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This annual award is presented by New Frontier Publications to recognize those who serve with The Salvation Army in innovative and exceptional ways.
See the 2011 presentation of the Trailblazer awards on Sat., June 18, during the evening musical program.
Joseph Heston, Monterey Peninsula, Calif.
As general manager of KSBW-TV, Joseph Heston is the driving force behind the station’s “Share Your Holidays” telethon that extensively covers the Army’s work and benefits the Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Hollister and Gilroy, Calif., corps.
Since 1986, the event has raised more than $930,000; 401,000 pounds of food; and 56,000 pounds of clothing.
Heston emcees for other Army fundraisers on the Monterey Peninsula throughout the year and volunteers his news anchors to host Monterey’s Red Kettle Kick Off, which raised over $167,000 in 2010. Most recently, he dedicated significant airtime to cover the Army’s relief work in Japan, slotting in spots with instructions on how to donate.
Heston served on advisory boards in both Baltimore and Boston. Currently, his wife, Beth, serves on the Monterey Peninsula Corps’ Advisory Board.
Paul Covington, Fountain, Colo.
Paul Covington served The Salvation Army throughout the Southern and Western Territories, and in England. He says he’s served: “Wherever the Air Force would move us.”
He helped establish Colorado’s Fountain Corps, serving on the corps council and becoming the sergeant major in 2008.
Covington created “Geek Night”—an innovative evangelistic tool to help anyone who wants it with his or her computer in his house for free. He leads the Fountain Men’s Fellowship and serves on the new Fountain Valley Corps Advisory Council. As an avid chess player, he is planning to sponsor a community tournament at the corps.
Covington can be found each week at the controls of the corps’ sound equipment that he and his son donated, and he often repairs the corps’ business machines.
Majors Luis and Maria Luisa Martinez, Watsonville, Calif.
As retired officers, Majors Luis and Maria Luisa Martinez returned to full-time service at the Watsonville, Calif., corps.
They eliminated the corps’ deficit, stabilized the emergency shelter, and oversaw three capital campaign projects. The Martinezes formed a men’s music group, painted the corps building and strengthened the Red Kettle Campaign. Under their leadership, Home League and Sunday worship attendance increased significantly.
The Martinez’s ministry began with The Salvation Army in Havana, Cuba, in 1962. They immigrated to the U.S. in 1969 as refugees, immediately taking an appointment in Los Angeles. In 1976, they were assigned to the Eastmont Corps and, a few years later, also to Belvedere Gardens, juggling both for two years. The couple began a decade of service in Phoenix, Ariz., in 1981. Later appointments included Southwest Divisional Hispanic coordinators and divisional secretary for Program and Women’s Ministries secretary, respectively.
Mary Theroux, San Francisco, Calif.
Mary Theroux joined the San Francisco Metro Advisory Board in 1995, becoming its chairperson in 1998, when the business community and civic climate in the city were undergoing changes that had a direct impact on The Salvation Army.
With a degree in economics from Stanford University, Theroux provided firm and courageous leadership. She brought stability and revitalized Army mission and service in the community.
Theroux spearheaded development of a fundraiser for a new facility in the Tenderloin District, which ultimately transformed into the Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center. The project paved the way for a renewed relationship with the city of San Francisco, which continues to grow and is evidenced in the forming of new partnerships across a wide range of corporate, civic and community organizations and agencies. For this, she earned the city’s “Others” award.
She serves as a member of the National Advisory Board and as chairperson of the Oakland Advisory Board.
