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By Captain Robert L. Rudd –
I have always had a difficult time being the “new kid on the block.” As a son of officer parents who moved all too frequently, being new was anything but new. In fact, being new got old very quickly.
You might be able to relate. The new guy is always at a disadvantage, especially when you step into the shoes a giant used to walk in. This is certainly the case with me. Following Bob Bearchell is just like that. He did everything well and the challenge before me appears to be daunting.
I come to this new assignment with cautious fear, proud to be a part of an effective and professional team, and committed to provide timely and quality service and support to the people serving on the Army’s Frontlines. With this edition, we perpetuate the time-honored tradition of celebrating the successes and accomplishments of the many who are doing a Job Well Done.
TWO WINNERS IN GLENDALE
Two programs for homeless persons in Glendale, Calif., have received the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials’ (NAHRO) Merit Award for Resident and Client Services. The Glendale Services Center and Project ACHIEVE were two of four programs in the nation to receive this honor.
The Glendale Services Center is the city’s “One-Stop” multi-service center for the homeless. It is operated by the Glendale Corps (Majors Floyd and Lola Bacon, c.o.’s) and staffed by several local agencies. An array of social service needs can be met under roof.
The center is also the entry-point to Project ACHIEVE, Glendale’s first year-round shelter for the general homeless population. This project provides shelter to 40 men, women and children on any given night.
PARDON THEIR DUST!
The Richmond, Calif., corps (Lts. Gordon and Roberta Myers, c.o.’s) recently got a new roof, as well as repairs to plumbing and electrical. This is only the first phase of a major project, including the addition of an elevator, a sound system upgrade, new carpeting, new paint, telephone upgrade, and parking lot repairs. Through it all, business as usual!
DRAVECKY INSPIRES
Former major league baseball pitcher Dave Dravecky will be the keynote speaker for the fifth annual Turlock Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast in April. Patterned after the National Prayer Breakfast held annually in Washington D.C., the goal is to encourage men and women throughout the community to recognize their privileges and responsibilities before God.
Dravecky, after the career-ending amputation of his arm and shoulder due to cancer, founded the Outreach of Hope Ministry, a counseling outreach for cancer patients. He will be sharing his journey from a lifelong dream of playing major league baseball to encouraging people who struggle with life and death situations. The Turlock, Calif., Corps (Captains David and Diane Ebel) organizes this ecumenical event.
NEW BOOK BY TURNER
Reverend Dr. Dale Turner, Salvation Army 1980 “Others” Award recipient in Seattle, has released his first book, Different Seasons: Twelve Months of Wisdom and Inspiration. Turner has long been a supporter of The Salvation Army. According to Turner, “We, of course, need great leaders, but we are not saved by leaders alone. A nation is made strong by the courage and integrity of millions of ordinary people.” His book provides a month-by-month inspirational tour through the year.
Turner is contributing all proceeds from book sales to The Salvation Army’s work in the Northwest.
CHEFS GRADUATE
The graduating students of The Salvation Army’s second Culinary Arts Training Course in Las Vegas displayed their new skills by preparing and serving a graduation dinner at the Community College of Southern Nevada.
Each of the students received a medal in recognition of their completion of the intensive 12 week course that included courses at the college and practical experience at the Army’s homeless dining room. This is one of many aspects of service in the city, headed by Lt. Cols. Jim and Maud Sullivan.