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 (L-R) RUSS AND SHIRLEY PRINCE look on as Commissioner Andrew Miller (R) speaks. |
One of the Army’s most respected employees entered the ranks of the retired with a festive send-off sponsored by the Los Angeles Metropolitan Advisory Board. Political leaders from Los Angeles City and County, the state legislature, business leaders from throughout the community, Hollywood celebrities, and distinguished jurists from the federal and state benches saluted Prince with words of commendation and appreciation for his years of dedicated leadership in helping the Army relate effectively to the community.
Former national commander, Commissioner Andrew Miller, officiated at the gala event. It was Miller who first initiated contact with Prince and brought him to New York from his native Britain 40 years ago.
The Honorable Harry Pregerson, judge of the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals stated: “You are among the best I have ever worked with. Our partnership together has accomplished a great many things.” Pregerson went on to note the wide ranging and large number of programs he and Prince have helped initiate over the past 12 years.
Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan praised Prince’s ability to work effectively with the business community and with City leaders to assist the poor and destitute of the community.
Marine Corps Colonel Joseph Smith (Ret.), Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs said: “It has been an honor, pleasure and blessing to have known and worked with you during the past 11 years. The challenges were many, the successes even more, and in retrospect, your talent, tenacity, and tireless energy were key factors in the Salvation Army exceeding its expectations.”
Several members of the business community praised Prince for his leadership in assisting the Los Angeles Advisory Board pursue and achieve innumerable objectives. Among them was Mr. Donald Clinton who wrote: “You will always be regarded in my book as a Prince among men. Your diplomacy, tact, kindness and love will live on as your legacy to a job so beautifully done and a witness so beautifully lived.”
The Army’s international leader, John Gowans, who worked with Prince when he served as the Army’s divisional leader in the Southern California Division wrote with affection: “I can’t believe you are doing this to the division you have supported so well for so long! How will they manage without you?”
Over 300 hundred guests of the Advisory Board assembled in the large ball room of the Los Angeles Marriott and enjoyed the opportunity to praise the life of service of a dedicated worker in the vineyard of Christ.
