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The Retirement Celebration for Commissioners Willis and Barbara Howell B Y LT. C O L O N E L A L L E N S AT T E R L E E Preceded by preliminary music by the Southern Territorial Band and Songsters, the celebration of the ministry and leadership of Commissioners Willis and Barbara Howell was opened by Colonels Ralph and Susan Bukiewicz, Chief Secretary and Women’s Ministries Secretary respectively, saying “We want to recognize two lives that have made an eternal impression on our lives and on our hearts.” Led by the Army flag and to the accompaniment of the Southern Territorial Staff Band, the commissioners entered to be greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of well-wishers. Speaking on behalf of the soldiers of the territory, Territorial Sergeant-Major Jeremy Rowland said, “We want to thank you for pastoral ministry and spiritual leadership as you go into the future and become soldiers yourselves. You have courageously showed light and love in the darkest corners.” Interspersed throughout the service were the jazz arrangements of Spiritual to the Bone, delighting the crowd with their virtuoso trombone stylings of Christian classics. Commissioner Willis Howell was part of the original group and took his place on bass trombone to join in the fun. Memories of the Howells’ commitment to the Lord, to mission, to family and friends were related though warm remembrances, humorous stories and portraits that captured their consistent, God-glorifying ministry through the years. Scattered videos included one of the mothers of both Commissioners Willis and Barbara Howell as well
as pictures chronicling their lives. Their friends were represented by Lt. Colonels Mark and Carolee Israel, Ronnie and Sharon Raymer and Majors Rick and Brenda Raymer, sharing that, “They are passionate about Jesus, people and The Salvation Army. They have been consistent and are people of integrity.” Highlighting mission in ministry were words from Lt. Colonel Janice Riefer. “Impact is not a Commissioner David Jeffrey conducts the retirement service big word, but it can play a big part in peoples’ lives. I believe no word more defines how you have approached your mission the old favorite, “This Little Light of Mine.” They and ministry.” Cheryl Werner, who served with thanked them for their example, their guidance the Howells from her teens on camp staff, related, and love over the years. “Mission matters for them and they always take The retirement ceremony was conducted by the time to prepare to do and give their best.” past USA Southern and USA National leaders, Family contributed as well beginning with Commissioners David and Barbara Jeffrey. Comthe grandchildren, Luke, Noah, Makalyn, Logan, missioner David said, “First, by conversion you Daniel and Kadence, who shared Scriptures and are Christian, children of God, who have taken up favorite memories that related to their grandparyour cross and followed Jesus. ents. By confession you are Protestants, which origFollowing were words and stories from the inally meant ‘to publicly declare.’ You have been Howells’ three children, Captain Sheri Jones, Captain Jonathan Howell and Peter Howell, based on “Called...” continued on page 2
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The Salvation Army Responds to Kentucky Floods On July 27, storms produced severe flooding and catastrophic damage in Eastern Kentucky. In preparation for the arrival of severe weather, The Salvation Army stood alert and responded with immediate and thorough action. On July 29, President Biden issued a major declaration for the Commonwealth to include public assistance for 13 counties, with The Salvation Army springing into action with the preparation and delivery of 500 clean-up kinds for distribution before the flood waters receded. The Salvation Army ultimately deployed canteens to Richmond and Louisville, Kentucky, as well as Jackson, Tennessee. Additional response units were sent to Danville, Madisonville, Hindman, Whitefield, and Hazard and, in just five days, The Salvation Army established an Incident Command Post (ICP) in Hazard, Kentucky. “The loss of life is devastating,” said Major Thomas Louden, divisional commander of The Salvation Army in the Kentucky & Tennessee Division. “Our prayers are with the families of those who have been lost and all those that have been affected by this disaster. Sometimes, when waters recede, memories can fade as well. But the folks affected by this disaster have a long road ahead of them. And The Salvation Army intends to walk alongside them on that journey.”
The Salvation Army provides food service in aftermath of severe flooding Through its ICP, The Salvation Army began serving two meals each day in Breathitt, Wolfe, Perry, Knott, Floyd and Letcher counties, while also securing warehouse space and receiving large deliveries of relief supplies for distribution. Through the use of the ICP, The Salvation Army can respond to disasters quickly and establish routines that survivors and first responders can depend on. Incident commanders continually evaluate local conditions from a variety of sources “Kentucky...” continued on page 2