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Lt. Colonels Jerry and Jeanine Gaines |
In an intimate setting at Star Lake Camp of the Greater New York Division, Lt. Colonels Jerry and Jeanine Gaines recently received their retirement certificates. Their family and a number of comrade officers were present for the event.
Lt. Colonel Néstor Nüesch, Greater New York divisional commander, was the master of ceremonies. Lt. Colonels Sherryl Van Cleef and Charles Strickland brought tributes. Their youngest daughter, Aimee Docherty, represented the Gaines children in speaking of their parents’ commitment and example.
Commissioners Bill and Gwen Luttrell presented the retirement certificates respectively to Lt. Colonels Gaines, and spoke of their service as corps officers, and divisional, territorial, and overseas officers. In a short devotional message, Commissioner Ronald Irwin stated that retirement doesn’t mean that God is through with them and reminded them that their life of service extends into their retirement years.
Jerry’s most recent appointment was as IHQ United Nations representative, with an office at the Greater New York Division. Jeanine served as women’s ministries and current issues secretary for Greater New York.
The Gaines spent the majority of their career in the West. Their service included appointments in the Del Oro, Golden State, Cascade, Southern California, Intermountain, Alaska, Southwest and Northwest divisions, as well as Territorial Headquarters. They also served in Latin America North, where Jerry was the territorial financial secretary and Jeanine had responsibility for women’s auxiliaries. In 1979 Jerry earned an MBA from Pepperdine University. They transferred to the Eastern Territory in 1999.
Jeanine was commissioned in 1962 in the Soldiers of Christ session and Jerry in 1966 in the Defenders of the Faith session. They were married in 1967. They are the parents of five children and have seven grandchildren. They will make their retirement home on Whidbey Island, Washington.