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Salvation Army ministers to Marines being redeployed.
by Katherine Reed, Major –
One Saturday this spring, the Marine Corps assembled close to 1,000 Marines who had recently returned from duty in Iraq or Afghanistan at the Veterans Administration in Long Beach, Calif., to issue redeployment orders. The VA asked The Salvation Army to provide canteen service.
Members from Long Beach Citadel Corps (Majors Glen and Linda Madsen) and Long Beach Temple (Captains Luis and Kory Acosta), including the Acostas, Pedro Hernandez, Lincoln and Laurie Hawk, Fulton Hawk, and Jason Leighton served coffee, doughnuts and fruit from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. to those with early appointments.
These Salvation Army representatives shared words of encouragement and support with the Marines and distributed personal care kits and Bibles. Funds from divisional headquarters and a local donor’s gift made this possible.
The Salvation Army additionally provides the Liberty Program, which supports military families with loved ones serving in or veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq) or Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). The program is housed at the Army’s Zahn Building in Los Angeles and is directed by David “Lenny” Leonard.
At the VA, Leonard distributed coloring books for children and information about Salvation Army summer camps. His desire is to see children of veterans or those on active duty enjoy the camp experience.
The Liberty Program is available throughout Southern California. Contact Leonard for more information: lenny.leonard@usw.salvationarmy.org.
