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Retired Western officers come together for their 2010 retreat.
by Leslie Peacock, Major
Western Territory retired officers gather at Mt. Crags for the annual SAW-ROA retreat.
Sponsored by the Salvation Army West Retired Officers Association (SAW-ROA), the Western Territory Retired Officers Retreat took place at Camp Mt. Crags (Southern California) during spring 2010.
Commissioner Doris Noland and her assistants developed the theme “Life Is A Song.” The retreat began with a “come dressed as a song” welcome dinner. Afterwards, Colonel William Harfoot, Western Territory chief secretary, and Colonel Susan Harfoot, territorial secretary for women’s ministries, spoke at the “getting to know you” program.
Colonel Susan Harfoot taught at the Bible study sessions using the songs of David, Mary, Simon and Anna, and Hannah. Colonel Bill Harfoot’s messages were titled, “The Song of Deliverance,” from Exodus 15, and “The Christ Hymn,” based on Philippians 2.
Fridays free time activities included visiting the Getty Villa in Malibu, resting, shopping, or enjoying the camp. On Saturday, free time included crafts, a book and music exchange, and puzzles and games. The Museum of the West’s Clint Trimmer (now a first-year cadet) brought out pictures for the officers to look over and possibly identify. Friday night’s treat was a dinner show with Jude Gotrich.
“As always, Jude Gotrich’s singing was superb,” Lt. Colonel Don McDougald said. “She again showed why she is one of the best soloists in The Salvation Army world…Did you know she was a vocalist on Sesame Street for a while?”
On Sunday morning, Major Kathy Wood-Myers led a songfest, followed by a memorial service for the officers who had been promoted to Glory since last year’s retreat. Harfoot’s message concluded the weekend.
“It would be impossible to include in this short reflection all the wonderful blessings of the retreat,” SAW-ROA President Lt. Colonel Al Van Cleef said.
He encouraged the officers to plan for next year’s retreat—themed “It’s A Wonderful Life!”—scheduled for April 28 through May 1, 2011, at the camp.