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by Captain Robert L. Rudd
More than 100 soldiers and guests of the Sacramento Citadel Corps gathered at 3:00 p.m. on Decem-ber 31 to bring in the New Year. As attendees entered the chapel, darkened to simulate 11:00 p.m., a replica of Big Ben attracted attention to the platform, where a live BBC webcast was projected on a screen.
As Majors David and Olive Drake led worshippers in prayer, singing and recounting of life experiences from the 20th century, Big Ben moved inexorably toward the midnight hour. From those who told of traveling to the corps by horse and buggy to those with much shorter memories, the singing of the final song to the tune “Auld Lang Syne” completed the retrospective.
The 3:00 p.m. hour was chosen because it allowed for simulcast from the Army’s birthplace, and would allow participation by those with Y2K fears and those who preferred not to drive at night. Following the service, a cabaret featured performances by soldiers of the corps and refreshments were served.
FAMOUS FIRST
Captain Jim Gallop, Oroville, Calif., corps officers, reports they enrolled their newest soldier, Cindy Hunter, at 12:05 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Cindy had had 12 weeks of intensive training and is proud to be the first in the year 2000. Congratulations!
ARC OUTPOST THRIVES
Lt. Grady Brown, Riverside ARC administrator, is understandably elated with the progress being made with their new outpost. Beginning with the new year, they already have seven different meetings or studies going on. Six soldiers and eight adherents have been enrolled. Their new store is open in Hemet–a large, stand-alone facility. Much of their present success can be credited to community leaders who have committed themselves to the work of the Center.
BUSY FINGERS
Major Jacque Fritz reports that people at the San Bernardino Corps mailed 260 knitted slippers, hats and scarves to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota in time for Christmas.
BILLY GRAHAM VOCALIST HONORED
George Beverly Shea, long-time vocalist with the Billy Graham Crusades, was presented the Southern California Division’s Sally Award for Inspirational Leadership at the annual Sally Award Gala. Other honorees included actress Rhonda Fleming Mann and husband Ted Mann, who received the Others Award. Previous Sally Award recipients include Bob Hope, Angela Lansbury and former President Ronald Reagan. The dinner raised $100,000 for the Booth Memorial Center, a 100 year-old program in Los Angeles for pregnant teens.
RIOS REMEMBERED
A Celebration of Hope was held in the THQ chapel in remembrance of Rick Rios, 11-year employee in the Finance Department. Major Terry Camsey presided. Rick, aged 31, was found deceased in his apartment, the apparent victim of a robbery.
Rick is survived by his wife Yvette and two young daughters, as well as his family in Mexico, who are in our prayers.