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L-R: Captain Osei Stewart, Max Clampitt, Janice Pointer, Lt. Colonel Debi Bell, Gay Kernan and Lance Weisman. |
About 72 people were present as the Hobbs, New Mex. Corps, under the leadership of Captains Osei and Lynn Stewart, recently recognized five local heroes at its second annual advisory board/fundraising dinner. Among those honored was Hobbs native Lt. Colonel Debi Bell, territorial secretary, women’s organizations.
In his statement to the honorees, Chief Secretary Lt. Colonel Don Bell said: “The Salvation Army can’t do it without the hands and hearts of our board members and the community. God has planned something wonderful for those who have served others. You are indeed heroes…I salute you for serving others.”
Others recognized were Max Clampitt, past president and 25-year member of the local advisory board; Gay Kernan, elementary school teacher and state senator; Janice Pointer, soldier and 25-year employee of the Hobbs Corps; and Lance Wiseman, a fire department commander.
Each individual was nominated by community members and selected by the advisory board.
The recipients all emphasized that their motivation was the desire to help others. In her remarks, Lt. Colonel Debi Bell said: “Some heroic deeds aren’t huge. They may be small—they may be just being faithful or involved or just being good people who want to bring positive change to the community and the world.”
The banquet also included a silent auction that raised approximately $600 for local Salvation Army programs.
Last year the Army served 9,358 individuals in Lea County through various programs and services and reached 800 children through youth intervention programs.