranks. In the week leading up to the events, the Keepers of the Covenant shared what they
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JUNE 12 The Silver Star Banquet, held June 12 at the Sheraton Hotel in Cerritos, California, honored the parents, family members and
mentors whose guidance, support and example helped nurture the faith of cadets in the Keepers of the Covenant Session. “We’re here to celebrate the Fellowship of the Silver Star—a ministry of gratitude and a legacy of faithfulness that stretches back nearly a century,” said Sue Betts. The Celebration of Achievements evening program recognized youth accomplishments, faithful local officers, long-serving officers and academic achievement, culminating in the presentation of degrees HOLY FOREVER PAGE 8
Celebration of Achievements honors faithfulness across generations
The annual ceremony recognized youth achievement, years of service and academic milestones across the Western Territory in the first public event of the Commissioning 2026 weekend.
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love most about The Salvation Army and signed their officer covenant. The three-day event centered on the session verse, Jeremiah 31:33: “‘This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,’ declares the Lord. ‘I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.’”
BY CHRISTIN THIEME The Salvation Army Western Territory opened its 2026 Commissioning weekend June 12 with the Celebration of Achievements, an evening recognizing youth accomplishments, faithful service and academic achievement while pointing attendees toward a greater truth: The
most significant achievement is not found in awards, degrees or recognition, but in a life surrendered to God. Held at the Cerritos (California) Center for the Performing Arts, the meeting brought together Salvationists from across the West to celebrate people at every stage of their journey. It opened with worship led by the Staff Band, Staff Songsters and praise team before Territorial Leaders Commissioners James and Sue Betts welcomed the congregation. “What a beautiful opportunity ACHIEVEMENTS PAGE 13
Chief Secretary Colonel Ivan Wild shares a message during the June 12 Celebration of Achievements. | PHOTO BY REVAMPED MEDIA
INSIDE RAISING UP OFFICERS
The importance of corps that grow leaders and send them. PAGE 3
CELEBRATION OF YOUTH
Youth from around the territory gathered to share their talent. PAGE 6
ENCORE!
Annual performing arts competition showcases youth talent. PAGE 7
"MAKE ROOM"
Keepers of the Covenant Session commissioned and ordained. PAGE 10
See more about the impact of The Salvation Army and how you can join in today at
WESTERN TERRITORY CAMP GUIDE
How well do you know your camp? PAGE 15
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