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Three Alaskans receive the first-ever “Northern Lights” award.
By Jenni Ragland
The Salvation Army in Alaska recognized three individuals for outstanding service to others with the organization’s first-ever “Northern Lights” award: Carol Pitts (Juneau), Jody Wildeboer (Cordova) and David Kitka (Sitka).
“Our soldiers, volunteers and supporters are the backbone of The Salvation Army,” said Major George Baker, Alaska divisional commander, as he presented the awards during The Gathering—the Western Territory’s 2012 congress. The Northern Lights award will now be presented annually to individuals in Alaska who give sacrificial service to others.
Carol Pitts’ association with The Salvation Army extends for more than 50 years, first in Colorado and Kansas, and since 1992 in Juneau, Alaska. She attends the Juneau Corps, is involved in the nursing home ministry, teaching, preaching when the officers are away, and currently chairs the Juneau Advisory Board. Through her business, Orca Tours, Pitts hosts whale watching tours for visiting Salvation Army leaders and youth groups, and is finalizing plans for a boat tour of Salvationists to several communities for evangelistic meetings, reminiscent of the early days of Army ministry in Southeast Alaska.
Jody Wildeboer first met The Salvation Army in 2006 while serving with the Haines Presbyterian Church. After completing her service there, she worked with The Salvation Army in Haines before relocating in July 2010 to lead the Army’s ministry in Cordova. Wildeboer is thankful for the example set by Envoy Corrine Erickson (promoted to Glory in December 2011), who led the Army’s ministry there for many years before retiring in the community.
David Kitka came to The Salvation Army through the Soup Kitchen ministry in August 2008. As the current food supervisor at the Soup Kitchen, Kitka’s passion is sharing the gospel with those who attend this ministry. Every day he prepares “Food for Thought,” a devotional shared with lunch guests and with friends on the Sitka Salvation Army Facebook page. In April 2010, when Sitka hosted the annual Salvation Army Alaska Congress, Kitka was enrolled as a senior soldier.
What Jody did in Haines while she was here was past amazing. When she left for Cordova she was dearly missed by the whole community. We knew she would do great in Cordova. Jody is a humble servant willing to go the extra mile for anyone of any need. I am not surprised she received this award but only that it didn’t come sooner. Congratulations to my dear friend. We love You.
Kelly Lowe
Haines, AK