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Majors Kenneth and Betty Gibson recently celebrated their years of service at a retirement ceremony held at the Anaheim ARC, CA.
Presiding at the ceremony was Major Oliver Stenvick; special guests were Eastern Territory leaders Commissioners Joe and Doris Noland. Also participating was Carol Jaudes, Eastern Territorial Arts Ministry Team Leader.
Lt. Colonel Dan Starrett, ARC administrator, presented a special recognition of the Gibsons.
Ken was born in Beggs, OK, and Betty was born in Chicago, IL. Both the Gibson family and the Rollins family moved to Bakersfield, CA while Ken and Betty were still young, and both were active with The Salvation Army while growing up. Ken was commissioned with the Swordbearers Session in 1956 and Betty with the Pioneers Session in 1959.
Before their marriage, each served in appointments in Washington State. After marrying in 1961, the Gibsons served throughout the Western Territory in corps, divisional, territorial, and ARC appointments.
During his career, Ken served as finance secretary in the Cascade, Southwest, No. California, Hawaii & Pacific Islands, and So. California Divisions, and as territorial finance secretary and property secretary at THQ. Betty served as divisional nurses’ fellowship secretary and league of mercy secretary, and as retired officers’ counselor at THQ.
Most recently, they served in the ARC, culminating in their respective appointments as ARCC General Secretary and ARCC Trainee Program and Corps Coordinator/Team Leadership Coordinator.
Majors Ken & Betty have been blessed with four children: Brenda (promoted to Glory in 1999) Kenneth, James and Charles. Adding to the joy of their retirement will be their five grandchildren: Justin, Andrew, Jason, Nicole and Taylor.
In retirement the Gibsons will live at 6305 Spring Valley Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93308.
