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Major Eda Hokom’s friends and family joined an overflow gathering of Del Oro Division officers, soldiers and youth as Commissioners David and Doreen Edwards installed the new Del Oro divisional commander in a colorful welcoming ceremony at Sacramento Citadel Corps on Sunday evening, June 2, 2002.
Captain Doug Riley, divisional secretary, presided over the festivities that opened with thirty-four Del Oro Division youth waving Salvation Army Flags and cheerfully greeting their guests of honor. Major Hokom happily enrolled each youth, individually, as a Junior Soldier later in the service.
After officially installing Major Hokom, Commissioner David Edwards asked all Del Oro Division officers to form a circle of unity and support around the newly declared divisional commander and join in a prayer asking God to bless and strengthen their new leader.
Major Hokom spoke briefly on one of her favorite scriptures, Psalm 50:14 & 15, “Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me,” which she said answers the question, “What does God want from His people?” She told the assembly that God wants a thankful people who fulfill the promises made to Him and for His people to trust Him in times of trouble so that He can rescue them and they will give Him glory.
Under the direction of Bandmaster Jim Black, the Concord Corps Band performed several of Major Hokom’s favorite marches including a rousing version of, “On We March” and “Concord.” Colonel Esther Sather sang “The Wonder of It All” and Del Oro Music Director Derek Helms led the Sacramento Citadel Songsters in “His Provision.”
Major Hokom’s previous assignments include corps officer in Honolulu, Hawaii, Richmond and Bakersfield, California; education director at the School for Officer Training in Papua, New Guinea; Hawaiian Islands divisional youth secretary; Western Territorial guard director and, most recently, divisional program secretary, Southwest Division.