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L TO R: Commissioner Ken Hood, Brigadier Judy Watt, Colonel Edward Fritz, Commissioner Robert Saunders, Commissioner Barbara Hood, Major Oliver Stenvick and Colonel Emily Fritz. |
Fifty-two western retired officers recently gathered at Del Oro Divisional Headquarters for the first-ever retreat held exclusively for retired officers, sponsored by the Northern California Retired Officers’ League.
For two days, the delegates journeyed on “The High Road,” which was the conference theme. “That road took us to our position in Christ, our joy in service and our eternal Hope in Christ Jesus,” stated Major Oliver Stenvick, league president.
God’s blessing was felt throughout the weekend. At the opening luncheon piloted by Divisional Commander Major Eda Hokom, Major Joyce Stevenson, Western retired officers director, delivered her greetings and those of Territorial Commander Commissioner Linda Bond.
Colonels Edward and Emily Fritz, retired Eastern officers now residing in Portland, Ore. were guest speakers.
A quartet of retired officers provided special music at each of the four general sessions. The Sacramento Citadel songsters, led by S/L Derek Helms, presented an evening of music.
Commissioner Robert Saunders and Major Kenneth Osbourn made presentations. Recently retired as International Secretary for South Pacific & East Asia, the commissioner presented a video overview of Salvation Army world services.
“Unveiling Islam” was Osbourn’s topic. His source was the book, Unveiling Islam, by Ergun Mehmet Caner and Emir Fethi Caner.
Captains Steve and Kathy Arnold, administrators of the Sacramento ARC, catered the meals with help from their chef and dining room crew.
Commissioner Kenneth Hood, a member of the retreat organizing committee, stated: “Everyone had such a great time at this year’s retreat that there is no question that support from retired officers in the west will provide momentum for an annual territorial gathering.”
An organizing committee is now planning a retired officers’ association called SAW-ROA, an acronym for Salvation Army West – Retired Officers’ Association. Their first “retired officers’ councils” will take place at Camp Mt. Crags in Southern California on May 21-23, 2004.