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Commissioners Swyes perform installation at Phoenix Citadel Corps.
by Melissa Axman –
On Saturday, October 25, 2008, the Southwest Division celebrated the installation of Majors Doug and Rhode Danielson as divisional leaders. Three hundred and seventy-five people gathered, including Commissioners Philip and Patricia Swyers, territorial leaders, at the recently remodeled Phoenix Citadel Corps to formally welcome the Danielsons to the Southwest. The installation took place during the Western Territorial Band’s concert in Phoenix, with the band performing prior to the Swyers presenting the Danielsons to the division and to Major Doug Danielson’s challenge in which he reminded the congregation that “We are at war!” based on 2 Timothy 2:1-4.
The Danielson are very excited about their new assignment in the Southwest Division. “Since I had the good fortune to live in Phoenix for three years previously and Major Rhode and I were married in El Paso and went to the training college from there, we count it a privilege to be back in the Southwest to be able to minister together with the soldiers and officers of this great division. We look forward to the Lord’s blessings as we work together for his honor and glory,” said Danielson.
Prior to their appointments as Southwest divisional commander and director of women’s ministries they served for two years in the Capital Division of the Mexico Territory in the same capacity. Nearly 15 of their 21 years of service as Salvation Army officers have been in Latin America, serving in Argentina, Chile, and Costa Rica in addition to Mexico. The Danielsons graduated from the College for Officer Training in 1987 as part of the Messengers of Peace Session.
The couple has two children: Caleb, a junior at the University of Southern California and Hannah, a freshman at Azusa Pacific University.