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Officer provides care to one of his own employees following Nate

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Biloxi, MS – Like the entire Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi Division of The Salvation Army, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Command’s, Major Gary Sturdivant watched and prayed as Hurricane Nate made landfall right in the middle of his service area. His prayers were answered as Nate brought wind, rain, and storm surge up and down the Gulf Coast, but the damage and flooding was minimal.

“I got out early this morning riding around to see if there was a need for The Salvation Army to help,” said Major Sturdivant. “I just wanted to let people know we are here if they need us.”

Major Sturdivant didn’t realize it would be one of his own employees who he would minister to. Brenda Parrott is the custodian at Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center in Biloxi. While Parrott and her husband left their home for a safer location, a tree fell on their electrical meter box causing a fire.

“We were able to pray together with the family…I said, ‘We may not have answers right now but we know our Good Lord does,’” said Major Sturdivant.

Come to find out Parrott and her family lost everything in Hurricane Katrina. She remembers crawling in the attic then into trees to escape the rising waters.

Parrott told Major Sturdivant, “The Lord provided for us like a life jacket that day.”

The Parrotts’ home, built by her brother in law after Katrina, is not a complete loss.

“Ms. Brenda is a wonderful employee, in fact, if you ask her how she’s doing at work, she always responds the same way, ‘I am blessed and highly favored,’” said Major Sturdivant.

So even with Nate rapidly leaving the Division and becoming less and less a threat, there are those who still need the help of The Salvation Army.

“Emotional and Spiritual Care is one of the best things Our Salvation Army is able to give during times of disaster,” said Major Sturdivant.

Following Irma work, I’m thankful for family

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Walking into an area affected by disaster, you never know what to expect. There’s a lot of uncertainty, a lot you can’t control. In a way, you become like those you’ve come to help.

The one thing you can control is how you react to those in need. Our incident commander, Major Ernest Hull, New Orleans Area Commander, reminded us each day, “You represent the light of Jesus to these people. Be that light.”

We did our best to be a light serving in a county that lost power to over 80 percent of its homes and businesses following Hurricane Irma.

For me, every child who waited for something to eat and drink at one of our trucks reminded me why I’m here. One resident told me how during the day you try to find shade to keep cool, but at night, you still have to sleep in a hot house. The rain was gone and the temperature was up near 90 each day.

Driving into one community followed by a canteen, I saw folks outside and rolled down my window.  A little boy, Mason, age 5 or 6, comes running up, “You guys are beautiful!”, he exclaims. I couldn’t have been more caught off guard. I had to get his picture. Mason was grateful for the food we were able to provide him, his father, and grandparents.

The next day, two little girls, maybe 10 and 6, I never asked their names. Our team handed them their food, and they sat down on the sidewalk to eat. I snapped a picture… smiling and thankful.

These eight days were made better by those smiling faces, and easier because of the people I work alongside in service to those in need.

In disaster situations, your team becomes your family. The commander becomes the father. On our team, Major Mary Meredith was the mother or “Mother Mary” as she was quickly nicknamed.

There were brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles even distant cousins from far-away places like Pennsylvania and Connecticut working out in the canteens. The longer we were there the more people were added, the crazier our family became…in a good way. All toll, we had officers, staff, and volunteers from Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut!

There were arguments, laughter, teasing and even concern as several “family” members were injured or became sick.

One of our emotional and spiritual care “sisters” even brought two residents, a father and daughter, to know Jesus as their personal savior.

At the end of the day, we seemed to always eat dinner together and tell stories or discuss our work.

I know not every disaster team is like this, but we seemed to be chosen to be together, to serve a purpose none of us could have served on our own.

The week we served in Sebring, Florida, The Salvation Army provided over 20,000 meals, drinks, and snacks, prayed with 410 people, and loaded 4,100 cases of water into vehicles.

I am thankful this family could be there.

Residents grateful to see Salvation Army truck, thankful for food and drink

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Avon Park, FL (September 15, 2017) – In Avon Park and much of Highlands County power has been out since Hurricane Irma blew through taking many power lines and poles with her. Residents spend their days outside their houses simply because it gets too hot. Ice is over an hour away, and many don’t have money to spend on gas to drive back and forth. So, they wait.

“Right now, everything is happening in other places,” said Stacy Teague, Avon Park resident. “We don’t have gas, ice, a lot of things we need.”

Friday, The Salvation Army mobile feeding truck showed up with hot meals and drinks.

“You guys are a blessing, coming to Avon Park,” said Teague.

Those needing food quickly stepped in line thankful for the meal. Maria Jimenez lives just across the street from where The Salvation Army set up and brought her grand-daughters.

“It’s a joy,” said Jimenez. “It’s a blessing The Salvation Army can help those who can’t get a meal at home.”

Luckily, Jimenez has a gas stove at home and can boil water. Many residents like the Riveria’s need electricity for everything in their home. The Riveria’s were happy to see The Salvation Army truck pull up.

“It feels good,” said Iodalis Riveria, helping translate for her grandmother, Naomi Riveria. “Our food has spoiled. Basically, we come out every day looking for food.”

Out of the Sebring, Florida Corps, The Salvation Army is serving food, drinks, and providing emotional and spiritual care in Avon Park, Lake Placid, and in Sebring.

How People Can Help

The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation. Monetary contributions also support local economies and ensure that businesses can operate when relief supplies diminish.

Online: helpsalvationarmy.org

Donate By Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY

Mail Checks to:

The Salvation Army PO Box 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301

Please designate “Hurricane Harvey” on all checks.

Text to Give: STORM to 51555

Partnership helps The Salvation Army in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi deploy needed resources to Florida following Irma

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JACKSON, MS – When helping thousands in need following two major hurricanes, it is vital to have the support of community organizations and local businesses inside and outside the impacted area.

“Even as large as The Salvation Army is with its many officers, staff and volunteers, no one organization can do the job alone,” said Terry Lightheart, Director of Emergency Disaster Services for the Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi Division

The Florida Division of The Salvation Army made a request to the ALM Division for a 53′ field kitchen which can provide up to 10,000 meals during disaster relief operations. With so many Salvation Army assets deployed in Texas and Florida, the ALM Division found itself short on drivers and trucks to haul the needed resource. After a few phone calls, a local trucking company, Total Transportation, willingly filled the need.

“The Salvation Army has been blessed with so many partnerships before and during Harvey and Irma,” said Lightheart. “This company really stepped up when we needed them so we want to make sure we highlight their efforts.”

Total Transportation provided the driver and truck to haul the trailer.

“Total Transportation of MS, LLC is privileged to serve alongside the Salvation Army during a time of need after Hurricane Irma,” said John D. Stomps, President and CEO of Total Transportation of MS. “With 1300 employees representing our organization, over 125 of Total’s office staff and drivers live in the state of Florida.”

Stomps says The Salvation Army and Total Transportation play an important role in helping Florida’s recovery after Irma.

“During times of disaster, the Salvation Army is a guiding light to many people’s lives and Total Transportation of MS along with the trucking industry will be there to ensure those needs are met,” said Stomps.

Total’s driver delivering the field kitchen is Thomas Crysler who is a Florida native.

 

The Salvation Army establishing feeding services for Highlands County, Florida following Irma

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Sebring, FL  – With Hurricane Irma damage still obvious all across the area, The Salvation Army is working in Highlands County, Florida to meet the immediate needs of residents still without power days after the storm. Water, ice, and a hot meal are all priorities.

“We do have some challenges right now, but we have three feeding trucks at our disposal and those will be out in the county beginning Wednesday,” said Major Ernest Hull, Incident Commander.

The incident command team lead by Major Hull from New Orleans is from the Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi Division and the Kentucky-Tennessee Division.

Sebring Corps Officer, Major Tim Roberts has seen the damage and is helping identify the subdivisions who need a meal, a bottle of water, or just someone who can help.

“We know folks are hurting that’s why we have these crews in town,” said Major Roberts. “The Salvation Army will be here as long as it takes to get things back to normal.

Emotional and Spiritual Care officers will be accompanying mobile feeding trucks to offer encouragement, a pat on the back or a hug.

“We want to minister to the physical needs, but also the spiritual ones, because living without power after you’ve lost so much can be difficult,” said Major Hull. “We want them to know they are not alone in their recovery.”

The Salvation Army will be providing meals at the Sebring Corps location at 3135 Kenilworth Boulevard. Staff will also be assessing damage in Avon Park and Lake Placid to determine feeding locations in those areas.

How People Can Help

The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation. Monetary contributions also support local economies and ensure that businesses can operate when relief supplies diminish.

Online: helpsalvationarmy.org

Donate By Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY

Mail Checks to:

The Salvation Army PO Box 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301

Please designate “Hurricane Harvey” on all checks.

Text to Give: STORM to 51555

The Salvation Army in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi serving on two fronts waiting for Irma

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JACKSON, MS – The Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi is working to help residents affected by Harvey in Texas as well as evacuees leaving Florida ahead of Hurricane Irma. Currently, twelve mobile feeding trucks or canteens with staff are working to provide food, drinks, snacks and emotional and spiritual care in several parts of Texas.

As of Friday evening, The Salvation Army in Dothan and Selma, Alabama will be supporting shelters through food service for Florida residents leaving their homes in front of Irma.

“This is an unprecedented month with two major hurricanes expected to make landfall,” said Terry Lightheart. Emergency/Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. “This is an all hands-on deck situation for equipment and personnel from across the South and nation. This division will be providing both equipment and personnel to Texas and in Florida.”

The ALM Division is expected to send specialized equipment to Florida following Hurricane Irma including a communication trailer designed to aid communication with the storm potentially knocking out power, cell service and wireless internet.

“Communication is vital so we can help the most residents. This trailer allows us to keep the lines of communication open with our personnel so we can meet the needs of those affected by the storm,” said Lightheart.

The Salvation Army will also provide food, emotional and spiritual care, and comfort kits to areas affected the most following the storm.

“This is our most vital service and what people expect when they see the shield on our trucks. To get into the most devastated areas with food, drinks and a simple conversation means a great deal to those who have lost so much during these terrible storms,” said Lightheart.

How People Can Help

The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation. Monetary contributions also support local economies and ensure that businesses can operate when relief supplies diminish.

Online: helpsalvationarmy.org

Donate By Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY

Mail Checks to:

The Salvation Army PO Box 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301

Please designate “Hurricane Harvey” on all checks.

Text to Give: STORM to 51555

Federal emergency declaration issued for 5 LA parishes, state EOC begins 24-hour operations

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JACKSON, MS (August 28, 2017) – As forecasts for Tropical Storm Harvey predict the future path the storm may take, The Salvation Army stands ready in Louisiana and neighboring states. The Louisiana Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is now monitoring Harvey 24 hours a day. The Salvation Army Division Liaison Coordinator, Bill Feist, will deploy to the EOC tomorrow to coordinate with state and non-governmental organizations to identify opportunities for The Salvation Army to provide disaster relief to affected communities.

“Our liason works shoulder to shoulder with state, county and local agencies to coordinate mass care needs such as food and hydration.” said Terry Lightheart, The Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi Emergency/Disaster Services Director. “Coordination and communication is so important because no single agency can help everyone who is or may be in need.”

The federal emergency declaration is for Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, and Vermilion parishes in southern Louisiana. Although torrential rain has already fallen, state officials are expecting upwards of ten to fifteen inches more in the coming days.

“Much like Texas, the National Weather Service is reporting the main threat for the southwest portion of Louisiana as flooding.” said Lightheart. “We also have been monitoring threats from isolated tornadoes.”

The Salvation Army is prepared to respond when needed. Currently, 29 canteens or mobile feeding trucks are on standby with personnel.

“Whether disaster relief needs are in Louisiana or Texas, we are ready. The mobile feeding units are stocked and personnel are prepared to deploy.” said Lightheart.

How People Can Help

The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation. Monetary contributions also support local economies and ensure that businesses can operate when relief supplies diminish.

Online: helpsalvationarmy.org

Donate By Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY

Mail Checks to:

The Salvation Army PO Box 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301

Please designate “Hurricane Harvey” on all checks.

Text to Give: STORM to 51555

New officers complete DHQ staff, celebrate with welcome brunch

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The moving trucks are no longer in the driveways, and perhaps a few moving boxes are unpacked. For sure, however, all our officers across the Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi Division are on the job and getting to know their new homes.

At DHQ, the process is no different. Divisional Headquarters lost four officers, and they have now been replaced with three officers new to the Division.

Captains Mark and Lori Hunter are out new Finance Trainee and Community Care Ministries Secretary. Lieutenant Shimei Hewitt is our new Assistant Divisional Youth Secretary.

Together with the Divisional Commanders, Major Steve and Wendy Morris, the staff at Divisional Headquarters welcomed out three new officers who make us whole once again.

Each new officers was welcomed by a member of the staff from the department they will now call home, and the CRD team of Planned Giving Director, Buddy Graves and Resource Development Director, Erica Bradshaw made sure the new arrivals where up to date on all relative ALM topics like the weather, driving in the south, and new words for their vocabulary (fixintoo).

Tables were decorated by state and with must see attractions across the Division like the NASA museum in Huntsville or the race track in Talledega.

Major Wendy brought an encouraging word for the day.

We are so excited to welcome the Captains Hunter and Lieutenant Hewitt to the Division. They are a part of the ALM family already.

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.”

Cindy downgraded to tropical depression, The Salvation Army still monitoring need

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JACKSON, MS – The Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi is still monitoring the needs across our three-state area even as Cindy is downgraded to a tropical depression. To this point, The Salvation Army has received no requests for assistance.

“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 Divison 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 flooding 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.”

The Salvation Army ready if needed with tropical storm heading for the Gulf Coast

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JACKSON, MS (June 20, 2017) – The Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi is preparing for the potential impact of Invest 93L along the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) of The Salvation Army has asked all 31 Corps and sixteen service centers across the three-state area to ready equipment and disaster personnel for deployment should the need arise.
“The first priority for The Salvation Army is to ensure its Officers, staff and volunteers are safe and that the facilities and equipment are secure,” said Terry Lightheart, EDS Director, The Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. “However, we are also ready to respond and provide support to those who will potentially be impacted from this storm.
The Salvation Army is working closely with state and local emergency management to monitor where the storm could possibly have the greatest impact. This also helps coordinate where to send out personnel and equipment, such mobile feeding units which provide hot meals, hydration and snacks.
Lightheart continued, “Regardless of where the impact my be, we will be ready to serve with helping hands and a willing heart.”

To keep up to date on all The Salvation Army is doing to help those in need and to donate to help us serve those in need, you can log onto our website at salvationarmyalm.org or on social media at facebook.com/ALMdivision and twitter.com/salarmyalm

June begins tearful good byes, new beginnings for Officers

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For most folks, summer ushers in a time of time away from work and school. Many find themselves enjoying time in the mountains or on a sandy beach somewhere. While that is the case too for Salvation Army officers, for some, the summer is about new assignments and tearful good byes.

The ALM Division is no different. Divisional Commanders, Majors Steve and Wendy Morris and the DHQ family say good bye to five officers in June. These officers were given a proper farewell or should I say, “happy trails” with a western hoedown at the Divisional Headquarters.

Financial Secretaries, Majors Ray and Elizabeth Grider will enter a new phase of their lives. While Major Elizabeth will still be seen at DHQ, Major Ray is retiring to oversee the building of their new home in the Central Mississippi area.

Majors Henry and Benita Morris will shift gears from our Divisional Youth Secretary and Divisional Corps Cadet Counselor to Corps officers themselves in Columbia, South Carolina.

Major Lisa Davis is also on the move from Divisional Community Care Ministries Secretary to the Evangline Booth College in Atlanta.

Within Divisional Headquarters, several officers will be taking on new duties, plus the Division will be gaining several new officers who’ve never served here before, and that doesn’t even mention the new lieutenants who were just commissioned on June 4. We are definitely sad to see the Griders, Morris’, and Major Davis go, but make sure you welcome our newest family members with open arms!

Moves and new additions to the ALM family are as follows:

Majors Anthony & Sharon Baso Huntsville, AL from Nashville, TN Citadel Corps
Major Deborah Bowers New Orleans, LA Pathway of Hope Director from Sarasota Florida
Major Roger Glick Birmingham, AL Area Commander Major Dee Ann Glick Birmingham, AL Associate Area Commander from Little Rock, ARK Central Arkansas area command

Major Ernest Hull New Orleans Area Commander / Corps Officer Major Deborah Hull New Orleans Associate Area Commander / Corps Officer from Enid, OK
Major Jacqueline Johnson Divisional Moral & Social Issues Committee Director (Additional Appointment)
Major Melody McClure Finance Secretary
Majors Bret & Susan McElroy Bessemer, AL from Huntsville, AL
Major Neala Owens Older Adult Ministries (Additional Appointment)

Major Tom Richmond Coastal Alabama Area Commander from Charleston, SC
Major Jennifer Richmond Coastal Alabama Associate Area Commander from Charleston, SC
Majors Glen & Teresa Riggs Alexandria, LA from Meridian, MS

Captains Herbert & Rosalinda Frazier Greenville, MS from Washington DC
Captain Lori Hunter Community Care Ministries Secretary from Gastonia, NC
Captain Mark Hunter Finance Trainee from Gastonia, NC
Captains Yong & Young Kim Meridian, MS from Bessemer, AL
Captain Amber Morris Divisional Youth & Candidate’s Secretary
Captains Ray & Whitney Morton Shreveport, LA from the EBC
Lieutenant Julinda Davis Jackson, MS Assistant Corps Officer from Roanoke, VA
Lieutenants Damon & Jennifer Graham Columbus, MS from Greenville, MS
Lieutenant Shimei Hewitt Assistant Divisional Youth Secretary from Ashville, NC
Lieutenant Tamara Robb Mobile Citadel, AL from Jackson, MS

Lieutenants John and Samantha Magee, Lafayette, LA Corps Officers

Lieutenant Christian Smith, Hattiesburg, MS, Assistant Corps Officer

Lieutenant Sonya Smith, Baton Rouge, LA, Assistant Corps Officer