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Birmingham Salvation Army Serving After Tornado from Remnants of Cindy

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storm preparedBirmingham, AL – The Birmingham, Alabama Command of The Salvation Army will serve meals Thursday evening after a tornado tore through several communities in and around Birmingham. This comes as Emergency Disaster Services officials warned residents of the threat of flooding and tornadoes after Cindy was downgraded early Thursday to a tropical depression.

“Emergency officials asked us to serve meals and drinks in Fairfield and at the local EMA center following this storm,” said Major Roger Glick, Commanding Officer, Birmingham Area Command. “We will also provide emotional and spiritual care to those who need someone to talk to, a prayer, or even just a hug.”

The Birmingham Area Command will provide meals and drinks to the Jefferson County Emergency Operations Center and to a mobile command center closer to where the tornado touched down in the city of Fairfield. Disaster workers will be on site until 10pm Thursday night.

“Cindy is still a threat as it moves northeast across the top of our area,” said Terry Lightheart, EDS Director, The Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. “We know with projected rainfall from this storm more flooding could still be a possibility into the weekend. Many areas of the Division are also under a tornado watch or warning.”

With Salvation Army Corps located all across the Gulf Coast from Mobile to Biloxi to New Orleans and Lake Charles in Louisiana, officers will stay in close contact with local emergency management officials to make sure all needs are met. Shelters are also open to receive anyone who needs to escape rising flood waters.

“So far the impact of Cindy has been localized but Divisional disaster relief personnel and assets remain on standby until remnants of the storm have passed.”said Lightheart. “We would rather be prepared and not be needed than be caught off guard.”

Mississippi Governor, Phil Bryant, receives the “Others” Award

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In William Booth’s time, there was no Twitter, no texting, not even the telephone was around yet.  So, reaching his troops around the world the fastest way possible was done by telegraph.  To avoid paying a hefty charge to use the telegraph, Booth would simple send one word messages. One such message included only one word and conveyed best what The Salvation Army was all about….”others.”

Today, The Salvation Army recognizes individuals and organizations who display extraordinary service to others with the “Others” Award.

The timing couldn’t have been better to present the latest “Others” Award to Mississippi Governor, Phil Bryant. With the National Advisory Board in Jackson with most of the national leadership, Commissioner David Jeffery surprised Governor Bryant with the award at a leadership breakfast to kickoff the NAB’s meetings.

“Your life and the life of your wife are about serving others,” said Commissioner Jeffery.

Governor Bryant serves on the Jackson Corps’ advisory board, rings the bell at Christmas, and helps packs toys for Angel Tree recipients. As Governor, Bryant is working hand in hand with The Salvation Army and other faith based organizations to educate teens about waiting to have a baby until they are married. He says the program has led to a 15% reduction in teen birth rates in the state.

Governor Bryant says The Salvation Army’s promise, “Doing The Most Good” rings true in his life as he serves the state of Mississippi as governor.

“I’ve got to continue to earn this award, keep working for the Army and earn the award by doing the most good,” said Governor Bryant.

In the Governor’s office, on his desk, Bryant says he has two very important reminders for his daily life. One is the bible, but second, is The Salvation Army’s promise to everyone who might need us, four simple words….Doing The Most Good.

“It reminds me what we are here for, praising god in every way we can, and helping others,” said Governor Bryant.

The Jackson Corps’ Commanding Officer, Captain Ken Chapman, summed the presentation of the “Others” Award best.

“No other person I know deserves that award more,” said Captain Chapman.