January 13, 2010

The Salvation Army is mobilizing resources and personnel to assist with the international relief effort in Haiti following a severe earthquake Tuesday that damaged much of the country’s infrastructure, housing and commercial buildings.

The Salvation Army has had a presence in Haiti since 1950 and currently operates schools, clinics, a hospital, feeding programs, children's homes and church-related activities spread across two major facilities in Port au Prince, close to the epicenter of the earthquake and at other locations in the country.

One of the facilities, or compounds as it is referred to, includes a home for more than 50 children; a school with a daily attendance of 1,500 children; a medical clinic caring for 150-200 people daily; and a church that on any typical Sunday welcomes nearly 1,000 people. The facility is less than 10 minutes from the National Palace and is in an area known as St. Martin that’s home to predominantly poor living in the nation’s capital. According to reports from Salvation Army staff in Port au Prince, no one in the compound was injured during the earthquake, but the children’s home, the clinic and church suffered major damage. Several smaller buildings, including residences, have collapsed completely. People were sleeping in the parking lot overnight, while severe aftershocks continued to affect the country.

The second compound that houses Salvation Army administrative offices is being used as an emergency operations center; damage was slight to this compound, according to Salvation Army reports from Haiti.

The Salvation Army hospital in Fond-des-Negres (75 miles west of Port-au-Prince) reports some minor damage, but no injuries.

The Salvation Army’s World Services Office, based in Alexandria, VA, has committed $50,000 to the relief effort and the organization is prepared to commit more financial resources, as well as food, water and other emergency supplies, to assist in the recovery.

Our world services office is preparing to send more than 44,000 lbs of pre-packaged emergency rations to the country, along with emergency disaster teams. The Salvation Army is working with other agencies to identify appropriate transportation for the food. As with all such relief efforts, The Salvation Army will be a part of the initial emergency response while assessing longer term needs of the residents.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti at this time and especially our Salvation Army officers and employees throughout the country,” said Lt. Col. Dan Starrett, who directs the Salvation Army World Services Office.

The Salvation Army is accepting monetary donations to assist in the effort via online donations, 1-800-SAL-ARMY and postal mail at: The Salvation Army World Service Office, International Disaster Relief Fund, PO Box 630728, Baltimore, MD 21263-0728

September 2, 2009

Thanks to Don Read for keeping us up-to-the-minute on TSA response & for providing the information below.

From 8/28/09 through the present, The Salvation Army Sierra del Mar Division has been in "information received" mode in assessing the 8 fires in our area, responding when and where we were needed. Radio command links were in place for all the fires through divisional headquarters coordination and the official SATERN network.

For the Cottonwood Fire, an Incident Command post was established at the Hemet Corps with Captain Susan Gibson as Incident Commander. Her first assignment was to meet with community leaders and fire officials in collaboration with other community organizations, offering Salvation Army assistance with food, water, clothing, emotional & spiritual support. Initially TSA provided minimum hydration services to first responders until their base camps were established.

When two fires broke out in the Ramona area, SATERN radio operators investigated in conjunction with Cal Fire officials. Both fires were contained fairly early and no immediate Salvation Army services were needed.

Another fire broke out at Camp Pendleton, but no community services were requested. The Salvation Army was in a "monitoring mode" for that fire.

When the Glenn Oak Fire broke out in Yucaipa/Glenn Oaks, Salvation Army Redlands Corps officer Captain Patrick Lyons contacted DHQ.

DHQ put SATERN on alert for the San Bernardino, Riverside area.

An Incident Command Post was set up at the Redlands Corps with Captain Lyons as Incident Commander. Captain Lyons requested support, including a mobile feeding unit and a canteen was dispatched from the San Bernardino Citadel Corps, deployed by SATERN radio operators under the coordination of liaison officer Captain Stephen Ball.

The Salvation Army in Redlands made its facilities and family assistance services available for victims of fires in the Yucaipa and Glen Oaks areas, providing evening hot meals, food boxes and clothing vouchers Shower and clothes washing facilities were also made available at the corps. Actual numbers will be available shortly from Don Read.

The Incident Command structure had all position filled by Captain Lyons and the SATERN team, including the position of PIO (see media release Captain Lyons sent out below & link to coverage received:
http://www.redlandsdailyfacts. com/news/ci_13246111 ).

The Salvation Army Redlands Corps worked closely with the American Red Cross in sharing information to reduce duplication of services.




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Captain Patr ick Lyons
Corps Officer
Redlands, CA Corps Community Center
909-647-7636 (Cell)
patrick.lyons@usw. salvationarmy.org

Salvation Army Facilities and Family Services Available for Fire Victims
Food Boxes, Clothes, Hot Meals, Clothes Washing, and Shower Facilities

Yucaipa, CA, Glen Oaks, CA (September 1, 2009) – The Salvation Army in Redlands, CA (838 Alta St., Redlands, CA 92374) is making its facilities and Family Assistance Services available for victims of fires in the Yucaipa and Glen Oaks areas. Food boxes and clothing vouchers are available for residents who have taken in family and friends who have been dislocated by the fire, as well as evening hot meals at the Alta St. Salvation Army in Redlands. Shower and clothes washing facilities are available at this location as well.

“These are our neighbors”, stated Captain Patrick Lyons. “As long as they are in need, we will fulfill our commitment to DO THE MOST GOOD on their behalf.”

The Salvati on Army is continuing to offer services to victims and maintains contact with response organizations to offer assistance. Those wishing to assist The Salvation Army may bring bottled water and Gatorade by The Salvation Army at 838 Alta Street in Redlands

Toronto - Early Friday, August 21, 2009 The Salvation Army Emergency and Disaster Services teams arrived in the community of Woodbridge to provide support to first responders, emergency personnel and victims of the devastating tornado which touched down in the early evening of August 20. The Salvation Army dispatched two mobile kitchens (canteens) to the command centre at the intersection of Martin Grove and Hwy #7 one of the hardest hit areas. Throughout Friday 460 meals and hundreds of beverages were delivered to first responders, emergency personnel and those in the community who have been displaced or unable to cook because utility services have been disconnected due to safety concerns. Salvation Army personnel and volunteers will be on site early Saturday, August 22, 2009 to continue provision of services as deemed necessary by the Region of York. To donate to The Salvation Army Emergency and Disaster Services Relief work please call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or visit The Salvation Army at: SalvationArmy.ca

June 17, 2009

The Salvation Army assists residents of Drexel, Missouri

The Salvation Army is assisting residents of Drexel, Missouri after severe storms caused significant
damage to the small town overnight.  The organization has stationed a mobile food kitchen in the
center of town to provide food and beverages to residents, law enforcement personnel and clean-up
crews. "We are serving sandwiches and drinks all day long and will be back again tomorrow and for
as long as we are needed," said Dee Smith, emergency disaster services director for The
Salvation Army, Kansas & Western Missouri Division.

The storms hit around 11 p.m. Monday night, downing tree limbs and power lines. Winds were
estimated at over 90 miles per hour. There were no reports of injuries but several buildings were
destroyed.

April 24, 2009

Salvation Army Won't Let A Little Water Stop Them

Oslo, Minnesota--cut off by floodwaters--receives needed help

Grand Forks , North Dakota – When The Salvation Army learned about the plight of Oslo, MN it took immediate action. Last week the town was left completely isolated - surrounded by the flooding Red River -- accessible only by an airboat.

"Can you imagine not being able to get in or out of town unless it is an emergency?" said Captain Jim Brickson, Salvation Army disaster coordinator in Grand Forks, just 15 miles from Oslo. "The only thing coming into the town are supplies so they can survive until the water recedes."

Once the needs of the community were assessed, Salvation Army staff and volunteers swung into action. That evening, The Salvation Army loaded up the airboats with hot meals and supplies to be delivered to Oslo.

“Last night all the volunteers, contractors, Corps members, etc got together and enjoyed the hot meal that you had provided for us. It was a real boost to everyone's moral and just what we needed,” said Karen Kote City Administrator for Oslo.

Both Captain Brickson and Major Ed Wilson, Grand Forks Salvation Army commander, asked if they could come and meet with city leadership.

"We got chauffeured into town on the airboat," said Major Wilson. "We listened to the people and it was truly heart breaking. You could see the pain in their faces as they asked how The Salvation Army may be able to help."

Along with a commitment to provide supplies and emotional and spiritual care, Wilson arranged for Easter bags to be delivered this Thursday to the town's community center. The Easter treats are being prepared by volunteers at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at The Salvation Army in Grand Forks.

"Who would imagine what an important trek these little gifts would make this week," said Wilson. "A simple gift, but with a big message - you are NOT forgotten."

To date, The Salvation Army of Grand Forks has served more than 400 prepared meals, 2,074 snacks, 66 cases of bottled water, 55 clean-up kits and dozens of personal care kits to the town of Oslo.

April 24, 2009

Salvation Army Won't Let A Little Water Stop Them

Oslo, Minnesota--cut off by floodwaters--receives needed help

Grand Forks , North Dakota – When The Salvation Army learned about the plight of Oslo, MN it took immediate action. Last week the town was left completely isolated - surrounded by the flooding Red River -- accessible only by an airboat.

"Can you imagine not being able to get in or out of town unless it is an emergency?" said Captain Jim Brickson, Salvation Army disaster coordinator in Grand Forks, just 15 miles from Oslo. "The only thing coming into the town are supplies so they can survive until the water recedes."

Once the needs of the community were assessed, Salvation Army staff and volunteers swung into action. That evening, The Salvation Army loaded up the airboats with hot meals and supplies to be delivered to Oslo.

“Last night all the volunteers, contractors, Corps members, etc got together and enjoyed the hot meal that you had provided for us. It was a real boost to everyone's moral and just what we needed,” said Karen Kote City Administrator for Oslo.

Both Captain Brickson and Major Ed Wilson, Grand Forks Salvation Army commander, asked if they could come and meet with city leadership.

"We got chauffeured into town on the airboat," said Major Wilson. "We listened to the people and it was truly heart breaking. You could see the pain in their faces as they asked how The Salvation Army may be able to help."

Along with a commitment to provide supplies and emotional and spiritual care, Wilson arranged for Easter bags to be delivered this Thursday to the town's community center. The Easter treats are being prepared by volunteers at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at The Salvation Army in Grand Forks.

"Who would imagine what an important trek these little gifts would make this week," said Wilson. "A simple gift, but with a big message - you are NOT forgotten."

To date, The Salvation Army of Grand Forks has served more than 400 prepared meals, 2,074 snacks, 66 cases of bottled water, 55 clean-up kits and dozens of personal care kits to the town of Oslo.

FYI - W9ZCL, SATERN Member and Operations Chief for Central Territory EDS Bill Shillington is running logistics in Grand Forks this week  (WW9E).

The minute we get totally worn out and disheartened, The Salvation Army shows up,”

Roseville, Minn. – April 1, 2009 – The Salvation Army has ramped up its flood response across North Dakota after late season snowstorms have put the cities of Jamestown, Fargo, Bismarck and Grand Forks on high alert.

Teams deployed from Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota

On Thursday, the Jamestown Salvation Army will begin providing food, hydration, and emotional/spiritual care to legions of sandbaggers at more than 15 sites around the city, including the Jamestown Civic Center. These services will be carried out for days via two mobile feeding units and three cargo vans, one of which is en route from Peoria, Iowa.  

In the Fargo/Moorhead area, 73 staff and volunteers have spent the last 10 days serving more than 75,000 meals, 150,000 drinks and 150,000 snacks to local and outlying residents via eight feeding units, including one from Decatur City, Iowa.

“The minute we get totally worn out and disheartened, The Salvation Army shows up,” said Carol Lovejoy of Argusville, N.D., one of several communities north of Fargo to which The Salvation Army has been making regular visits.

The Fargo Salvation Army is also distributing disposable cameras that community members can use to document their belongings should they lose anything to the flood.

Eighty miles north of Fargo, the Grand Forks Salvation Army is stocking up on cleaning kits, bottled water and food that will be distributed should the Red River rise above the city's $400 million-plus dike system, built after the devastating 1997 flood. Two of three mobile feeding units on hand are from the Minnesota cities of Duluth and St. Cloud.

“In the next week we'll be feeling the punch of what Fargo is feeling right now,” said Major Ed Wilson, administrator of the Grand Forks Salvation Army.

In Bismarck, staff and volunteers have spent more than 1,100 hours serving nearly 5,100 meals via mobile feeding units from Iowa (Waterloo, Cedar Rapids), Minnesota (Austin) and Illinois (Quad Cities). These services continued Monday despite a blizzard that blanketed the city in more than a foot of snow.            

“If the weather holds we will be able to scale down our response and begin moving into the recovery phase,” said Major Lee Morrison, administrator of the Bismarck Salvation Army.

In all of these cities, The Salvation Army is prepared to offer social services – hygiene kits, food and gas vouchers, clothing, more – as money allows.

Flood survivors needing assistance can call their local Salvation Army, or The Salvation Army Northern Division office at 651-746-3574 .

Twin Cities ACE Hardware stores are collecting cleanup and food items for The Salvation Army to distribute to flood survivors. To view a list of items and ACE locations click here . 

The Salvation Army Northern Division serves more than 485,000 people in Minnesota and North Dakota.

QUAD CITIES OFFICERS DEPLOYED TO BISMARCK, ND

Quad Cities Salvation Army Officers and Volunteers Watching and Waiting as the Blizzard Passes

March 31, 2009 – Bismarck, ND – Quad Cities Coordinator, Major David C. Luft, Heritage Temple Moline Corps Officer, Lt. Ronnie Amick, and Family Service Center Director, Charlie Farrell are stranded in Bismarck as they watch and wait for the blizzard to pass. They deployed, along with Pekin, Illinois Corps Officer Captain Peter Mount, Josh Amick of Moline, Illinois and Matt McClure of Decatur, Illinois, Saturday afternoon from Davenport, and arrived in Bismarck on early Sunday evening to assist in the preparations for evacuees from neighboring towns and communities just ahead of the oncoming blizzard.

The Bismarck Convention Center is set up to house the evacuees of neighboring Fargo and Jamestown, if the levees break. With the 650 cots set up and ready, but the work came to a standstill on Sunday when the blizzard began.

Back in Fargo, before the blizzard, The Salvation Army transitioned to 24-hour emergency operations, providing food, hydration, clean-up kits and emotional/spiritual support to those displaced and those fighting to save the city from mass devastation. Salvation Army staff and dozens of volunteers are serving food at the Fargodome 24 hours a day, until the 500,000-sandbag quota is made. The sandbags are used to shore up any leaks in the nearly 50 miles of dikes guarding the Fargo/Moorhead area.

Thousands are preparing to evacuate Fargo, many ready to seek shelter in Bismarck or the Twin Cities due to limited local shelter. Already, three neighborhoods—approximately 300 homes—have been destroyed and one hospital closed, with patients transferred elsewhere. In addition, The Salvation Army"s Fargo facility is being threatened by flood waters, which could force staff and volunteers to move their disaster operation elsewhere.

The Salvation Army is doing everything possible to help area communities. Three stationary feeding sites and ten mobile feeding units (canteens and vans) are providing nourishment to Fargo residents and volunteers. To date, more than 65,000 meals have been served, along with nearly 300,000 snacks and beverages. More than 500 Salvation Army volunteers have served alongside dozens of staff. Together they have put in 4,272 hours responding to this disaster.

Fargo, a city of 90,000 and North Dakota"s most populous, began preparing for evacuation when crest predictions grew and temperatures plummeted, severely testing volunteers" stamina and raising concern that cold weather might jeopardize the stability of sandbag piles, causing them to slide out of place. Authorities are also concerned that dikes that hold for a few hours may break after a few days.

The Salvation Army is diligently serving in all thirteen North Dakota and Minnesota counties effected by flooding, and will provide critical assistance to impacted communities for as long as needed.

SALVATION ARMY ON SCENE AFTER LEVEE BREAKS

Staff, volunteers continue serving 24/7

March 29, 2009 – Last night when a levee gave way at Oak Grove Lutheran High School, a Salvation Army volunteer crew served refreshments to 125 people desperately working to maintain security for the homes surrounding the school. While the leak was not able to be contained, a contingency dike erected earlier managed to save the other surrounding homes. Salvation Army volunteers worked for nearly four hours as they gave rest to 20 workers at a time before they were rotated back into the recovery effort.

The windy conditions have been trouble for the volunteer-constructed dikes. The longer the river water remains above flood stage, the longer it will challenge the fortification. The Salvation Army's six mobile kitchens (canteens) continue to serve the dike walkers and others working to maintain security and safety. To date, more than 65,000 meals have been served, along with nearly 300,000 snacks and beverages. More than 500 Salvation Army volunteers have served alongside dozens of staff. Together they have put in 4,272 hours responding to this disaster.

A crew of two Salvation Army staff and dozens of volunteers are serving food at the Fargodome 24 hours a day, until the 500,000-sandbag quota is made. The sandbags are used to shore up any leaks in the nearly 50 miles of dikes guarding the Fargo/Moorhead area.

At the same time as disaster volunteers serve meals to area workers, the Fargo Salvation Army engages in its daily services to the community. One such service is outreach to the homeless and needy. On Sunday evening, a hot meal of ham and scalloped potatoes will be served to an expected 140 people at the Salvation Army service center on Roberts street. Each month 7,000 hot meals are served from the center.

To donate, please call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, click the link below, or send a check to The Salvation Army, 2445 Prior Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113 . All donations should be designated “ Minnesota and North Dakota Disaster Relief .”

“We Are Not Afraid!”

Salvation Army serves 24/7 as Fargo prepares for the worst

March 27, 2009 – When announced yesterday that swelling Red River waters could crest at 42 feet this Saturday—the highest level in history—the city of Fargo began emergency evacuation and sheltering. Immediately, The Salvation Army transitioned to 24-hour emergency operations, providing food, hydration, clean-up kits and emotional/spiritual support to those displaced and those fighting to save the city from mass devastation.

Thousands are preparing to evacuate Fargo, many ready to seek shelter in Bismarck or the Twin Cities due to limited local shelter. Already, three neighborhoods—approximately 300 homes—have been destroyed and one hospital closed, with patients transferred elsewhere. In addition, The Salvation Army's Fargo facility is being threatened by flood waters, which could force staff and volunteers to move their disaster operation elsewhere.

The Salvation Army is doing everything possible to help area communities. Three stationary feeding sites and ten mobile feeding units (canteens and vans) are providing nourishment to Fargo residents and volunteers. To date, The Salvation Army of Fargo has spent 2,800 hours serving more than 43,900 prepared meals, 116,600 snacks and 106,500 drinks to more than 138,000 people.

Fargo, a city of 90,000 and North Dakota's most populous, began preparing for evacuation when crest predictions grew and temperatures plummeted, severely testing volunteers' stamina and raising concern that cold weather might jeopardize the stability of sandbag piles, causing them to slide out of place. Authorities are also concerned that dikes that hold for a few hours may break after a few days.

The Salvation Army is diligently serving in all thirteen North Dakota and Minnesota counties effected by flooding, and will provide critical assistance to impacted communities for as long as needed.

“We are not afraid,” Fargo Salvation Army administrator Captain Adam Moore said this morning during a meeting with 50 staff and volunteers. “While we are indeed concerned about this flood and what it could do to our own facility, this community and the families that are losing their homes need us. We will stand by their side every step of the way.”

If you or someone you know needs help, please call 651-746-3574 . To volunteer in the Fargo area, please call FirstLink at 701-476-4000 .

So far, The Salvation Army has spent more than $148,500 on this effort.

.

Salvation Army Serving in Rural Flood-Affected Areas

Relief Efforts Continue in Fargo/Moorhead

March 25, 2009 – The Salvation Army continues to help communities and families throughout North Dakota and Minnesota by providing support through meals, water, housing, and clean up kits, as the National Weather Service has predicted uncharacteristic river levels for surrounding areas.

The Salvation Army of Fargo—with the conjoined help of over 300 volunteers, employees, and officers—is working in collaboration with the Red Cross to meet the needs of the community as they respond to the flooding of the Red River Valley. Salvation Army volunteers in Fargo have put in over 2,200 hours of service in an attempt to prevent the predicted mass devastation due to flooding.

Beyond the Fargo/Moorhead area, The Salvation Army is also providing support to rural communities who are affected by flooding.

On Tuesday evening in Wahpeton, ND, The Salvation Army supplied food and water to the volunteers who feverishly worked to repair a breach in the dike, which threatened to cause a break in the levee. By 9:30 that night the situation was under control.

In Beulah, ND, The Salvation Army has been serving meals to approximately 60 people each day with the help of local churches. Some homes have been flooded with up to four feet of water, but 10 families have already been able to return to their homes.

Brian Skaar, a North Dakota Service Representative, said that The Salvation Army has been busy serving meals to volunteers working tirelessly to fill and place sandbags, as well as helping families who have been evacuated.

Skaar told of one family he worked with that was particularly distraught over the thought of leaving their pets while being evacuated from their home: “One of their kids even said he would sleep in the animal shelter if he had to so that he wouldn't have to leave his dog alone.” Skaar was able to counsel and pray with the family and ultimately found the family housing that would allow them to bring their pets with them. “They were overjoyed.”

The Salvation Army will continue to remain in affected areas as the flooding increases and offer assistance to those in need.

Bismarck Salvation Army Responds to Floods .

Rising waters within four blocks of Salvation Army facility

BISMARCK, N.D. – March 25, 2009 – The Bismarck Salvation Army is providing food, hydration, emotional/spiritual care, and cleanup kits to community members affected by area flooding.

Salvation Army staff and volunteers are serving at an Evangelical church on the north side of town, and at two sandbagging sites: the city landfill and Civic Center. Some of the people being served are from a mobile home community where hundreds of households were evacuated.

“Flood waters have risen to within a few blocks of our facility,” said Major Lee Morrison, administrator of the Bismarck Salvation Army. “We are holding our breath.”

Morrison has requested 300 cleanup kits for area residents.

The Salvation Army Faces Uncertain Situation with Residents of Fargo, North Dakota

Massive preparation efforts on again as flooding expected to break records

[Fargo, N.D.] According to a report from Captain Adam Moore, The Salvation Army of Fargo is responding to a rapidly deteriorating and unstable situation by providing meals, snacks, hydration and emotional and spiritual care to those who are being affected by and fighting against the rising water levels of the rivers and streams in the Red River Valley. More than 30 clay levies and hundreds of sandbag dikes are being built. The potential for wide-spread damage is great if the levies and dikes are not erected in time or one of them fails between the crest and recession of the river.

Six Canteens (mobile feeding kitchens) and three emergency response trailers are on site in Fargo. Five Canteen Teams are providing mobile feeding and hydration throughout the community with one fixed site at "Sandbag Central". The Salvation Army and American Red Cross are working in collaboration to meet the needs of the community.

Over the past few days, 17 officers and employees, along with hundreds of volunteers have filled sandbags, offered meals and hydration, and have been a comforting presence as the community has come together to work to prevent massive flooding.

By Tuesday evening, March 24th, more than 500,000 sand bags were filled and 95 percent of the levies and dikes were thought to be completed. The Salvation Army had spent more than 2,000 hours serving more than 28,000 prepared meals, 94,000 drinks and 103,000 snacks to workers and volunteers at the flood prevention sites. Overall, more than 110,000 people were helped in the early stages of this operation.

Wednesday's plan was to complete the remaining 5 percent of the levies and dike and move into a maintenance phase. By Wednesday evening (March 25 th ), it had become apparent that the waters would continue to rise. Sandbagging operations, thought to be mostly complete, were extended again to 24 hours a day and The Salvation Army was opening a shelter in Moorhead, Minn., as up to 30 homes in Fargo appeared to be in jeopardy of being lost to the rising floodwaters.

The Salvation Army Fighting Floods in Fargo, North Dakota

The Salvation Army Supports Sandbagging Efforts, Trains Volunteers for Expected Fargo-Area Floods  
Jamestown Salvation Army on Standby

March 20, 2009 – Tomorrow The Salvation Army of Fargo, N.D. will begin serving food and hydration to hundreds of volunteers building sandbag levies in the Fargo/Moorhead area, where flood waters are expected to reach historic levels in the coming weeks.

Up to 2.5 million sandbags will be used to block neighborhoods from the Red River before it swells above its flood stage of 30 feet.

“When the sandbags show up to the neighborhoods, they must be unloaded and placed immediately,” said Captain Adam Moore, administrator of the Fargo Salvation Army. “That means there's no time for volunteers to take breaks, or go to restaurants. But through The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services (EDS), we can nourish these people as they perform the critical work needed to save this area from catastrophe.”

To prepare for the floods, the Fargo Salvation Army trained 40 local volunteers in EDS response on March 7.

“We are planning for the worst and hoping for the best,” Moore said.

To hear more from Captain Adam Moore, click on the links below:

• How is The Salvation Army serving?
• Why is The Salvation Army's work important?
• What if the levies fail?
• What can the public do to help?

“Water is already being pumped out of low areas by the airport (here),” said Major Timothy Miller, administrator of the Jamestown Salvation Army.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

ARDMORE, OK SALVATION ARMY CONTINUES RELIEF EFFORTS

UPDATE #3

ARDMORE (February 11, 2009) – The Ardmore, Oklahoma Salvation Army continues to provide help and hope to those impacted by the devastating F4 tornado that hit yesterday evening. Ardmore is assisted by three additional mobile feeding units (canteens) from Enid, Oklahoma, Sherman, Texas and Wichita Falls, Texas. Captain Ric Swartz from McAlester, Oklahoma has also arrived in Ardmore to assist with the Army's disaster response.

During today, The Salvation Army served 619 meals, over 900 drinks, and approximately 500 snacks. For dinner this evening, The Salvation Army prepared 1,500 meals for the responders and survivors of Lone Grove. These meals were served by the Salvation Army, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, and the American Red Cross in a combined feeding effort. Over the course of the past 24 hours, The Salvation Army has prepared and served over 4,000 meals along with thousands of snacks, and hot and cold beverages.

As Salvation Army units and personnel that responded to this same line of storms impacting Oklahoma City, Edmond, and Perkins, Oklahoma return to their commands today, it is very apparent that the community of Lone Grove is devastated. There are eight confirmed deaths and the community is hurting. Emotional and spiritual care will be a very important part of our service as survivors return and salvage the few items that may remain as part of their home.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS TO OKLAHOMA TORNADOES

The Salvation Army immediately responded yesterday after tornadoes hit multiple locations throughout Oklahoma leaving at least eight dead and 14 seriously injured. Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) teams and mobile feeding units (canteens) were deployed to impacted areas. The Salvation Army is working closely with local and state emergency management officials to ensure the needs of first-responders and survivors are being met as EDS teams are providing meals and drinks as well as emotional and spiritual care.

Locations where EDS teams and canteens have been deployed include northwestern Oklahoma City , where a tornado hit a heavily populated area of apartments and businesses; Edmond , where a tornado touched down in two areas, first destroying six homes then several barns and outbuildings; and Lone Grove, where the fatalities and serious injuries occurred as the entire city sustained heavy damage. More than 50 less-serious injuries also have been reported as the house-to-house search and rescue operation continues in Lone Grove.

Additionally, 29,000 electric customers in the state are reported to be without power. Golf ball to baseball-sized hail was reported from multiple locations.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Release #2

SALVATION ARMY ESCALATES RESPONSE TO

OKLAHOMA/ARKANSAS ICE STORMS

As thousands of homes and businesses remain without power in Arkansas and Oklahoma due to severe ice storms that began Monday, The Salvation Army continues to expand its reach into affected areas.

The Arkansas and Oklahoma state departments of emergency management reported yesterday over 107,000 Arkansas and almost 21,000 Oklahoma homes and businesses were without power. Some areas of northern Arkansas are reporting ice accumulations of one-to-three-inches thick.

Between Monday and Wednesday of this week, the Army has served 2,625 meals, 8,437 hot/cold drinks and 3,913 snacks to people impacted by the ice storm in three of the worst-affected counties in northwest Arkansas. Additionally, 150 persons received emotional and spiritual care. Lodging has been provided for 482 individuals and showers for 700 others. One facility became so overcrowded the chapel was opened and pews and floor space used to accommodate people. The Army has also provided 150 blankets, 70 comfort kits, 150 clothing items and 150 infant supplies.

Salvation Army personnel from across Arkansas and Oklahoma have arrived to assist the first-responders—83 officers, employees, and volunteers have worked 3,854 hours to serve and care for those affected by the storm. By this morning, four mobile feeding units (canteens) are in operation. The need for meals will continue to rise over the next few days while many homes and businesses remain without power, which may not be restored in some areas until sometime next week. Salvation Army personnel continue to work with state emergency management officials and other agencies to coordinate services and provide ongoing assistance.

Email to WW9E January 30,2009

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Salvation Army personnel are working with state emergency management officials and other agencies to coordinate services and provide ongoing assistance to residents in both Arkansas and Oklahoma. Mobile feeding units (canteens) are providing relief as requests for services are received. Many areas are projected to be without power for days, if not weeks.

Monday, January 26, 2009

SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS TO FIJI'S WORST DISASTER

Torrential rains beginning January 8, 2009, dumped more than 27 inches of water on western Fiji in three days. The resultant floods were described as Fiji's worst-ever natural disaster; torrents quickly overflowed river banks and rampaged through communities, destroying crops, homes, bridges and roads. And, just when things seemed at their worst, another storm system moved through the region causing further flooding.

Worst hit were the towns of Nadi and Ba. Spared from flooding, The Salvation Army hall at Nadi was quickly put to use as an evacuation center. Captains Jeremaia and Amelia Naviko and corps members, some of whom had their own homes flooded, provided food and shelter for evacuees, including a pregnant woman who gave birth at the height of the flood.

Captain Jeremaia, a burly former policeman, helped rescue a number of people from the rising floodwaters in their homes. In some houses the water had reached the ceiling and the streets were flowing with fast-moving floodwater and debris. Some people were trapped on roofs for two days. After flood waters receded, Captain Jeremaia formed clean-up teams, armed with brooms, shovels and a waterblaster, to help clean up houses.

In Ba, both The Salvation Army hall and the officers' house are near the river, which burst its banks three times sending torrents of water through the first floor and several inches through the second story. Fortunately, corps officers Captains Vilikesa and Sesenieli Bogi had persuaded several neighbors who were reluctant to leave their one-story houses to take refuge on the upper floor of their house even though it, too, was flooded by several inches.

The Salvation Army throughout Fiji joined together to provide food, shelter and meal preparation to affected areas. The Salvation Army already is receiving many requests for assistance with basic food items, household goods, bedding and school fees.

Monday, November 17, 2008

SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS TO LOS ANGELES AREA FIRES

Intense winds have died down but wildfires still burn in the greater Los Angeles region. The Salvation Army quickly mobilized its emergency disaster services (EDS) teams and deployed its mobile feeding units (canteens) to various evacuation and shelter centers. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has declared a state of emergency.

This past Friday night, a fire started and fanned by intense winds in the northern region of the San Fernando Valley, forced the evacuation of at least 10,000 residents. By Saturday morning, the fire had spread over 2,600 acres, destroyed hundreds of homes and injured six firefighters and one civilian. Additionally, this area contains many power lines that supply service to the greater Los Angeles region.

In Friday's early morning hours, a wildfire fed by 70-mph winds erupted in the hillside community of Montecito, just south of Santa Barbara. Within hours, more than 2,500 acres and at least 100 homes were consumed. Salvation Army EDS teams fed meals to more than 150 evacuated Montecito residents and over 80 evacuated Westmont College students

On Sunday, The Salvation Army joined forces with the Southern Baptist Feeding Kitchen to enable even greater food distribution for fire survivors and displaced residents, numbering well into the hundreds. Salvation Army EDS teams also have provided emotional and spiritual care to fire survivors.

Friday, October 10, 2008

SALVATION ARMY TRANSITIONS TO LONG-TERM

TEXAS RECOVERY EFFORTS

After serving more than 1.7 million meals and 2.6 million snacks, The Salvation Army continues its transition into long-term recovery efforts in coastal Texas after it was severely hit by Hurricane Ike last month. Assistance remains focused in the devastated Galveston Island region; however, services are still being provided in the Pasadena and Beaumont areas.

Eighteen Salvation Army mobile feeding units (canteens) continue to serve meals in the Galveston area. The distribution of food boxes and clean-up kits continues in the coastal region, as well as emotional and spiritual care provided by trained Salvation Army emergency disaster services personnel and Salvation Army officers (pastors), assisted by reinforcement officers from The Salvation Army in Mexico.

As long-term recovery efforts are phased in, such emotional and spiritual care will become more of a necessity for Ike survivors. Starting Monday, Oct. 13, assistance through gift cards will be available to residents of all areas affected by Ike.

Monday, September 29, 2008

SALVATION ARMY RECEIVES $10 MILLION LILLY ENDOWMENT

FOR HURRICANE RELIEF

Last week The Salvation Army received a $10 million gift from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., to assist with ongoing relief efforts after hurricanes affected large segments of the Gulf Coast and Midwest with tidal damage, wind and flooding. This is the largest single gift to The Salvation Army during this year's hurricane season and equals the amount Lilly donated to The Salvation Army after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

“Lilly Endowment traditionally has been one of The Salvation Army's most important funders and has demonstrated time and again its willingness to help us place resources at the point of greatest need,” said Commissioner Israel L. Gaither, national commander of The Salvation Army.

During this hurricane season, the Army has responded to five storms. In the wake of Hurricane Ike, The Salvation Army mobilized its largest disaster response since Katrina, deploying over 100 mobile feeding units (canteens), six mobile kitchens, satellite communications equipment and other resources, including thousands of officers, staff and volunteers. To date, The Salvation Army has served over 1.8 million meals to first responders and storm-affected residents over 22,000 square miles.

Lilly Endowment President N. Clay Robbins commented, “The Endowment began supporting the disaster relief efforts of The Salvation Army nearly 60 years ago, and they have consistently used our funding to maximum effect. The damage and myriad hardships caused by the 2008 hurricanes are daunting and compelling, and we are pleased to be able to support The Salvation Army's humanitarian work.”

Fresh Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) personnel have arrived to provide relief to weary EDS teams. It's anticipated that some of the hardest-hit areas will need continued feeding during the transition from emergency to long-term services. Clean-up kits, food boxes, first-aid and hygiene kits, plus clean socks and underwear, are also available. The Salvation Army has secured warehouse space in Texas City, Beaumont and Houston and is exploring working with Feeding America to assemble some 35,000 food boxes for distribution.

Additional Salvation Army emotional and spiritual care (ESC) teams are being deployed, some coming from The Salvation Army in Canada and Mexico. ESC personnel have been on the scene, offering comfort to residents and emergency workers, since day one of the disaster.

September 27, 2008

The Salvation Army's disaster operation for Hurricane Ike is now focused in three locations with incident commands headquartered in Beaumont, Pasadena/Houston, and Texas City, Texas.  An ICS Area Command remains headquartered in Houston, providing oversight for the larger disaster operation.  Corps in Conroe, Lufkin, and Freeport are also conducting emergency relief operations and mass care services in cooperation with the Area Command.  

The busiest command remains the Texas City operation, which has relocated from a local high school to the Mall of the Mainland, in a Dillard's parking lot. Workers will be staying in two large tents -- a base camp set up by the state -- for the remainder of the operation.  Texas City supervises the Army's operations on Galveston Island.  The island was reopened to residents yesterday, and the Army joined with the Red Cross and Southern Baptists to deploy a fleet of feeding units and kitchens to the island to provide food for returning residents.  The Army has deployed its 48-ft Texas field kitchen to the Lone Star Air Museum near Moody Gardens alongside two Baptist kitchens.  Truckloads of clean-up kits have also been sent to Galveston and a satellite communications trailer.

As a whole, mass care feeding has begun to decline, particularly in inland areas where power has been restored within communities.  Approximately 100 canteens remain deployed in the area, but that number is expected to about half by the end of this weekend.  On September 23, the Army operated 56 stationary or mobile feeding sites within the disaster impacted area.

The Army's focus remains on mass care, particularly in the Galveston Area, and feeding.  Bulk distribution of commodities, particularly food boxes and clean-up kits, is being ramped up.  Additional Emotional and Spiritual Care teams are being deployed, some of which are coming from the Canadian and Mexican Salvation Army territories.  The Army has secured warehouse space in Texas City, Beaumont, and Houston. The Salvation Army is exporing the opportunity to work with Feeding America to build some 35,000 food boxes for distribution.

Despite the decline in mass care needs, the Hurricane Ike relief operation is still a very large disaster operation.  We still have three incidents commands in operation with new teams headed in today and tomorrow. GEO Division will be supervising operations in Beaumont; FLA Division Texas City; and NCV Pasadena/Houston.  The Western Territory will be providing a leadership team to work under Major Gesner at the Area Command.  The operation will be releasing some canteens and sending some units home.  However, it is important to remember that at peak operations, more than 100 canteens were assigned to Ike.  Even as the canteen fleet drops to half, that still leaves some 50 canteens serving and providing meals.  A new rotation of canteen crews was deployed this week.

Since Ike's landfall, the Texas Division served more than 1.4 million meals. Prayer was offered to more than 11,000 people.  

Ike also impacted sections of western Louisiana, causing severe flooding in Cameron Parish.  Services are being coordinated out of The Salvation Army corps in Lake Charles, LA.  More than 28,000 meals and 27,000 snacks meals have been served; 1,500 food boxes and 3,000 cleanup kits have been distributed.


Jeff Jellets, CEM
Territorial Disaster Coordinator

Monday, September15, 2008

SALVATION ARMY JOINS “STRIKE TEAMS” TO ASSESS HURRICANE IKE DAMAGE

The Salvation Army on Saturday deployed five mobile disaster response units as part of three Texas National Guard “Strike Teams” that are responding to storm-affected areas in the wake of Hurricane Ike. The Salvation Army will provide hot meals, hydration and emotional and spiritual care to military personnel, emergency responders and others affected by the storm. The three strike teams staged operations in Galveston, Lufkin and Beaumont, Tex., and will be planning for the long-term response during the next several days.

“The early indications are that this storm is the worst of the five we have already responded to in the 2008 hurricane season,” said Major Marshall Gesner, Greater Houston Area Commander for The Salvation Army. “With more than 4 million people without power, wide-spread flooding and high temperatures forecast for the area, our response will be about twice the size of our effort for Hurricane Gustav.”

As part of the operation, two Salvation Army mobile canteens units—equipped with commercial kitchen equipment—joined a caravan of nearly 35 military vehicles as they moved into Galveston. Two canteens staged an operation from Lufkin, while one is serving from Beaumont to serve recovery efforts near the Ford Arena.

The Salvation Army began staging its overall disaster response effort in San Antonio and Tyler earlier this week. In total, the Army has a fleet of more than 60 canteens on active duty for this storm. Three 48-foot, mobile kitchens are being deployed to the most affected areas. The Salvation Army also is using new satellite communications equipment that creates local phone and Internet networks for its incident command teams. Throughout Texas, the Army is supporting the evacuation and shelter effort in at least 12 locations.

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Monetary donations are needed to meet survivors' most immediate needs. A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days and will provide two cases of drinking water and one household cleanup kit (containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies).



Monday, September 22, 2008

SALVATION ARMY CONTINUES RESPONSE TO HURRICANE IKE

The Salvation Army is currently running a two-pronged effort in its continued response to Hurricane Ike. The first is sheltering and feeding; the second is canteen operations in affected areas from inland Texas to the Gulf Coast.

The Salvation Army is sheltering approximately 75 people in Texarkana and 50 in Tyler. More than 180,000 meals have been provided from more than 60 locations. One hundred and ten mobile feeding units (canteens) have been deployed; as of this past weekend, canteens have served almost 260,000 meals to emergency workers and storm-affected residents.

Additionally, highly trained Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) personnel and Salvation Army officers (clergy) are meeting spiritual and emotional needs, considered just as important as physical needs. The Salvation Army has partnered with Victim Relief Ministries to provide council and prayer whenever appropriate. One storm-affected person said, “Just seeing the Army brings comfort to my spirit.” Salvation Army corps (churches) are also providing thrift-store clothing vouchers so evacuees can get clean clothes.

September 28, 2008

SALVATION ARMY SERVES OVERNIGHT IN GALVESTON, DEPLOYS TO HOUSTON, BEAUMONT AND LUFKIN

Initial ‘Strike Team' Surprised By Extent of Devastation

More than 100 Salvation Army mobile feeding units responded yesterday to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ike in Texas. Several convoys of canteens and mobile kitchens moved into the disaster zone to begin serving the millions of people who are without power in the areas around Beaumont, Galveston, Houston and Lufkin. They join a contingent of Salvation Army relief workers who served overnight in some of the most devastated areas. Since the storm began, The Salvation Army has served nearly 52,000 meals to evacuees, emergency workers and those affected by the storm.

“Our ‘strike team' members were awed by the power of this storm and the extent of the devastation,” said Major Marshall Gesner, Greater Houston Area Commander for The Salvation Army. “Communications on the ground are difficult; there is no power, and the water system is compromised in many places. What this all means for us is a lot of hungry, thirsty people who are going to need relief for an extended period of time. We are calling on the public to help us mount a longterm response that could last several weeks or months.”

On Sunday a convoy of six canteens, plus a 48-foot kitchen and a satellite communications trailer, left a staging area in San Antonio to set up a command post at The Salvation Army Corps in Pasadena, Texas, outside Houston. At the same time, approximately 20 response vehicles moved from Tyler into Lufkin and other points of East Texas, and many will continue into Pasadena, Galveston and Texas City. Six canteens were still moving into the area from Florida, heading to a command post being set up in Beaumont. Dozens of canteens will continue feeding at sheltering locations throughout Texas that have been serving evacuees since the relief operation began. The canteens will be redeployed to the stricken region once the shelters no longer need them. Three canteens are in Cameron Parish, La., to assist residents who are now affected by a second hurricane in less than two weeks. Other vehicles from out of state will continue to be mobilized during then next several days.

The Salvation Army began staging its overall disaster response effort in San Antonio and Tyler earlier this week. For Hurricane Ike, The Salvation Army is undertaking its biggest operation of the 2008 hurricane season. Including the meals served during the past 48 hours, The Salvation Army has provided throughout the Gulf Coast nearly 1 million meals to people affected by Hurricanes Dolly, Fay, Gustav, Hanna and now, Hurricane Ike. The Army also has three other 48-foot, mobile kitchens which can serve more than 20,000 meals per day and is using new satellite communications equipment that creates local phone and Internet networks for its incident command teams. Throughout Texas, The Salvation Army is supporting the evacuation and shelter effort in at least 25 locations.

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Monetary donations are needed to meet survivors' most immediate needs.  A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days and will provide two cases of drinking water and one household cleanup kit (containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies).

Septermber 28, 2008

SALVATION ARMY CONTINUES RESPONSE TO HURRICANE GUSTAV

The Salvation Army has continued to serve in the Greater Baton Rouge Area and rural Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes (counties). Since August 31, over 400,000 meals have been served by The Salvation Army in Louisiana and Mississippi to residents and relief workers assisting in the recovery from Hurricane Gustav. Clean-up kits are also being provided; each includes a mop, broom, rags, cleaning supplies and bucket.

“Our desire is to reach deep into the bayous of South Louisiana with the message that each person and family is important to The Salvation Army and that their need is our need,” said Captain Don New of The Salvation Army.

In rural Terrebonne Parish yesterday, more than 50 New Orleans Hornets basketball team players, coaches and staff, led by owner George Shinn, came pouring out of their bus in a swarm to help residents recovering from Gustav. Cars containing residents seeking water, ice, food and encouragement from The Salvation Army were lined up heading into Houma, La., for over a half a mile.

The Hornets helped The Salvation Army serve over 10,000 hot meals and provide encouragement. George Shinn spent time greeting car passengers and interacting with children, leading them in Hornets cheers to provide a much needed diversion. The Hornets also gave away basketballs and distributed clean-up kits to the thousands of residents continuing to recover in Terrebonne Parish.

George Shinn commented, “The Salvation Army is a wonderful organization that reaches out to those in need, which speaks to my heart. We're proud to partner with them to provide our neighbors food and other resources to alleviate the stress that Hurricane Gustav has caused in our home state. This is a time to unite and work together because, while valuables and possessions can be replaced, the people of this region are irreplaceable.”          
Captain Ethan Frizzell of The Salvation Army in New Orleans observed, “What a great way to support the community: two organizations partnering to bring hope, compassion and an uplifting experience to residents of Houma and Terrebonne Parish.”

       

September 25, 2008

SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS TO HURRICANE GUSTAV

Yesterday The Salvation Army transitioned from staging and evacuation support to emergency response as its incident command team for emergency disaster services (EDS) deployed its operations to impacted areas. Today the team is performing damage assessments and setting up a center of operations for the anticipated long-term recovery.

The Salvation Army has already served more than 110,000 meals throughout the Gulf Coast area as a result of Hurricane Gustav and has a feeding capacity of more than 560,000 meals. This includes food service for evacuees, volunteers and other emergency response workers who are helping in the evacuation. The Salvation Army has more than 100 mobile feeding units, four 54-foot mobile kitchens and multiple fixed feeding sites at its sites throughout the region. The Salvation Army also has 70 canteens on reserve should the need arise. It is operating approximately 15 shelters throughout the southeastern United States and is providing emotional and spiritual care to those in need.

As part of its disaster response operation, The Salvation Army also is prepared to provide: clean-up kits containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies; hygiene kits, drinking water, shower units, first-aid supplies and missing persons support through the ham-radio volunteers of SATERN (Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network).

“The evacuations and preparations for Hurricane Gustav have been efficient and smooth so far,” said Major Gene Hogg. “This is a multi-state effort, and we're working closely with the state and local governments to help all those in need. We're anticipating severe property damage and are hoping and praying for all those who have been affected.”

Monetary donations earmarked “Disaster Relief” may be sent to your local Salvation Army, made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 24, 2008

THE SALVATION ARMY PROVIDES RELIEF AFTER DOLLY

Salvation Army disaster teams braced themselves yesterday as Hurricane Dolly made landfall in Texas as a Category 2 hurricane. With winds blowing up to 120 mph, Dolly is leaving her mark on South Texas .

Reports indicate that the initial damage is primarily in the South Padre Island, Port Isabel and Brownsville region. Thousands of Texans are without power in South Texas , as the danger of flooding increases. Salvation Army properties in Corpus Christi and Harlingen have not sustained noticeable damage.

The Salvation Army has 12 canteens (mobile feeding units) from across the state positioned in McAllen and are serving approximately 1,000 evacuees at the Salvation Army building there and several area schools.

Meals are being prepared in the McAllen shelter kitchen, transported and served from canteens, at four emergency shelter locations in Hidalgo County . The Salvation Army served 1,052 people during dinner on Wednesday night alone.

The Salvation Army shelter in McAllen opened Tuesday night and has the capacity to hold up to 200 evacuees; 167 people have been waiting out the storm within its walls.

Today canteens are being deployed into the affected areas, serving first responders and survivors of Hurricane Dolly.

Monday, June 16, 2008

SALVATION ARMY PROVIDING FLOOD RELIEF IN

ILLINOIS, MICHIGAN, MISSOURI AND WISCONSIN

As historic flooding continues to plague the Midwest Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) teams are responding in flood-affected communities across Iowa , Illinois , Indiana , Michigan and Wisconsin .

EDS personnel are bringing comfort and relief to emergency responders and residents after storms devastated 30 counties in southeastern Wisconsin . More than 15,000 flood clean-up kits have been distributed in 15 counties and The Salvation Army is working ‘round-the-clock with emergency officials to identify additional areas in need of support.

Flooding also has impacted communities in southern Illinois and Missouri . The Salvation Army is responding in Adams, Clark and Lawrence counties in Illinois , and Marion, Lewis and Lincoln counties in Missouri . In Lawrenceville , Ill. , EDS teams are serving emergency responders and residents three meals a day from a fixed feeding site at the Central Christian Church. They also are offering emotional and spiritual care.

Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) have been deployed to feed sandbaggers in Quincy, Lawrenceville and York , Ill. , as well as Hannibal, Mo. Two hundred kits containing personal hygiene items have been distributed, and The Salvation Army is distributing bottled water in response to contaminated water supply due to flooding.

An EDS team responded in Ludington , Mich. , this weekend providing food and hydration to emergency responders after water levels near the Hamlin Dam rose two feet higher than normal. The Salvation Army is prepared to support residents from Lower Tamarack, a town near Hamlin Lake , which is under several feet of water and was evacuated over the weekend.

Monday, June 16, 2008

SALVATION ARMY PROVIDING FLOOD RELIEF IN

ILLINOIS, MICHIGAN, MISSOURI AND WISCONSIN

As historic flooding continues to plague the Midwest Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) teams are responding in flood-affected communities across Iowa , Illinois , Indiana , Michigan and Wisconsin .

EDS personnel are bringing comfort and relief to emergency responders and residents after storms devastated 30 counties in southeastern Wisconsin . More than 15,000 flood clean-up kits have been distributed in 15 counties and The Salvation Army is working ‘round-the-clock with emergency officials to identify additional areas in need of support.

Flooding also has impacted communities in southern Illinois and Missouri . The Salvation Army is responding in Adams, Clark and Lawrence counties in Illinois , and Marion, Lewis and Lincoln counties in Missouri . In Lawrenceville , Ill. , EDS teams are serving emergency responders and residents three meals a day from a fixed feeding site at the Central Christian Church. They also are offering emotional and spiritual care.

Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) have been deployed to feed sandbaggers in Quincy, Lawrenceville and York , Ill. , as well as Hannibal, Mo. Two hundred kits containing personal hygiene items have been distributed, and The Salvation Army is distributing bottled water in response to contaminated water supply due to flooding.

An EDS team responded in Ludington , Mich. , this weekend providing food and hydration to emergency responders after water levels near the Hamlin Dam rose two feet higher than normal. The Salvation Army is prepared to support residents from Lower Tamarack, a town near Hamlin Lake , which is under several feet of water and was evacuated over the weekend.

June 14,2008

SALVATION ARMY CONTINUES TORNADO RELIEF IN KANSAS

The Salvation Army continues to provide tornado relief in three Kansas communities that were devastated by tornadoes Wednesday evening. As of Friday morning Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) personnel have served 2,500 meals to emergency responders, clean-up crews and residents in Chapman, Manhattan and Solider, Kan.

More than 20 Salvation Army staff members and volunteers are bringing aid in the affected communities. Two Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) are stationed in Chapman and one in Manhattan .

The Salvation Army also is providing direct financial assistance to tornado survivors for basic necessities such as food, personal items, clothing and prescriptions. Personnel trained in critical incident stress management are offering emotional and spiritual care.

June 14, 2008

SALVATION ARMY BRINGS AID IN RESPONSE TO IOWA FLOODING

Across Iowa Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) teams are bringing aid to emergency responders and residents dealing with historical flooding including Cedar Rapids where the Cedar River has overtaken 400 city blocks.

According to Amy Grunewaldt, incident commander for The Salvation Army's relief efforts in Cedar Rapids , the organization is coordinating and providing all meals and hydration in Cedar Rapids as well as Palo, a small town that has been completely evacuated. EDS volunteers and personnel have served 11,168 drinks and 5,370 meals to approximately 6,100 residents, emergency responders and volunteers.

In Iowa City The Salvation Army served 1,078 meals in one day and brought comfort and hope to 2,438 individuals. The Salvation Army is bringing aid in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area as well serving 1,348 meals and 1,100 snacks so far. Salvation Army EDS teams also are responding in Elkader, Bonaparte and Burlington , Iowa , and Henderson and Sangamon counties in Illinois .

Thursday, June 12, 2008

SALVATION ARMY BRINGS COMFORT FOLLOWING DEADLY TORNADOES IN IOWA AND KANSAS

The Salvation Army deployed emergency disaster services (EDS) teams after deadly tornadoes hit Kansas and Iowa last night. The Salvation Army responded moments after a tornado tore through the Little Sioux Scout Ranch in western Iowa killing four boys and injuring 48 others. In Kansas EDS teams brought aid after a string of tornadoes killed two people and damaged three communities.

At the request of Iowa emergency management officials, Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) were stationed at the emergency management command post located at Mondamin School. EDS personnel remained on the scene throughout the night providing comfort by serving food and offering hydration to emergency responders as well as scouts, leaders and parents dealing with this tragedy. The Salvation Army is working with other organizations to ensure all needs are met and remains on standby to assist as needed.

“We were the only organization serving all response personnel, as well as the kids and later their parents. We saw how the Boy Scouts of America truly train their young men to be prepared. There were lots of heroes out there, and it was a privilege to serve them,” said J.J. Kuzma, in charge of The Salvation Army's emergency disaster services efforts in qestern Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota.

In Kansas The Salvation Army is providing meals, financial assistance and offering

emotional and spiritual care to residents and emergency responders affected by the deadly tornadoes that left a trail of destruction across north central portions of the state. Two canteens have been sent to assist residents in Chapman, Kan., a town that was nearly destroyed by the twister. A third canteen is stationed in Manhattan, Kan., where a tornado damaged several buildings on the Kansas State University Campus, and fourth is serving in the small town of Soldier where one person was killed.

In addition, The Salvation Army continues to respond to monumental flooding in Iowa, Indiana and Wisconsin. Those interested in volunteering to assist in the Iowa flood relief effort should call (402) 898-6000 or visit www.givesalvationarmy.org

Monday, June 9, 2008

SALVATION ARMY RESPONDING IN WAKE OF MIDWEST STORMS

Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) personnel are responding after storms raged across the country's midsection over the weekend leaving death and destruction in their wake. Communities across the Midwest , many already ravaged by earlier storms, are receiving much needed aid and comfort from EDS teams.

For over a week Salvation Army EDS personnel in Indiana have been working non-stop in response to disasters including a tornado that touched down in Indianapolis and the worst flooding the state has seen in 100 years. EDS teams were deployed to Morgan and Shelby counties to bring aid to residents and emergency responders dealing with the historic flooding. In Shelby County a shelter has been set-up at The Salvation Army's Shelbyville Corps, center for worship and service, located at 136 E. Washington St . Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) have been deployed to Flat Rock, Middletown and Marietta to provide food and hydration to flood survivors. Flood clean-up kits have been sent to Martinsville in Morgan County and a fixed feeding site has been established at the Emergency Operations Center . In addition, The Salvation Army continues to assist residents of the Falcon Point Apartments who lost their homes when a tornado hit Indianapolis last week.

In Iowa , The Salvation Army is bringing relief to residents in New Hartford who were evacuated over the weekend due to flooding. The evacuations come just two weeks after a deadly tornado ravaged much of their town. EDS teams also are responding to flooding in Logan , Denison , Mason City and Charles City .

Devastating flooding has ravaged areas of Wisconsin as well. In response, The Salvation Army is providing food and shelter in affected counties including Sauk, Crawford and Vernon . Flood clean-up kits have been distributed in affected areas including 150 in the Oak Creek area.

The Salvation Army in Nebraska is responding after a tornado touched down in Millard, a southwest suburb of Omaha . Additional EDS teams are bringing aid in the towns of Ceresco and Karney that were hit by the destructive storms.

June 6,2008

THE SALVATION ARMY CONTINUES TO SERVE RAVAGED WINDSOR
Over 14,000 meals served and CISM team providing emotional and spiritual care
DENVER, CO (June 5, 2008) – Two weeks following the devastating tornado that ravaged Windsor, CO, The Salvation Army continues to provide emergency disaster relief. The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) is serving approximately 500 meals a day to the emergency personnel and residents. Additionally, EDS is providing emotional and spiritual care to over 100 residents with their Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team. CISM volunteers are trained specifically to offer comfort and support in times of crises.

There are currently two mobile canteens serving beverages, snacks and meals from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The locations of the mobile canteens are:
· Cornerstone Baptist Church: 1200 Cornerstone Dr., Windsor, CO
· One roaming canteen will be providing food and beverages in the damaged neighborhoods in Windsor.

Individuals seeking emergency disaster relief assistance may call:
· Fort Collins Corps – 970.207.4472
· Greeley Corps – 970.346.1661

June 1, 2008

Windsor Colorado Tornado Update We have served over 11,000 meals, 35,000 snacks, and over 140,000 drinks, through today from the two locations.  It has been pretty warm outdoors the last few days. Envoy Koch from our Divisional Headquarters and Jamie Garcia from Family Services spent several days in Windsor issuing vouchers and gift cards to a few families who came to the donations distribution center.  Our Emotional and Spiritual Care team has made many productive contacts and have followed up with those they are most concerned about since the time of the tornado. Captain's Sproule, Greeley Corps, have been here working long hours and thanks to Captain David Leonard, who also attended a meeting the Windsor churches today, they finally took a day off.  Captain John Bennett, South Valley was here on Saturday and represented us well. We continue to serve three meals per day, although there are always snacks and sandwiches and cold drinks available around the clock.  We're are averaging over 500 meals per day at our primary location. We brought up a small mobile feeding unit (catering truck) and we'll start searching out work parties outside of the Windsor town limits. Ham radio operators continue to support our communication needs and to assist with some logistics needs.  It is interesting to me that on this disaster we have deployed all but one of the vehicles purchased with the Consoritium grant, the water tank trailer.  Everything else is in Windsor.  We shut down the Windsor Middle School site today.  The mobile kitchen assigned there was driven back to Denver tonight.Some equipment is still at the location. Meal counts were down at the location for several days and we decided not to setup near FEMA and the Recreation Center because activity there is or will be diminishing.  It is my understanding that the American Red Cross feeding effort has stopped.   The pickup and the trailer generator will go back to Denver on Sunday AM.  The US Food Trailer was moved to the Cornerstone Baptist church property today.  At one point we prepared meals and the American Red Cross delivered them.  The Red Cross also had their ERV's (Emergency Response Vehicles) deliver food around the impacted area. We will continue to assess the need for meals.   I suspect, but I'm not certain, we'll be doing meals for at least another week.  LDS (Latter Day Saints) have been delivering drinks and food through the neighborhoods.  They represent us and they wear our EDS uniforms.  They have been a great partner, faithful to be here every day from morning to night. I couldn't ask for more dedicated volunteers.

Mary Orem, Volunteer Director, has got us setup with volunteers from the community and with the leadership from the Denver volunteers we have been able to sustain the operation.  CAP (Civil Air Patrol) provided logistical support to us for the first few days of the operation under our MOU (Memorandum of Understanding). What a great group they were.  SATERN ham radio operators and members of the Denver Radio Club have been providing ham radio support since day one.   Ham's pass messages from me to the field when I am some distance from the command post, monitor weather, keep radio batteries charge and perform a variety of other tasks.  We are trying to develop local volunteers into EDS leaders so that some can help run a shift and we've identified a few.  

Karen Gelski and one of her driver's, from our Food Warehouse in Denver, delivered to us supplies such as ice, equipment and paper products with the Red Shield on them two times so far. Our storage space includes a 40' US Foodservice Refrigerated Trailer, two 20' storage containers and our 16' long supply trailer.

I went to the FEMA Recovery Center today as well as The Seventh Day Adventists/Windsor Donations Reception location today.  They have started to turn away clothing donations.

Mike Gelski
The Salvation Army Incident Commander

Weld/Larimer County Tornadoes

PS Keep in mind that historicly June is the month with more severe weather in Colorado than does May.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Release #3

SALVATION ARMY PROVIDES TRAINING TO

LOCAL RELIEF WORKERS IN MYANMAR

Plans for long-term relief in Myanmar are in the works as The Salvation Army continues to meet immediate needs of residents attempting to recover from the deadly cyclone that reeked havoc on the nation earlier this month. Currently, The Salvation Army is distributing four-day food ration packs and clothing and providing tarpaulins for shelter.

“Our local personnel have been able to travel south of Yangon and into the impacted areas. The suspicions surrounding incoming relief workers has been well publicized, so as our teams move into areas where The Salvation Army has no existing presence they are having to be careful with how they operate,” said Commissioner David Bringans, who oversees The Salvation Army's work in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar.

After arriving in Myanmar Major Mike Caffull, member of The Salvation Army's international emergency disaster services team, met with Salvation Army leaders to be updated on the organization's efforts. During the briefing the need to train local relief team members in conducting assessments and shaping plans for the next phase of relief became evident.

In response, Major Caffull trained 50 local relief team members who are using their new skills to assess how The Salvation Army can continue to be of help, including clarifying the availability of in-country supplies and the viability of obtaining goods being shipped from abroad.

“We give thanks for Major Caffull's safe arrival and the positive spirit he has encountered among the local relief personnel,” said Major Cedric Hills, Salvation Army international emergency disaster services coordinator. “The next few days will be significant as the team expands its assessment.”

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

SALVATION ARMY BRINGS AID FOLLOWING MIDWEST TORNADOES

Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) teams were deployed after severe storms pummeled the Midwest over the Memorial Day weekend, killing at least seven people and leaving hundreds more homeless. Salvation Army teams continue to provide help and hope in affected areas including Minnesota and Iowa .

Salvation Army units are providing meals and emergency relief in Parkersburg , New Hartford and Hazelton , Iowa , after a devastating tornado killed six people and damaged more than 400 homes. A Salvation Army EDS vehicle (canteen) is stationed at the New Hartford fire station, and another vehicle is roving affected neighborhoods bringing relief to residents. Two additional units are arriving today to assist in the effort. According to Major Jerry O'Neil, who oversees The Salvation Army's work in the Waterloo/Cedar Rapids area, the local Salvation Army was devastated to learn that an employee's home was completely demolished by the storm, but they rejoice that her family is safe.

In Minnesota , three EDS teams are responding in Hugo by providing emotional and spiritual care as well as meals to emergency responders, volunteers and residents as they pick through shattered homes searching for personal items.

“Part of the process in this cleanup effort is providing residents time to process their loss and take control again,” said Chrissie Morrison, emergency disaster services director for The Salvation Army in Minnesota and North Dakota . “While it may look like piles of rubble, it is the remnants of lives, and respecting that is extremely important for healing. This is where our trained volunteers and pastors add a measure of security and calm.”

Morrison expects there will be a need for social service assistance in the future as families assess the damage and seek financial assistance.

“As families wait for insurance payments or government assistance they still have basic needs. The Salvation Army helps provide these when financial resources are low. There will likely be families needing our help for weeks or even months to come. We will serve as long as our expertise is needed and resources are available,” said Morrison.

Friday, May 23, 2008

SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS TO COLORADO TORNADOES

The Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) teams responded yesterday after tornadoes ripped through northern Colorado killing one person and injuring dozens more. The Salvation Army is serving 900 meals a day to emergency responders and residents impacted by the storms.

Three Salvation Army emergency disaster response vehicles (canteens) are stationed in Windsor, Colo. The Salvation Army also is providing meals to seniors in nursing homes and already has served 120 meals.

“Our hearts go out to those who have been impacted by the tornadoes. The Salvation Army will be in northern Colorado serving as long as we're needed,” said Envoy Gerald Koch, who is in charge of The Salvation Army's emergency disaster services efforts in Colorado . “A lot of people are asking us how they can help, and the best ways is by giving financially to The Salvation Army.”

May 26,2008

The Salvation Army continues to serve hot meals in Windsor Colorado after a EF2-EF3 tornado hit the community hard on Thursday, May 22nd. One person for was killed when the tornado cut a 35 mile path through Weld County and was on the ground for 45 minutes. 200 power poles and 4 power substations were in the tornado's path. One mobile kitchen is setup at the Windsor Middle School and is serving responders, US Army and Air Force, National Guard, and other workers. Another kitchen is located in one of the hardest hit neighborhoods.    We are also preparing other food that is being transported by us and the American Red Cross to a special needsd population of 140 senior citizens who have been without power since the tornado.    The Southern Baptists have a kitchen setup that is supporting the American Red Cross ERV's. Today our Emotional Spirtual Care team worked the hard hit neigborhood while passing out food and beverages.   One woman who had major damage to her home had a group of 80 people assisting her with cleanup.  About lunch time she realized that she needed to provide food for them.  She came to a canteen and asked if there was anyway that we could help out and of course we did. Tonight at dinner she shared with me, with tears running down her face,  that although she had lost almost everything she felt blessed because of the food.  The Colorado Wing of the Civil Air Patrol is handling our logistics with seniors and cadets from 6 am - 10 pm daily. Members of the Denver Radio Club and local SATERN members are supporting our communications needs. A radio tower and a mobile commerical UHF reperater and handheld radios have been setup in Windsor. We are also utilizing 70 cm ham radio for communications back to Denver. The volume of communications traffic makes cell phones.  Not only is SATERN handling some radio traffic but they are keep radios charge and ready for use by our team on the ground.   We have been operating on generator power from the beginning. The initial response to the tornado was from the Captain's Sproule from the Greeley Corps.  Two Denver kitchens were dispatched.  Envoy Gerald Koch was at the EOC for a couple of days and tomorrow he will be overseeing casework services for the families.  Captain's Halverson from Fort Collins Corps have been involved in the coordination of food donations. On Sunday casework services will begin, Salvation Army vouchers will be written for the residents when the American Red Cross opens there Service Center. We have served of 3900 meals since the tornado hit.  Our volunteers are doing an outstanding job and working long hours. The county health department came through today and after inspecting our 2nd kitchen told me that they thought out people should teach a class on how to run a mobile food operation to commericial vendors.
Mike Gelski
Metro Denver Coordinator
Emergency Disaster Services/Special Events
KB0PVD USA Western Territory SATERN Coordinator
303-906-4695 mobile
303-296-0131 fax "It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark"
Preparedness is Protection

SALVATION ARMY CONSIDERS LONG-TERM PLANS FOR CHINA RELIEF

A Salvation Army assessment team is working to identify how best to support the Chinese earthquake recovery effort as the government deals with the horrific aftermath that has left 5 million people homeless and more than 40,000 dead in the Sichuan Province.

Under the leadership of Major Tommy Chan, the three-person team is in Chengdu, Sichuan Province and is working with authorities to see how the organization can be of aid. Salvation Army representatives also are in discussion with other religious organizations to make plans for a trauma counseling program. In addition, Lt. Colonel Merv Rowland, who oversees The Salvation Army's work in Hong Kong and Macau, and Simon Wong, relief coordinator, are traveling to China later this week to meet with the Government's Civil Affairs Department to discuss rehabilitation needs.

“The Chinese government's relief teams are completing their search and rescue efforts. Our own assessment team located in an area where The Salvation Army is well known is liaising with the authorities. Plans for our involvement in the long-term recovery efforts will become clearer later this week,” said Lt. Colonel Rowland.

“The Salvation Army is well placed to participate in the long-term rehabilitation needs as our local personnel have experience working in this region,” said Major Cedric Hills, Salvation Army international emergency services coordinator. “The financial appeal launched in Hong Kong as been received very positively. Already local donations have exceeded $835,000. While we are grateful for this tremendous public support and the trust placed in The Salvation Army, we realize the needs in the area will be extensive.”

May 21, 2008

SALVATION ARMY EMERGENCY SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE

ON WAY TO MYANMANR

After being granted a long-awaited visa, Major Mike Caffull, a Salvation Army International Services representative based out of London, England, is en route to help and advise the local teams already responding to the devastating cyclone that hit the country on May 3 rd killing over 78,000 people. Within hours of the cyclone's landfall, local Salvation Army personnel were giving help and support to survivors despite the difficulties in receiving assistance.

“Our people in Myanmar have been working tirelessly since the cyclone hit their country. There are four teams of people distributing aid in and around Yangon (Rangoon) and among the small badly damaged townships surrounding the city. Safe water, food and shelter equipment have their priority as the work continues,” said Commissioner David Bringans, who oversees The Salvation Army's work in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar.

The widely-reported difficulties to receive visas for aid workers has hampered The Salvation Army's effort from outside Myanmar, but when Major Caffull arrives he will assess how the organization can further meet immediate needs as well as assist in the long-term recovery efforts. The most pressing task is to assess the extent to which the local teams are able to carry out necessary emergency response work and help them decide what action needs to be taken in the coming days.

Other humanitarian groups are partnering with The Salvation Army. With difficulty getting access to the country continuing to be a problem, they are grateful for the organization's infrastructure and influence in the country.

“Despite the difficulties being encountered regarding access and supplies, I am hoping my visit to Myanmar will assist the teams already working there and helping the international Salvation Army plan for the next phase of recovery,” said Major Caffull.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Salvation Army provides service after devastating storms in Oklahoma and Arkansas

In the deadly aftermath of storms in Arkansas and Oklahoma at the end of last week, The Salvation Army has been providing emergency disaster relief.

In Grant, Cleburne , and Van Buren counties in Arkansas , 128 homes were damaged and 50 destroyed. Many areas lost power. Salvation Army canteens (mobile kitchens) from Fayetteville and Fort Smith , set up feeding sites in Damascus . A canteen from Pine Bluff served south of Sheridan , while a canteen from El Dorado set up a feeding site between Woodson and Hensley beginning Saturday morning. The number of homes and structures damaged is still being assessed.

Captain Ernest Hull of Pine Buff, serving as incident commander for the area, is continuing to assess damage. Due to the number of storms that hammered Arkansas , reports are still coming in. As the need arises, additional support for feeding and other services will be deployed.

In Oklahoma tornadoes touched down in rural areas causing minor damage to structures, while golf ball size hail caused major damage in other areas. Some hail storms lasted up to 10 minutes.

Major John Birks, director of disaster services, and Alton Gardner, disaster services coordinator, for The Salvation Army in Oklahoma and Arkansas have been in touch with personnel across the state to assess what services are needed where.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Salvation Army provides relief after tornadoes in Kansas

The Salvation Army continues to provide assistance to Kansas City area neighborhoods affected by tornadoes with wind speeds up to 135 mph early Friday morning. As of Sunday evening, the organization had provided meals to more than 2,200 people through its mobile canteens (feeding units). The canteens are out again today, providing food and beverages to cleanup workers, volunteers, law enforcement officers and residents. The Salvation Army is prepared to assist individuals and families who have been displaced from their homes and are in need of basic necessities including shelter, food, clothing, medicine and other basic necessities.

Friday, February 15, 2008

SALVATION ARMY BRINGS COMFORT FOLLOWING HORRIFIC SHOOTING AT NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

The Salvation Army immediately responded yesterday after a gunman entered a lecture hall on the Northern Illinois University campus in DeKalb , Ill. , and opened fire killing six people and injuring at least 15 others before turning the gun on himself. Salvation Army emergency disaster services personnel worked with university police to provide support and emotional and spiritual care to law enforcement officials and students.

Meals, beverages and refreshments have been served from a Salvation Army canteen that was deployed to the scene. In addition, Salvation Army officers (pastors) trained in critical incident stress management were on the scene to provide comfort to law enforcement officials and students devastated by the tragedy.

Captains Alex and Aimee Norton, who oversee The Salvation Army's work in DeKalb , Ill. , have a vital ministry on the NIU campus and were a comfort to many students dealing with the horrors that occurred on their campus. A prayer service was held last night at The Salvation Army's DeKalb Corps and Community Center (center for worship and service) and prayer rooms were made available to students throughout the night.

February 8, 2008

SALVATION ARMY CONTINUES RELIEF EFFORT IN RESPONSE TO SUPER TUESDAY TORNADO OUTBREAK

Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) teams continue to bring comfort and hope to first responders and residents in states across the south that were slammed by the deadliest barrage of tornadoes since 1985. Within moments The Salvation Army was providing aid following the storms that killed at least 57 people and left hundreds more homeless.

In Alabama , The Salvation Army is providing meals and hydration in Lawrence and Jackson counties. The Salvation Army served over 500 meals on Wednesday from a fixed feeding site in Lawrence County and three emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) that continue to bring comfort to residents and responders sorting through the debris. In Jackson County The Salvation Army served 250 meals yesterday from a canteen stationed at the Town Hall in Pisgah. Salvation Army social workers also are providing assistance at the community center in Rosalie.

Salvation Army volunteers and personnel have established a fixed feeding site in Oxford , Miss. , located at the Lafayette County Central Fire Station. Yesterday, The Salvation Army offered residents social service assistance at the North Oxford Baptist Church .

As residents in Arkansas deal with the devastation the storms left behind The Salvation Army is providing for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Salvation Army canteens have been deployed to Van Buren, Pope, Baxter and Sharp counties.

-more-

According to emergency officials the largest number of fatalities occurred in Tennessee where 32 people were killed. The Salvation Army is responding in impacted areas across the state including Madison, Macon and Shelby counties. In less than two days The Salvation Army served over 200 meals in Shelby County alone. EDS teams also are stationed at the command post by Union University Campus where 26 students had to be rescued after being trapped in the rubble of dormitories destroyed by a tornado.

Tornadoes left death and destruction in their wake across Kentucky as well. In Muhlenberg County The Salvation Army has served 550 meals from canteens roving neighborhoods in Powderly and Greenville . Additional disaster relief efforts are taking place in Monroe, Hardin, Harrison and Christian counties.

Friday, February 8, 2008

SALVATION ARMY PROVIDES EMERGENCY DISASTER RELIEF IN WISCONSIN DURING BLIZZARD

Salvation Army personnel provided relief to dozens of drivers in Wisconsin who found themselves stranded Wednesday following the worst snowstorm of the season. Governor Jim Doyle declared a state of emergency for Dane and Rock counties after snow totals reached as high as 20 inches.

The Salvation Army provided hot meals and shelter to drivers who were stuck on I-90 after semitrailer trucks were paralyzed on an icy portion of the road east of Stoughton , Wis. The Salvation Army in Janesville , Wis. , opened its doors to stranded motorists providing emergency care to families. Authorities believe more than 800 automobiles were affected by the backup.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, February 7, 2008

SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS TO TORNADO OUTBREAK IN THE SOUTH

The Salvation Army quickly responded after the deadliest wave of tornadoes to hit the southern states in a decade killed at least 55 people. Salvation Army emergency disaster service vehicles (canteens) were deployed in Arkansas , Alabama , Mississippi and Tennessee to provide assistance and relief to emergency responders as well as hundreds of residents, many who lost everything in the storms.

“We are prepared to offer hydration, snacks, warm meals, and emotional and spiritual care to residents and first responders affected by these storms for as long as the need exists,” said Bill Feist, who oversees The Salvation Army's emergency disaster services efforts in the southern states.

In Arkansas , five canteens were deployed to provide assistance in Adkins, Clinton and the Gasville/Cotter communities. The Salvation Army continues to assess damages throughout the state in order to meet needs.

In Mississippi , The Salvation Army has established a feeding site at the Lafayette County Central Fire Station near County Roads 291 and 204. Moments after the storm struck, The Salvation Army was providing comfort to over 200 people by serving meals, providing hydration and offering emotional and spiritual support.

In Alabama , Salvation Army personnel have been providing snacks, hydration, and emotional and spiritual care to Lawrence County residents in response to the horrific storms that killed four people in the state. In addition to the canteen, a Salvation Army feeding site has been opened at the Tractor Supply in Moulton , Ala. , on Highway 57.

Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) personnel also are responding in Tennessee which is thought to be the hardest-hit by the storms. At least 31 died in Tennessee as a result of the tornadoes. More than 14 Salvation Army EDS teams are bringing comfort and hope to first responders and residents in communities throughout the state including Jackson , Tenn. , which sustained significant damage.

February 5, 2008

From Mike Gelski Weatern SATERN Coordinator

Thursday, January 10, 2008

SALVATION ARMY BRINGS AID TO MIDWESTERNERS

AFFECTED BY FLOODING

Midwesterners are still battling the effects of Monday's bizarre January severe weather outbreak that included tornadoes, heavy rains and damaging straight-line winds. The Salvation Army continues to assist residents in Wisconsin , northern Illinois and Missouri who are assessing tornado damage while offering aid to communities affected by flooding from heavy rains coupled with melting snow.

Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) teams were deployed to Pontiac , Ill. , after several inches of rain caused the Vermillion River to overflow its banks forcing many residents to evacuate their homes. In addition to meeting the needs of those whose homes have sustained water damage, Salvation Army EDS personnel and volunteers are part of a community sandbagging effort in the hopes of saving additional homes.

With roads and houses still under water in northern Indiana residents have been unable to return to their homes. A Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicle (canteen) has been deployed to Tippecanoe County to bring comfort and aid to residents and emergency responders.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS TO RARE JANUARY TORNADOES IN MIDWEST

Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) teams responded after rare January storms swept through the Midwest on Monday leaving destruction in their wake. Tornadoes were reported in Missouri, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Illinois and Oklahoma. Hundreds of homes were damaged, trains were derailed and two people in Missouri were killed as a result of the storms.

In Wisconsin , EDS personnel provided food and beverages to emergency response personnel and more than 100 residents who were affected by the twisters that touched down in Wheatland and Kenosha . Hot meals were prepared at The Salvation Army's Army Lake Camp which is located 20 minutes outside Wheatland. The Salvation Army also is assisting residents with housing needs.

“You expect typical snow storm weather in the winter, but not tornadoes in January,” said Terri Leece, who coordinates The Salvation Army's disaster relief efforts throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan .

In Missouri , The Salvation Army provided assistance at a shelter in Webster County . EDS teams were placed on standby to assist in other areas impacted by the storm as needed.

Monday, November 26, 2007

SALVATION ARMY IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA RESPONDS TO CYCLONE GUBA

The Salvation Army in Papua New Guinea is responding to Cyclone Guba which caused devastating flooding in the country's eastern provinces. The death toll is at 163, but the number is expected to rise as health experts predict an increase in water-born diseases including cholera, dysentery and malaria.The storm has affected nearly 150,000 people with more than 1,000 residents displaced or missing. Official have declared a state of emergency, and damages are estimated at $70 million.

Captain Kila Gaba is leading a team of health workers and volunteers in Popondetta. They are doing all they can to assist people in need with the limited resources available to them. A Salvation Army emergency disaster services team also has been flown from Port Moresby , the capital city, to Popondetta to assist in the effort.

The most immediate needs are for food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities and medical supplies. Many of the destroyed villages are in low-lying areas where water levels were as high as the roof tops.

“The Salvation Army has secured supplies to take to the disaster area which include food, shelters, fresh water, medicine, mosquito nets and clothing,” said Lt. Colonel James Condon, who is second in command of The Salvation Army's work in Papua New Guinea . “We are addressing the communities' immediate needs as the first step along the way to recovery.”

Funding is being urgently sought for this disaster that seems to have been ignored by most of the world's media. Monetary donations may be sent your local Salvation Army earmarked “Disaster Relief,” made online at www.salvationarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Release #2

BANGLADESH CYCLONE RELIEF CONTINUES

The Salvation Army continues to bring help and hope to the multitudes who have been impacted by Cyclone Sidr which is being called the worst disaster to hit Bangladesh in over a decade. Bramwell Ryan, a member of The Salvation Army in Canada , was working in the region when the storm hit. He has joined The Salvation Army's relief team in the Gopalgong District and shares the following story of a family who is being assisted:

I caught up with Captain Kalpona Biswas as she crossed a small lake to visit two particularly badly-hit homes, talk with the owners and determine the extent of their need. These homes were out in the open. They did not suffer from falling trees, as many other houses have, but the wind was forceful enough to cause extensive damage.

The story of Hafiza Begum, 45, is especially touching. Hafiza lives with her husband, a day laborer, one of her five sons and his wife. Their home, completed last year, represents seven years of savings. This was all the family owned.

The son was a rickshaw driver, but just before Cyclone Sidr struck his rickshaw was stolen. With a husband with intermittent income and a son with no income, the family has no home and no revenue. When the storm struck it not only collapsed their home, but the internal wooden pillars were all snapped, making them no longer useful for rebuilding. With the Bangladesh winter almost here, the family is looking to The Salvation Army for food, seed and possibly building supplies.

Food rations, rice and lentils, are being distributed by Salvation Army teams to around 12,500 people. Farmers will be supported with seeds to replant rice fields and shelter materials are being distributed to help reconstruct damaged homes.

Monday, November 19, 2007

SALVATION ARMY BRINGS AID FOLLOWING EARTHQUAKE IN CHILE

Salvation Army emergency disaster services teams responded in northern Chile after an earthquake shook the region causing buildings to collapse and injuring 115 people. In addition to the original shock that measured 7.7 on the Richter scale, aftershocks have been plaguing the area causing additional damage.

“The community most severely affected was Tocopilla, where 2,600 homes were destroyed and another 2,500 suffered severe structural damage,” said Lt. Colonel Susan McMillan, who is second in command of The Salvation Army's South America West Territory that includes the countries of Chile , Bolivia , Ecuador and Peru . “The quake also was felt in southern Peru , but no damage or injuries have been reported there.”

The Salvation Army has centers and officers (pastors) that minister to people every day in the areas hit by the earthquake. This allowed The Salvation Army to respond immediately and assist residents affected by the quake despite suffering many of their own losses.

“The Salvation Army recently started a ministry in Tocopilla and a house that was renovated for the officer in charge, Captain Clauris Morales, was destroyed. Captain Morales was unharmed. He is removing what items of value he can salvage before the home is bulldozed along with others in the city in similar condition.”

According to McMillan the neighborhood was hit hard by the devastating quake and Salvation Army teams from surrounding areas are providing meals to residents who are now living in tents. Salvation Army officers are also providing emotional and spiritual care.

Monday, November 19, 2007

SALVATION ARMY ASSISTS CYCLONE SURVIVORS IN BANGLADESH

As people throughout Bangladesh struggle to cope following the horrific cyclone disaster Salvation Army relief teams are working to bring help and hope to those impacted in the Gopalgong region. Cyclone Sidr is the worst storm to hit Bangladesh in more than a decade killing at least 3,000 people with officials estimating the death toll could rise as high as 15,000. In addition it is believed that a million people were left homeless by the storm.

Lt. Colonel Ethne Flintoff, who is in charge of The Salvation Army's work in Bangladesh, reports that the greatest needs in the region are for food and rice seeds so farmers can replant their fields before it's too late in the season. The Salvation Army also hopes to help replace livestock that were killed in flooding.

“Once these essential relief supplies are in place we will be distributing roofing materials and bamboo to help families rebuild their homes. In the area where we are working most, houses collapsed or lost roofs, but people were able to save their possessions. We are working closely with the local village leaders and indentifying those most in need,” said Flintoff.

To help meet immediate needs The Salvation Army's International Headquarters in London , England , has sent $100,000 to the region.

“The damage is extensive and reconstruction needs will be great. This initial support will be used up all too quickly. As the assessment team is granted more access to the impacted areas, greater needs are unfolding,” said Major Cedric Hills, international emergency services coordinator for The Salvation Army.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Release # 5

SALVATION ARMY ASSISTS RESIDENTS WHO LOST HOMES IN

CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES

The Salvation Army has sent four emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) to one of the most impoverished areas of San Diego , Calif. , where hundreds of residents lost their homes in the recent wildfires. In addition, a 30-foot Salvation Army emergency disaster services mobile kitchen has been deployed. The kitchen is capable of serving up to 3,000 meals and snacks a day and brewing 27 gallons of coffee per hour. Salvation Army personnel are assisting at least 200 people taking shelter in a tent city located at the intersection of 94 and Barrett Lake Road . The city includes bathroom facilities, showers and generators.

As of Friday, The Salvation Army has served 120,000 people in response to the wildfires. The Salvation Army also has given out $442,150 in gift cards and vouchers to help residents replace some of what was lost in the fires. To assist residents attempting to sort through the ashes of what is left of their homes, The Salvation Army has distributed shovels, rakes and sifters.

In addition to providing for people's physical needs, Salvation Army emergency disaster services personnel trained in critical incident stress management are providing emotional and spiritual care. The two-person teams drive through burned-out areas providing water, snacks and comfort.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Release # 4

SALVATION ARMY CONTINUES CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE RESPONSE

As the California wildfire crisis enters its fifth day, The Salvation Army continues to provide relief and support to those in need in San Diego County and other impacted regions. Among other efforts, today the Army opened a firestorm assistance center in El Centro to help meet the needs of evacuees from San Diego County . It also continued to mobilize nine emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens), and has six others on call. The canteens have fed more than 31,000 meals and snacks as well 35,000 drinks to individuals impacted by the disaster, including thousands at Qualcomm stadium. The Army has also provided personal care kits, cots, cups and other materials, as well as emotional and spiritual care.

“Our focus continues to be helping people who have evacuated from their homes, and providing food and comfort to first responders,” said Lt. Col Doug O'Brien, who oversees The Salvation Army's Sierra Del Mar Division which includes San Diego County . “At the same time, we are planning for the long-term recovery and need monetary donations to ensure we can help the most people possible in rebuilding their homes and lives. We are always humbled by the support of the American public and our corporate partners, including Target Stores, which already donated $100,000 to support our relief efforts”

Specific Salvation Army activities include:

· Firestorm Assistance Center ( El Centro , CA ): The Army has opened a center to meet the needs of evacuees at 1301 S. Fourth St . The center is providing food, shelter and other materials.

· Qualcomm Stadium ( San Diego , CA ): Two Salvation Army mobile kitchen units have provided thousands of meals and drinks at the stadium evacuation site.

· Additional Canteen Unit Locations:

o Campo Santana High School

o Escondido High School

o Lakeside , CA

o Chula Vista , CA

o Fallbrook , CA

o San Bernardino , CA (x2)

· Los Angeles , CA : Four canteen units have been dispatched in Los Angeles providing food, drinks, 300 cots and 3,000 personal care kits to fire survivors. The care kits include items such as a toothbrush, wash cloth, comb, shampoo and other items.

· Elsewhere: In Los Angeles County , where fires continue to burn in Malibu Canyon , Santa Clarita, and other areas, Salvation Army Emergency Disaster personnel remain on standby, ready to respond when requested by County authorities.

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by the California wildfires to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Please designate your gift for California wildfire relief. Monetary donations are needed to meet survivors' most immediate needs. Donations are used to purchase necessary items that are most needed at that moment in time based on the unique needs of affected individuals and families.

The Salvation Army Responds To Immediate Needs of Survivors and Relief Workers in Southern California Wildfires

Agency Providing 10,000 Meals per Day, Emotional &Spiritual Care

ALEXANDRIA, VA (October 23, 2007) - Having completed recovery efforts surrounding the 2003 southern California wildfires only weeks ago, The Salvation Army has once again mobilized to provide assistance and support to relief workers and survivors in the wake of the latest series of blazes. To date, nine mobile canteen units have been deployed throughout the area and six additional units have been mobilized. Thus far, the canteens have provided more than 15,000 meals and 15,000 drinks to thousands of individuals impacted by the disaster. In addition, the Army is providing cots, cups and personal care kits to responders and survivors, along with emotional and spiritual care.

“Our primary goal is responding to the immediate needs of the thousands of evacuees and relief workers in the area,” said Lt. Col Doug O'Brien, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army's Sierra Del Mar Division covering San Diego County . “Over the long-term, we expect to have many thousands of people who will need our help with long-term recovery to rebuild their homes and lives.”

Specific Salvation Army activities include:

· Qualcomm Stadium ( San Diego , CA ): Two Salvation Army mobile kitchen units have provided thousands of meals and drinks at the stadium evacuation site. Earlier this afternoon, San Diego Padres third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and about a dozen front office staff assisted The Salvation Army in serving food to evacuees. The players and staff also visited with evacuees and children after lunch and handed out toiletries and packaged foods, accompanied by a Newsweek photographer.

· Additional Canteen Units ( San Diego area): Canteens are also serving at Steel Canyon High School , Santana High School , Campo Community Center , Lakeside Hanson Ranch, Escondido High School and Fallbrook (mobile).

· Orange County , CA : A mobile feeding unit served more than 250 commanders of the Orange County Fire Authority at their command post at Irvine Park on Monday. Today, the canteen served fire evacuees in the Albertson's shopping center parking lot in the city of Orange .

· Los Angeles , CA : Four canteen units have been dispatched in Los Angeles providing food, drinks, 300 cots and 3,000 personal care kits to fire survivors. The care kits include a toothbrush, wash cloth, comb, shampoo and other items.

· Elsewhere: In Los Angeles County , where fires continue to burn in Malibu Canyon , Santa Clarita, and other areas, Salvation Army Emergency Disaster personnel remain on standby, ready to respond when requested by County authorities.

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by the California wildfires to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Please designate your gift for California wildfire relief. Monetary donations are needed to meet survivors' most immediate needs. Donations are used to purchase necessary items that are most needed at that moment in time based on the unique needs of affected individuals and families.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 127 years in the United States . More than 35 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org .

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Release # 2

SALVATION ARMY BRINGS HELP AND HOPE IN RESPONSE TO WILDFIRES

Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) personnel continue to bring aid to first responders and residents forced to evacuate as wildfires blaze across southern California . In three days the fires have consumed over a thousand homes and businesses and set fire to 583 square miles, an area larger than New York City . Two people have been killed and 42 injured as a result of the fires

In the San Diego , Calif. , area five Salvation Army EDS vehicles (canteens) have been deployed. From these canteens Salvation Army personnel are providing water, supplies and meals to first responders battling the blazes as well as residents who had to flee their homes. Salvation Army personnel trained in critical incident stress management are offering emotional and spiritual care. Currently, canteens are responding at Steel Canyon High School , Santana High School , Campo Community Center , Qualcomm Stadium, Lakeside Hanson Ranch, Escondido High School and Fallbrook.

This afternoon San Diego Padres players and front office staff helped The Salvation Army serve lunch and distributed toiletries and prepared food packages to evacuees.

An additional canteen is stationed near Irving Park in Orange County where Salvation Army EDS personnel are providing a respite to first responders battling the Irvine fires.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS TO WILDFIRES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) teams have been deployed to the San Diego , Calif. , area as well as Orange County in response to wildfires that have caused over 300,000 people to flee their homes. The fires have resulted in President Bush declaring a federal emergency for seven California counties.

Salvation Army EDS vehicles (canteens) are providing water, food, lip balm and new socks to first responders battling the fires that have burned more than 700 homes and set 245,957 acres ablaze. In addition, The Salvation Army is serving at meals at five evacuation centers including the Qualcomm Stadium that is housing up to 10,000 evacuees.

Friday, September 28, 2007

SALVATION ARMY LEADER IN PAKISTAN MURDERED

Colonel Bo Brekke, who oversaw The Salvation Army's work in Pakistan , was shot and killed yesterday while working at his office located in Lahore , Pakistan . Local officials do not believe this was related to terrorism, but an individual act of criminality. A man has been taken into custody on possibly related charges. Colonel Bo Brekke was 50 years old.

His wife, Colonel Birgitte Brekke, was attending meetings at The Salvation Army's International Headquarters in London , England , when the tragedy occurred. Immediately after hearing the news she flew to Norway to be with their sons and other family members.

A Norwegian by birth, Bo Brekke was commissioned a Salvation Army officer (pastor) in 1980. He and his wife served in a variety of Salvation Army appointments in Norway , Denmark , Sri Lanka , Bangladesh , Scotland , Eastern Europe and most recently Pakistan . Colonels Bo and Birgitte Brekke were place in charge of The Salvation Army's work in Pakistan in September 2006.

“Colonel Bo Brekke was a Salvation Army leader of unusual distinctive talents. Both he and his wife, Colonel Birgitte Brekke, were known for their hearts of compassion towards the marginalized,” said General Shaw Clifton, international leader of The Salvation Army. Their service together in many lands has been marked by creativity and imagination in order to reach out to the poor, giving them dignity, and also to share their personal faith as Salvationists in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. I have known the Brekkes for many years and have always admired them greatly. Bo Brekke was my friend. I feel blessed to have known him and to have witnessed first hand how he and Birgitte have faithfully served the needs of others.”

September 21, 2007

SALVATION ARMY READY TO RESPOND TO GULF COAST

SUB-TROPICAL DEPRESSION

As Sub-Tropical Depression Ten (STD 10) moves further into the Gulf of Mexico The Salvation Army is preparing for a Saturday afternoon landfall near the Mississippi / Louisiana border. Of greatest concern are the mobile homes in low lying areas and large number of trailers and temporary shelters remaining in parts of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. These housing units are exceptionally vulnerable to heavy rainfall, strong winds and isolated tornadoes. While STD 10 remains somewhat disorganized it is gradually developing tropical characteristics and should make landfall as Tropical Storm Jerry.

The Salvation Army emergency disaster services team is in contact with the Emergency Management agencies in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi and began staffing the Mississippi Emergency Operations center this morning. The Salvation Army also will be providing staff to county Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) as requested. All Salvation Army units in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi have been placed on preparedness alert for possible deployment to areas affected by a land falling tropical cyclone along the central Gulf Coast region. Twenty- three mobile emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) are also available for immediate deployment to the Gulf Coast if needed.

Monday, September 17, 2007

SALVATION ARMY AIDS TEXAS RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY

HURRICANE HUMBERTO

Salvation Army emergency disaster services teams were deployed last week after Hurricane Humberto made landfall in southern Texas on Thursday. Humberto, the first hurricane to hit the U.S. in two years, brought high winds and heavy rains leaving as many as 120,000 homes and businesses without power and causing approximately $500 million in damages.

Early on Friday three Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) were deployed to Port Arthur and Beaumont , Texas , to assist residents and emergency responders affected by the storm. Salvation Army personnel continue to provide hot meals and comfort to residents who remain without power and crews assisting in the storm's aftermath.

In addition, The Salvation Army has established a temporary shelter in Port Arthur for residents forced to evacuate their homes.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

SALVATION ARMY BRINGS AID AFTER TORNADO HITS NORTH DAKOTA

Salvation Army emergency disaster services personnel were deployed after an F4 tornado touched down in Northwood, N.D., Sunday night killing one person and destroying most of the town.

Two Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) are moving through the town serving volunteers, residents and emergency responders. They are expecting to serve 1,500 meals a day and have served 2,400 meals since Sunday night. With electricity still out across the area The Salvation Army is committed to providing aid for at least another week.

“This is just devastating,” said Envoy Mike Fuqua, Salvation Army incident commander. “There is just nothing left in this small town. We are quietly and confidently serving these people.”

Monday, August 27, 2007

SALVATION ARMY RESPONSE TO HURRICANE KATRINA CONTINUES AT TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

The 2005 hurricane season, encompassing tropical cyclones Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, spurred The Salvation Army's largest natural disaster response effort in the United States in its 126 year history. More than $394 million was donated to the Army to assist in the effort.

Following an initial response phase in which more than 1.7 million people were served, The Salvation Army continues to be active in recovery two years after the storms hit. The Army has not set an end date for its dedicated disaster services which provide for basic needs such as, food, clothing, housing and jobs.

Response

During the response phase of the Katrina disaster operation, The Salvation Army focused on meeting immediate essential human needs of rescue workers and disaster survivors. Monies were used to support services such as the provision of food, clothing and shelter, distribution of in-kind goods and medical supplies, and emotional and spiritual care.

During the response phase of the disaster operation:

· 1.7 million people were provided assistance

· 5.7 million hot meals were served

· 8.3 million sandwiches, snacks and drinks were provided

· 178 Canteens and 11 Field Kitchens were dispatched in the many areas affected

· 282,000 social service cases were registered

· More than 188,000 individuals received emotional and spiritual care

· Salvation Army disaster workers on the Gulf Coast logged more than 830,000 hours of service

· More than $84 million expended in the first three months of operations

The Salvation Army has provided case management and direct financial aid to storm victims in nearly every state in the USA ; principal focus areas included the states of Alabama , Mississippi , Louisiana , Texas , Oklahoma , and major metropolitan areas such as Atlanta , Chicago , and New York .

The Salvation Army considers the emergency response phase of the operation to be complete and is now focused on supporting long-term recovery.

Recovery

During the recovery phase of the Katrina operation, which started in January 2006 and continues through the present, The Salvation Army is focusing on case management, reconstruction and support of volunteer rebuild teams. The Army has outlined a long-term plan for Louisiana and Mississippi , and is participating in the Katrina Aid Today program.

Long-term Recovery Plan For Louisiana and Mississippi

As part of The Salvation Army's long-term recovery effort, the Alabama-Louisiana-Mississippi (ALM) Division, which serves both the Miss. and La. Gulf Coast , implemented a six-point Community Recovery Program. The Community Recovery Program (CRP) is a $150 million disaster relief initiative that provides assistance to survivors of both Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in Mississippi and Louisiana .

The six projects that encompass the Community Recovery Program are:

§ Project 1 - Distribution Center Support and Operation : The purpose of this project is to provide continued financial support for Salvation Army Disaster Recovery Centers that are providing distribution of immediate needs items as a part of their case work. This continues to be done on an as-needed basis in New Orleans and on the Mississippi Gulf Coast .

§ Project 2 - Volunteer Village Support and Operation: The Salvation Army is financially and logistically supporting two Volunteer Villages in its own facilities - one in New Orleans , La. , and one in Biloxi , Miss. In addition, The Salvation Army has also provided financial and logistical support to other Volunteer Villages being operated by other nonprofit, disaster relief agencies.

§ Project 3 - Community Capacity Fund: The Community Capacity Fund provides funding to small, lesser funded local organizations with good recovery program ideas.

§ Project 4 - Home Repair and Reconstruction Support: The Salvation Army is logistically and financially partnering with a large number of nonprofit agencies that specialize in repair or reconstruction of homes that have been affected by disasters.

§ Project 5 - Habitat For Humanity Home Reconstruction Support: The Salvation Army has set aside a significant fund to support Habitat For Humanity in its efforts to replace homes that were totally destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

§ Project 6 - Job Skills Training / Re-Training Support : The Salvation Army has partnered with a consortium of universities that are providing job skills training and re-training for disaster victims whose jobs no longer exist due to the storm or whose current skills are no longer needed.

The basic thrust of the Community Recovery Program is to provide casework, logistical and financial support to other community nonprofit partners in cooperation with the local Long-Term Recovery or Unmet Needs Committees that are involved in efforts to repair or reconstruct client homes in those areas most affected by the storms. Through May 31, 2007, among other efforts, the CRP has:

§ Opened a total of 220,000 cases for those in need

§ Assisted 1.4 million people

§ Provided funds for home repair or reconstruction, up to $10,000 per family, in coordination with other rebuild organizations

In addition, the Community Recovery Program has also made it possible to financially support larger projects that broadly benefit the community as a whole. For instance:

§ $1.8 million was granted to Operation Blessing International to purchase medicine in support of their free medical clinic in Slidell , La.

§ Another $1 million has been granted to a partnership of agencies for the "100 Homes in 100 Days" program in Pascagoula , Miss.

Overall, about 46 percent of the total $150 million allocated to the Community Recovery Program has been spent so far.

Katrina Aid Today

The Salvation Army is one of nine case management organizations participating in the Katrina Aid Today (KAT) program. KAT is a project of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the humanitarian and relief and development agency of the United Methodist Church , sponsored by the United Stated Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). KAT is a national case management consortium of social service and voluntary organizations dedicated to helping survivors rebuild lives.

As of August 10, 2007, KAT has opened 58,808 cases nationally; the total number of individuals served to date is 163,539. The total number of KAT cases opened by The Salvation Army is 7,575.

National Financial Summary

To date, the public has donated to The Salvation Army approximately $394.4 million for 2005 hurricane relief ; to date, The Salvation Army has spent more than $239.6 million providing emergency assistance during the response and recovery phases of the event.

Additional committed funds include another $121 million for the elements of The Salvation Army's long-term plans in Louisiana , Mississippi , Texas , Arkansas and Oklahoma and the KAT program.

Salvation Army disaster recovery programs are ongoing in several states. Remaining monies will continue to support disaster and long-term recovery efforts and a cessation date has not been set.

For more information visit The Salvation Army Southern Territory's website www.uss.salvationarmy.org.

Monday, August 27, 2007

SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS TO FLOODING IN IOWA

Salvation Army emergency disaster services personnel are responding in Fort Dodge , Iowa , after strong storms dumped heavy rains that flooded many areas, caused widespread property damage and forced many residents to evacuate.

A Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicle (canteen) is stationed at the local hydroelectric plant. The Salvation Army has served more than 400 meals to residents and emergency responders since yesterday morning.

In addition to offering meals, beverages and emotional and spiritual care, The Salvation Army has made arrangements with local hotels to provide shelter to many of the evacuated residents. Clean up kits have been assembled and will be distributed to residents as soon as the clean up effort begins.

Salvation Army emergency disaster teams will remain in Fort Dodge as long as needed. As damage assessments continue throughout the flood-ravaged area additional canteens are on standby ready to respond at a moment's notice.

Monday, August 27, 2007

Release #3

SALVATION ARMY BEGINS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR MINNESOTA FLOOD SURVIVORS

The Salvation Army continues to provide aid to residents in southeastern Minnesota who were affected by deadly torrential rains and flooding. In addition to serving meals and offering emotional and spiritual care, The Salvation Army is providing immediate financial assistance to residents waiting for final damage assessments in the hopes of receiving government aid.

“Our concern is for people,” said Major Daniel Sjögren, who oversees The Salvation Army's work in Minnesota and North Dakota . “We need to relieve them of some of the burdens they are dealing with as quickly as possible. One way to do this is to provide financial assistance for emergency needs.”

The Salvation Army has established a flood hotline for residents in the six counties that have been declared disaster areas. People needing aid may call 1-800-721-4202.

“As of Friday we have received over $7,000 in credit card donations and Target has stepped in with an additional $10,000 donation,” said Sjögren. “That money will be desperately needed in the next few days of care.”

The Salvation Army has committed to provide recovery assistance in the six devastated counties for a minimum of four months. A primary goal is to set up service units in each county for easy access to caseworkers and cleaning supplies. Currently, more than 2,000 clean up kits and other emergency supplies are being distributed in affected areas.

Additional emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) and personnel have been deployed to bring physical, emotional and spiritual care to residents and emergency responders. As of Friday The Salvation Army has served over 4,000 meals and is working with local and state officials to ensure all needs are met.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Release #2

SALVATION ARMY CONTINUES TO ASSIST MINNESOTA RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY FLOODING

The Salvation Army is continuing to provide hope and help to residents in southeastern Minnesota who are dealing with floods that killed at least seven people and have washed away homes and roads.

Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) were deployed as the flood waters began to rise and will continue to offer aid as long as necessary. More than 3,000 meals have been served so far and Salvation Army officers (pastors) and personnel trained in critical incident and stress management are providing emotional and spiritual care.

The Salvation Army is distributing clean-up kits to residents returning to their flooded homes as well as bottled water and Gatorade donated by Target. The Salvation Army also is offering financial assistance for emergency needs to residents in the six counties declared flood disaster areas. Residents in those counties may call 1-800-721-4202 to request assistance.

Additional Salvation Army emergency disaster services teams from Fargo , N.D. , and Austin , Minn. , will be arriving today in the flood affected area to assist in the effort. A disaster response team is conducting a needs assessment to determine if a distribution center should be established as the clean-up and recovery effort begins.

In addition to the flood relief Salvation Army emergency disaster services personnel remain on the scene of the I-35W bridge collapse to provide a respite and aid to recovery workers.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Release #5

SALVATION ARMY SERVES LAST MEAL AT UTAH MINE DISASTER 

AFTER 13 DAYS OF SERVICE

For 13 days Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) personnel served nearly 4,000 meals in response to the Crandall Canyon Mine collapse. In collaboration with the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army averaged 300 meals a day to emergency workers, miners, families, government personnel, volunteers and media.

In addition, The Salvation Army's Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team from The Salvation Army's Eastern Territory provided emotional and spiritual care to the families, miners and emergency workers.

“The Salvation Army has provided about 4,000 meals over the past two weeks to the families, rescue workers, emergency personnel and media,” said Gordon Franks, The Salvation Army's field representative from Intermountain Division which includes Colorado , Utah , Wyoming and much of Montana . “Today is our last day of food service, but we feel strongly that our presence in Huntington will continue as the community heals and processes through this heartbreaking tragedy.”

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Release #2

SALVATION ARMY IN WISCONSIN AND UPPER MICHIGAN AID IN PERU EARTHQUAKE EFFORT

Salvation Army emergency disaster services personnel in Peru are continuing to bring comfort and aid to residents after a violent earthquake killed at least 510 people and left tens of thousands homeless. One of the emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) being used in the relief effort was donated by The Salvation Army in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan . For the past few years The Salvation Army in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan has partnered with The Salvation Army in Peru to enhance the ministry of the organization in both regions of the world.

The Peruvian people also have been extremely generous, giving what they can to help in response to this horrific tragedy. The Salvation Army has established feeding and distribution centers in Ica , Chincha and Pisco , Peru , and is currently serving 3,000 people a day. At the request of the government the organization is preparing to open three additional distribution centers to serve up to 6,000 earthquake survivors. So far, The Salvation Army has distributed 4,000 blankets, 600 mattresses, 2,000 tons of water, 400 plastic buckets and 29,867 rations of food. Three physicians will be joining The Salvation Army relief team to provide medical care.

“We have 40 volunteers who are working 20 hour shifts every day. Our volunteers are providing aid, counseling to families who have lost loved ones and helping to move bodies that were trapped in the rubble,” said Major Alex Nesterenko, who oversees The Salvation Army's work in Peru .

The Salvation Army is working with the government and other aid agencies to assist residents. According to Nesterenko there have been improvements in living conditions, but there are still problems with the city's water supply and electricity.

Monday, August 20, 2007

SALVATION ARMY ALREADY RESPONDING TO HURRICANE DEAN

As Hurricane Dean pounds the Caribbean The Salvation Army is responding to those affected by the storm. In addition, Salvation Army personnel and emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) have been deployed to San Antonio, Texas, and Salvation Army team emergency radio network (SATERN) has been activated to provide communications in preparation for the storm's possible landfall.

The Salvation Army in Kingston , Jamaica , is preparing to serve 500 meals a day at shelters as well as putting together food packages for over 1,000 people. “The Nest,” a Salvation Army children's home and orphanage in Kingston sustained considerable damage including a roof of a girls' dormitory being completely destroyed by a toppled tree.

The Salvation Army in Montego Bay , Jamaica , is assisting people in rural areas who suffered immense property damage. The Salvation Army is working with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management to offer aid as necessary.

The Salvation Army of Texas is attempting to stay several steps ahead of the storm as forecasters predict it will make landfall in that state. The Salvation Army has ordered nine emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) along with the mobile command center to San Antonio . Salvation Army personnel are feeding first responders and making preparations to meet urgent needs of hurricane survivors should Dean take a turn towards Texas .

The Salvation Army has placed 35 additional canteens from across the Lone Star State on standby to move into position as soon as Hurricane Dean reveals where he will make landfall.

These canteens will serve meals to the Texas military and TXDOT crews working at the re-fueling points along evacuation routes. Feeding was projected to begin Sunday night and is a 24-hour, around the clock service for two days.

Canteen locations providing service for first responders are as follows:

• Poteet Fairgrounds- on State Highway 16 (about 9 miles north of Pleasanton )
• Alice- on US 281 (12 miles north of Alice at a rest area)
• Hebbronville - at the Jim Hogg ISD bus yard along State Highway 16
• Encino - at the Elementary School along US 281 Business

Monday, August 20, 2007

SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS TO FLOODING IN WISCONSIN

Salvation Army emergency disaster services teams have responded in southwestern Wisconsin after weekend thunderstorms dumped more than a foot of rain in the region and caused millions of dollars of property damage.

Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) in Crawford County are stationed in the Richland Center , Gays Mills and Soldiers Grove areas. The Salvation Army is bringing physical, emotional and spiritual comfort to emergency responders, residents and others impacted by the flooding.

A Salvation Army representative is at the Wisconsin State Emergency Operations Center to ensure all needs are met. As damage assessments continue throughout the flood-ravaged areas additional canteens are on standby and are ready to respond as needed. The Salvation Army is prepared to remain in the area and provide meals and beverages as long as necessary. In addition, clean up kits are being assembled for distribution.

Monday, August 20, 2007

SALVATION ARMY BRINGS FLOOD RELIEF IN MINNESOTA

Salvation Army emergency disaster service vehicles (canteens) and personnel have been deployed to southeastern Minnesota after heavy rains swelled rivers and washed away homes and roads. At least six people have been killed as a result of the floods and several areas had to be evacuated.

The Salvation Army has deployed two canteens to Hokah and Stockton , Minn. Salvation Army personnel are serving approximately 200-300 meals at each location to National Guard troops, emergency responders and flood survivors. In addition, The Salvation Army is addressing needs and providing clean up supplies to residents who were able to return to their homes. On Sunday morning members of the local Salvation Army church went door to door to assist residents with the clean up effort.

The Salvation Army is working with state and local officials and stands ready to offer additional aid as needed. Chrissie Morrison, Salvation Army emergency disaster services director for The Salvation Army in Minnesota and North Dakota , is at the Emergency Operation Center . While Salvation Army emergency disaster services personnel respond to this tragedy, additional personnel remain on the scene of the I-35W bridge collapse to serve meals and provide comfort to recovery workers.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Release #4

SALVATION ARMY'S UTAH MINE RELIEF EFFORTS INCREASE IN WAKE OF NEW TRAGEDY

The Salvation Army has stepped up its emergency disaster relief efforts in Utah after a mine collapsed for a second time killing three and injuring six rescue workers who were searching for six miners that were trapped following the first mine collapse. The Salvation Army has already served approximately 3,000 meals, 6,000 beverages and 9,000 snacks to those on the scene of the collapse as well as at the family center. In addition, Salvation Army officers (pastors) and personnel trained in Critical Incident Stress Management are providing emotional and spiritual care to those impacted by the tragedy.

The Salvation Army is working with the Southern Baptists and American Red Cross to bring comfort and aid to rescue workers, family members of the miners and emergency responders. Currently, The Salvation Army has two emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) on the scene and the Southern Baptists have brought kitchen trailers and shower trailers to assist in the effort. The Salvation Army will continue to serve three meals a day in areas including the drilling site, Utah Governor's site and command post. American Red Cross volunteers are distributing meals made by The Salvation Army at the family center. The numbers are expected to increase to 800 meals, 1,600 beverages and 2,400 snacks a day

August 17,2007

SALVATION ARMY PROVIDES ASSISTANCE IN PERU

FOLLOWING DEADLY EARTHQUAKE

The Salvation Army is providing aid in Peru after a deadly 8.0-magnitude earthquake rocked the South American nation killing at least 400 people and leaving thousands homeless. Salvation Army emergency disaster services teams are concentrating their efforts in the town of Pisco where an estimated 80 percent of the buildings were completely destroyed.

Salvation Army officers (pastors) and personnel from Lima, the capital of Peru, and The Salvation Army's regional headquarters in Chile are providing assistance. In addition, an initial $250,000 grant has been sent to support the relief efforts.

“Our officers have determined that there is a great need for our assistance in the town of Pisco. The immediate needs for the village are water, food, surgical gloves, masks, blankets and mattresses,” said Lt. Colonel Susan McMillan, who is second in command of The Salvation Army's South America West Territory that includes Peru, Chile, Ecuador and Bolivia.

According to McMillan The Salvation Army's men's home in Callao, Peru sustained considerable damage and will not be able to reopen until damage assessments can be done.

“The destruction and suffering caused by this earthquake is widespread, with many thousands of people left homeless. An appeal is being established to provide assistance with  initial relief and also long-term recovery,” said Major Cedric Hills, international coordinator for Salvation Army emergency disaster services efforts.

August 16, 2007

Below are the up to date stats, meal schedules, and logistics of TSA EDS at the Utah Mine Disaster. Please let me know if you need any other detailed information from the field. Overall the number of meals will increase by approximately 300 each day through Sunday; also, TSA is providing all of the beverages for all sites (includes other agencies). Starting Monday the collaboration with Southern Baptists and American Red Cross will increase to approximately 800 meals, over 1,600 beverages and 2,400 snacks each day.
Southern Baptist prepares TSA food with their kitchen trailers; they have also provided shower trailers. Volunteer #'s:
8 EDS volunteers & personnel starting tomorrow / Friday
13 EDS volunteers starting Sunday (with eastern CISM team)
Will be increasing volunteer since SLC is recruiting more volunteers for 3 to 4 day commitment Total # of meals served:
Approximately (as of 8.16.07): 2,100 meals, 4,200 drinks, and 6,800 snacks (Through Sunday night 3,000 meals, 6,000 beverages & 9,000 snacks) # of mobile canteens / kitchen trailers:
2 (1 from SLC and 1 from Denver) Current Schedule for meals until Monday:
Details: TSA Cooking @ the Command Post to emergency personnel and media
7 a.m. -- breakfast
12 p.m.-- lunch
5 p.m. -- dinner
Average: ~300 meals per day, 600 beverages & 900 snacks Meal Schedule starting Monday: > Breakfast Schedule
Details: TSA delivers and prepares all continental breakfast meals
Mine Site: 5:30 a.m. (100 meals and 200 beverages)
Family Center (in Huntington) -- 8 a.m. (20 meals and 120 beverages)
Command Post -- 7 a.m. (75 meals and 150 beverages)
Utah Governor's Site -- 5:30 a.m. (6 meals and 12 beverages)
Drilling Site (delivered by helicopter)  5:30 a.m. (25 meals and 50 beverages) > Lunch Schedule
Details: Southern Baptists prepare TSA food with their kitchen trailers; TSA distributes food at the following distribution sites:
Drilling Site (delivered by helicopter) -- 11:30 a.m. (25 meals and 50 beverages)
Utah Governor's Site -- 11:30 a.m. (6 meals and 12 beverages)
Family Center (in Huntington) -- Lunch is not served at this site
Mine site - 11:30 a.m. (100 meals Update and 200 beverages)
Command Post --  Noon (75 meals and 150 beverages) > Dinner Schedule
Details: Southern Baptists prepare TSA food with their kitchen trailers; TSA distributes food at the following distribution sites:
Drilling Site (delivered by helicopter) -- 5:30 p.m. (25 meals and beverages)
Utah Governor's Site -- 5:30 p.m. (6 meals and 12 beverages)
**Family Center (in Huntington) -- 90 meals & 180 beverages delivered by American Red Cross volunteers**
Mine Site -- 5:30 p.m. (100 meals and 200 beverages)
Command Post -- 5 p.m. (75 meals and 150 beverages) Starting Monday Meal Count:
Breakfast: ~250 meals
Lunch: ~225 meals
Dinner: ~325 meals Approximately total: ~ 800 meals per day Gordon Franks on-site spokesperson and Incident Commander -- 801.597.3575 leaving Fri night, back Sunday afternoon. Email: Lotus Notes.
TBD spokesperson Saturday while he's taking some R&R. Other Agency volunteer #'s
Southern Baptists 12 volunteers
Red Cross 3 volunteers

August 13, 2007

SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS TO MASSIVE WILDFIRE IN

MICHIGAN 'S UPPER PENINSULA

GRAND RAPIDS , Mich. , August 13, 2007 – The Grand Rapids Salvation Army sent an emergency disaster services (EDS) team to Newberry , MI , after lightning sparked wildfires that have spread across nearly nineteen thousand acres of land in the state's Upper Peninsula .

The Department of National Resources (DNR) reports that the wildfire is the third largest in Michigan 's history.

The Salvation Army EDS team, in conjunction with the Red Cross, is providing food and hydration to those battling the blaze. The Salvation Army is serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to nearly 300 firefighters, state police, and other support teams a day through four emergency disaster services vehicle (canteen), located at a command post in Newberry, MI.

The Army is also prepared to offer emotional and spiritual care.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Release #3

SALVATION ARMY MINISTRY AT UTAH MINE DISASTER CONTINUES

The Salvation Army remains on the scene as efforts continue to find and rescue six miners who were trapped when a mine collapsed outside Huntington , Utah , last week. Salvation Army emergency disaster services personnel and volunteers are providing physical, emotional and spiritual care to emergency responders, workers, volunteers and the miners' family members.

Since August 9 th The Salvation Army has served over 1,600 meals. To assist in the massive feeding effort The Salvation Army deployed a mobile kitchen trailer from Denver , Colo.

“The Salvation Army will be in Huntington as long as we're needed. We will be serving over 750 meals a day to miners, emergency responders and families of the trapped miners,” said Mike Gelski, who oversees The Salvation Army's emergency disaster services work in Denver and is driving the kitchen trailer to Huntington .

Salvation Army volunteers loaded the trailer this morning with items to bring comfort to those impacted by this tragedy.

UPDATE # 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE SALVATION ARMY SERVES OVER 600 MEALS IN RESPONSE TO THE UTAH MINING DISASTER

DENVER, CO (August 10, 2007) – The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team from Salt Lake City, Utah has served over 600 meals and countless beverages to emergency workers and volunteers who are responding to the trapped miners in Huntington, Utah.

The EDS vehicle (canteen) is providing breakfast, lunch and dinner to over 100 people at each meal. The location of the EDS canteen is located on Highway 31, 12 miles west of Huntington at the on-site command post.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the mining families and emergency workers," said Gordon Franks, Utah Service Extension Field Representative for The Salvation Army. "The Salvation Army will continue to serve here as long as we are needed to those in need, in the place of need."

"The area is remote and conditions are difficult for our people, said Mike Gelski who is the EDS liasion between Divisional Headquarters in Denver and the field.  They are over 3 1/2 hours from their home Corps of Salt Lake
City. "temperatures are high and heat related injuries are a real threat,"Gelski said. "Our people are working long hours in dusty hot conditons to meet the need."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE SALVATION ARMY SERVES OVER 600 MEALS IN RESPONSE TO THE UTAH MINING DISASTER

DENVER, CO   (August 10, 2007) – The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team from Salt Lake City, Utah has served over 600 meals and countless beverages to emergency workers and volunteers who are responding to the trapped miners in Huntington, Utah.

The EDS vehicle (canteen) is providing breakfast, lunch and dinner to over 100 people at each meal. The location of the EDS canteen is located on Highway 31, 12 miles west of Huntington at the on-site command post.


“Our hearts and prayers go out to the mining families and emergency workers,” said Gordon Franks, Utah Service Extension Field Representative for The Salvation Army. “The Salvation Army will continue to serve here as long as we are needed to those in need, in the place of need.”

"The area is remote and conditions are difficult for our people, said Mike Gelski who is the EDS liasion between Divisional Headquarters in Denver and the field.  They are over 3 1/2 hours from their home Corps of Salt Lake City. "temperatures are high and heat related injuries are a real threat," Gelski said. "Our people are working long hours to meet the need."

To make a monetary donation please send a check payable to The Salvation Army earmarked ‘Disaster Relief' to PO Box 2369, Denver, CO 80201, call 1.800.SAL.ARMY or make a donation online www.salvationarmyusa.org.

The Intermountain Division encompasses Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana.

Friday, August 10, 2007

SALVATION ARMY IN KANSAS CITY OFFERS RELIEF FROM HEAT

With an excessive heat warning in effect for more than a week in the Kansas City area The Salvation Army has opened its doors to people needing a respite from the hot weather.

All Salvation Army community centers in the Kansas City metro area have been designated community cooling centers and will be open every day from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. including weekends during the heat warning. Cold drinks and light snacks will be served at all cooling center locations.

Salvation Army volunteers will be distributing cold drinks to the homeless in downtown Kansas City all week and making nearly 800 phone calls to check on elderly and shut-in residents. In addition, The Salvation Army is distributing fans and air conditioners to families with medically fragile children. For more information on the Fan Club program call (816) 756-2769.

Salvation Army cooling centers are located at:

6111 East 129 th St. , Grandview , MO

14700 East Truman Rd. , Independence , MO

3013 East 9 th St. , Kansas City , MO

6618 East Truman Rd. , Kansas City , MO

4300 NE Parvin Rd. , Kansas City , MO

500 West 39 th St. , Kansas City , MO

701 Washington., Kansas City , KS ( Administration Building ) (8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.)

500 N. 7 th Street , Kansas City , KS (5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)

420 East Santa Fe , Olathe , KS

SALVATION ARMY BRINGS RELIEF FOLLOWING FLOODING IN WINNEBAGO COUNTY , ILLINOIS

Salvation Army emergency disaster services personnel were deployed to Winnebago County in Illinois early Tuesday morning after wave after wave of storms and torrential rains dumped an excess of eight inches of rain on the county. The flooding has caused an immense amount of damage to homes and businesses, and was declared a state disaster area by Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Local authorities and emergency responders asked The Salvation Army to respond in an area that dealt with similar flooding less than a year ago. Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) and a large mobile kitchen are providing nearly 1,200 meals a day to local responders and residents who've been forced to evacuate their homes. Salvation Army canteens are roving neighborhoods distributing clean-up kits and offering food, hydration and a respite as residents return to their homes and deal with the aftermath of the floods. So far, The Salvation Army has distributed 150 clean-up kits to weary residents.

At the request of the local government The Salvation Army is assisting with social service case management. The Salvation Army is helping residents meet immediate needs including clothing, food, basic necessities and prescriptions.

Current activity regarding the Army's involvement with the bridge collapse recovery effort:

• The State of Minnesota has asked The Salvation Army to head up case management, providing assistance with medical bills, funeral arrangements, etc.  With anticipated attendance of more than 300,000 people, this weekend's  Uptown Art Fair will include a fund drive to assist the Army with these expenses
• Captains Bob & Lisa Mueller are at the Family Assistance Center.  It is expected that First Lady Laura Bush will be visiting the site the morning
• Major Ed Wilson is representing The Salvation Army at the State Emergency Operations Center
• The canteen stationed at Washington Avenue continues to serve emergency responders
• Cub Foods, Target and Macys are providing all supplies needed by The Salvation Army

Friday, August 3, 2007

Release #3

STATE OF MINNESOTA ASKS SALVATION ARMY TO HEAD UP FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THOSE IMPACTED BY BRIDGE COLLAPSE

Salvation Army emergency disaster services personnel are continuing to bring comfort and aid to rescue workers and responders at the scene of the horrific bridge collapse in Minneapolis, Minn. Salvation Army officers (pastors) and volunteers are also at the family assistance center providing physical, emotional and spiritual care to survivors and victims' families.

Three emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) initially responded to the tragedy. Since Wednesday night The Salvation Army has served nearly 800 people including many federal, state and local workers who are tirelessly working following the collapse. Salvation Army officers and personnel trained in critical incident stress management are offering emotional and spiritual care to those on the scene. Currently, The Salvation Army has one canteen stationed at 10 th Ave.

In addition to the short-term relief, the state of Minnesota has asked The Salvation Army to provide financial assistance and head up social service case management to individuals and families directly affected by the I-35W bridge collapse. Assistance will include money for funerals, medical bills and other unexpected costs caused by the August 1 st tragedy.

The Salvation Army is grateful to partners like Cub Foods, Target and Macys who are providing supplies needed for The Salvation Army's relief effort. The Salvation Army also is grateful to the many individuals who have given so generously.

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Release #2

SALVATION ARMY REMAINS ON THE SCENE OF MINNEAPOLIS

BRIDGE TRAGEDY

Salvation Army emergency disaster services personnel continue to bring physical, emotional and spiritual aid to hundreds of survivors and relief workers after the 1-35W bridge collapsed yesterday in Minneapolis , Minn. , during rush hour.

Three Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) and 15 volunteers were on the scene of the tragedy within moments of the deadly accident. The canteens remained throughout the night and The Salvation Army is dedicated to providing aid as long as necessary.

One canteen is stationed on the north side of the Mississippi River at 2 nd St SE and 8 th Ave. A second is on the south side at 1201 West River Rd. The third canteen was stationed at the recovery area of 354 East River Parkway . The Salvation Army is providing food and water, donated by Cub Foods, for relief workers and survivors. In addition, Salvation Army officers (pastors) and volunteers trained in Critical Incident Stress Management are offering emotional and spiritual care. So far The Salvation Army has served 475 people.

Captain Adam Moore, who oversees The Salvation Army's work in Fargo , N.D. , witnessed the collapse. He was about a half mile south of the bridge on Washington Ave. , ready to head north on I-35W.

“This is why The Salvation Army exists,” said Moore . “We help people make sense of tragedy and help them put the pieces back together.”

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS FOLLOWING BRIDGE COLLAPSE IN MINNEAPOLIS , MINNESOTA

The Salvation Army is responding in Minneapolis , Minn. , after a bridge collapsed hurling cars into the Mississippi River and killing at least three people. Salvation Army emergency disaster services personnel are bringing physical, emotional and spiritual aid to people at the scene.

Three Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) along with more than a dozen emergency responders are on scene at the I-35W collapse. One vehicle is stationed on the University side stationed at 2nd ST SE and 8th Ave and another on the Washington side at 1201 West River Rd. The third unit is at the recovery area of 354 East River Prkwy. The primary focus will be to provide food and water for emergency personnel on site as well as survivors who are on the scene and to provide for spiritual and emotional care.

According to Chrissie Morrison, Salvation Army Disaster Services Director in the Twin Cities, The Salvation Army is prepared to serve throughout the evening. Each feeding unit has five to six volunteers/staff members serving. The Salvation Army responds to calls for help from local law enforcement and becomes part of the Emergency Operation Center set up in times of disaster. Salvation Army emergency staff and volunteers are trained both in food service and Critical Incident Stress Management.

July 20,2007

SALVATION ARMY GIVES SUPPORT FOLLOWING DEADLY PLANE CRASH IN BRAZIL         The Salvation Army in Brazil (yes, The Salvation Army is in Brazil and another 110 nations around the world) responded after a TAM jet skidded off a runway at Sao Paulo's Congonhas Airport slamming into a gas station and crashing into a TAM Airlines building. The accident that killed 189 people, including all 186 passengers aboard the plane, is the deadliest jetliner crash in Brazil's history.         Salvation Army officers (pastors) immediately contacted civil authorities to offer assistance. Salvation Army personnel were escorted to the scene of the tragedy where they ministered to rescue workers and emergency responders working through the night. The Salvation Army served water and refreshments and offered comfort and a respite to the workers who were physically and emotionally weary (see photo). The Salvation Army also is providing support to victims' families.         "The confidence that both the authorities and people in the community have in The Salvation Army has been demonstrated in that The Salvation Army is the only organization that has been allowed within the police blockade," said Commissioner Peder Refstie, who oversees The Salvation Army's work in Brazil. THE SALVATION ARMY

Thursday, July 19, 2007

SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS TO FLOODING IN WISCONSIN

Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) teams were deployed to Bagley , Wis. , after blocked drains and heavy rains caused flooding throughout the town. Nearly 400 homes have been damaged due to flood waters and sewer backups.

A Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicle (canteen) was deployed to the area to assist emergency responders, local officials and residents who had to be evacuated. Salvation Army EDS personnel have been serving meals and beverages, and assisting with the clean-up effort since last night. In Milwaukee , Wis. , volunteers are working to put together 200 clean-up kits that will arrive in Bagley by early afternoon. The kits include brooms, mops, sponges, gloves, bleach and other cleaning supplies.

THE SALVATION ARMY ASSISTS AT THE NOELA NORTH FIRE

SALT LAKE CITY- July 12, 2007 The Salvation Army responded with Emergency Disaster Services in the Northeastern Utah area to assist survivors of the Neola North fire and first responders fighting the wildfires.

A group of Salvation Army volunteers from Salt Lake City and the Service Extension Unit in Vernal, Utah were stationed at the local disaster assistance center in to provide short term aid for immediate needs for more than 250 survivors and first responders. Army officers and Service Extension workers from Vernal provided food and spiritual comfort to families coming back to their residence as well as the fire crews.

“This has been extremely difficult on all of the individuals involved. I’m pleased that we have been able to provide assistance to those affected by the fire,” said Gordon Franks, Field Representative of The Salvation Army Service Extension Department. “We have been on scene assisting with food and hydration as well as providing counseling services. We are continuing to provide assistance for long-term follow-up.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 6, 2007

Release # 2

ALVATION ARMY CONTINUES FLOOD RESPONSE IN KANSAS

Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) personnel are responding in southeastern Kansas after torrential rains caused flooding in at least 13 counties. Many residents have been forced to evacuate their homes and multiple areas have no running water.

In Coffeyville, Kan., where the city remains 20 percent under water, The Salvation Army is providing assistance in emergency shelters and has served 443 meals so far. Salvation Army EDS teams worked with the National Guard to distribute 20,736 bottles of water and 8,640 bottles of Gatorade to those impacted by an oil refinery storage tank that leaked at least 71,000 gallons of oil into the Verdigris River.

In neighboring Chautauqua County The Salvation Army distributed 8,640 bottles of water in the town of Niotaze when its water supply was cut-off due to flooding. The Salvation Army again worked with the National Guard to distribute 34,560 bottles of water in Wilson County which was almost entirely underwater. As flood waters begin to recede in Wilson County, The Salvation Army is providing social service assistance to residents returning to their homes.

With pumps operating 24 hours a day in Osawatomie, Kan., local officials aren't sure when the city will be clear of water. In spite of the dismal situation The Salvation Army is providing hope and help by assisting with shelter, feeding and offering social service assistance. Salvation Army flood relief efforts continue in Franklin, Allen, Neosho, Cherokee, Coffey, Labette, Anderson, Linn and Bourbon counties.

In addition, The Salvation Army continues to assist residents devastated by an F5 tornado that tore through Greensburg, Kan., nearly destroying the entire town in May.

Monday, July 02, 2007

SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS TO FLOODING IN

KANSAS AND OKLAHOMA

Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) personnel are responding after torrential rains caused severe flooding in portions of Oklahoma and southeast Kansas .

In Coffeyville , Kan. , one of the hardest-hit communities, The Salvation Army is providing meals to evacuees staying in community shelters. A Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicle (canteen) team is ready to be deployed once the waters have receded to provide assistance to those taking part in the clean-up effort. In Osawatomie , Kan. , The Salvation Army is providing meals after nearly half of the town's population was forced to evacuate. More than 35,000 bottles of water are being distributed to residents in Neosho, Fredonia, Neodesha and Wilson counties. In addition, Salvation Army personnel are conducting needs assessment to determine how best to provide ongoing assistance.

The Salvation Army is responding in Washington County , Okla. , for the second time in less than three weeks after torrential rains caused flooding throughout the area. The Salvation Army in Bartlesville , Okla. , is feeding residents who are temporarily staying in Red Cross shelters. Additionally a canteen is roaming neighborhoods to provide aid to residents who remained in their homes.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, June 28, 2007

SALVATION ARMY PROVIDES WIDESPREAD FLOOD RELIEF IN TEXAS

The Salvation Army responded after torrential rains swept through north and central Texas on Tuesday and Wednesday. Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) personnel are providing hot meals and cold beverages to residents affected by the flooding as well as emergency responders and local officials.

Five Salvation Army EDS crews are stationed in Granbury, Marble Falls, Eastland, Kerrville and Parker counties. In Granbury, The Salvation Army is distributing hundreds of clean-up kits to residents, and in central Texas The Salvation Army is assisting people who were impacted by the 16 inches of rain that fell causing damage and forcing residents to evacuate.

A Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicle (canteen) was deployed to the Marble Falls Middle School where many residents sought refuge as the rains continued to fall and rivers rose.

In addition to providing meals and distributing clean-up kits, Salvation Army personnel are conducting needs assessments and working with state and local officials to determine how best to provide ongoing assistance. The Salvation Army will continue to provide meals, shelter and meet immediate needs as long as necessary. With more rain forecast throughout the week additional Salvation Army EDS crews and canteens remain on stand-by.

Denver The Salvation Army Working With Other Community Agencies to Welcome Survivors of Hurricane Katrina

Sunday, September 4-- Aurora Colorado

The first plane carrying 120 evacuees arrived at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora Colorado. Others were transported others ways to the reception site. New arrivals were transported by bus with a police escort to the Community College of Aurora Dormitory where many agencies worked together to provide essential services. Upon their arrival to Denver they were given medical check and then handed a bottle of water and a sack lunch from volunteers with The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army coordinator of The Salvation Army's part of Colorado's  "Operation Safe Haven" is it. Colonel George Church (R) Development Director. 

Upon arrival at the registration center the evacuees were assisted by community groups.  Lt. Ron McKinney is coordinating the pastoral care services and coordinating the involvement of local churches who are anxious to do something.   Room assignments were made and when the people were settled they found hot food, cold beverages, and a friendly face volunteers at The Salvation Army Canteens.  Mike Gelski, Metro Denver Emergency Disaster Services Supervisor, a member os SATERN (KB0PVD) reported that 1500 lunches were served to all the public safety personnel.   TSA is providing  all food services services for at least the next 30 days. Colorado ARES  and members of SATERN communicated information about arriving airplanes and the departure of buses and to the Colorado Emergency Operations Center.  Up to 7 planes may arrive on Monday carrying up to 900 perhaps more survivors.  Lt. Colonel Raymond Peacock, Divisional Commander, Intermountain Division visited with the the new arrivals and volunteers aftering returning to Denver after Family Camp.  Lt. Col. Peacock said, "The Salvation Army has commited to feeding, counseling, and helping people from Louisiana reestablish  themselves."

Mike

Septermber 6, 2005

Global Corporation Helps SATERN Operation in Disaster Response

It brings about a blend of High Tech computer communication and databasing plus High Frequency radio communication, that will enhance our opportunity to help people and find lost loved ones," stated Major Patrick McPherson National Director for SATERN. CSC naturally fits as a component of the Health and Welfare module headed by Quent Nelson, SATERN's Health and Welfare Operations Director. CSC brings an executive team of skilled individuals across the nation who plan to dynamically assist Salvation Army disaster response. They will help in a number of ways including:

• Connection to a scope of databases collecting survivor lists.
• The creation of an in-box for SATERN requests.
• Provision of volunteer staff to process requests to address the thousands of requests
• Customization of a programming interface to convert submitted forms to records into a request database
• The building of a database to match the searched database to match against the registered survivor database
• The provision of a live call center/voice support for operation.
• The provision of a solution architect, program manager, and technical architect on the team

“Look after each other so that none of you will miss out on the special
favor of God"  (Hebrews 12:15a, NLT).
(Wed eve, Aug 31)
Hurricane Katrina Response
Kitchen Sites and Units Activated in Partnership with American Red Cross
and Salvation Army
Louisiana
Baton Rouge
      Rolling Hills unit (Louisiana), Oak Crest Baptist Church
      Tennessee state unit, Jefferson Baptist Church
      Oklahoma state unit, Florida Blvd. Baptist Church
      Southern Baptist Convention of Texas, site undetermined
Alexandria
      Top of Texas unit, Horseshoe Drive Baptist Church
Lafayette
      Texas state unit, Cajun Dome
Bogalusa
      Illinois state unit, First Baptist Church (FBC) Bogalusa
Covington
      Louisiana state and Taminy unit, FBC Covington
      Spirit of America, Taminy Parrish Fairgrounds
Hammond
      Texas Tarrant unit, Woodland Park Church
Prairieville
      Arkansas Forrest City unit, Fellowship Baptist Church
Kenner
      Arkansas Independence, Veterans Parkway
Mississippi
Biloxi
      Mississippi state unit, FBC Biloxi
Pascagoula
      Georgia 11F unit, FBC Pascagoula
Hattiesburg
      Florida state unit, Main Street Baptist Church
      Kentucky unit, site undetermined
McComb
      Missouri state unit, FBC McComb
Meridian
      North Carolina state unit, FBC Meridian
Clinton (Jackson)
      Kentucky state unit, Camp Garraway
Laurel
      Arkansas state unit, FBC Laurel
Lucedale
      Georgia 9, FBC Lucedale
Columbia
      South Carolina unit, FBC Columbia
Tylertown
      Michigan unit, FBC Tylertown
Picayune
      VBMB unit, FBC Picayune
Columbia
      South Carolina unit, FBC Columbia
Prentiss
      SBCV unit, FBC Prentiss
Wiggins
      Henry's Kitchen

Alabama
Mobile—Alabama state unit, Moffett Baptist Church
Georgia
Carrollton—Georgia associational unit
American Red Cross Disaster Operations Report
11:00 a.m, 8/31/2005
Impact of Hurricane Katrina

The levee on Lake Pontchartrain at 17th Street in New Orleans was
breached early Tuesday morning sending more floodwaters into the city.
Rescues from roof tops have been occurring all day. Incredible storm
surge reports have been received from the Mississippi coastline. A team
from the National Hurricane Center has been dispatched to the scene to
officially measure how high the surge got. It appears it may be the
record surge in the U.S. Storm surge has been reported as far away as
the Florida Panhandle. Damage reports have been slow to come in because
it is near impossible to get to some of the areas hit hardest by
Katrina. Power is still out as far inland as Jackson, Mississippi.

80% of New Orleans is underwater according to the mayor's office. As of
2:24 AM local time, state police say the levee breach is two-blocks wide
near the 17th Street Canal. This levee holds back Lake Pontchartrain. Up
until an hour before then the water was rising one inch every five
minutes, but it is now rapidly accelerating and is approaching the
second floor of the Tulane University Medical Center Water, which has
1,000 patients (mostly critical-care). Charity Hospital, which is across
the street, is now being evacuated by air. Tulane University Hospital
has asked FEMA for immediate assistance, and emergency helicopters will
soon evacuate all 1,000 patients. The water is running so quickly down
Canal Street white caps are evident.
FEMA is preparing to house "at least tens of thousands of victims ...
for literally months on end," said the agency's director, Michael Brown.

In Mississippi, Highway 90 was destroyed, all communications are down,
transportation systems demolished and medical services crippled. In
Gulfport, the fire chief estimates 75% of buildings have major roof
damage, "if they have a roof left at all." The storm surge crossed the
CSX railroad tracks; there is heavy damage to Memorial Hospital. The
first floor of the Armed Forces Retirement Home flooded and at least
three firehouses have taken significant damage. In Harrison County,
there are reports of damage to virtually all shelters.
The Mississippi Department of Transportation reports the following roads
are impassable due to debris and power lines blocking travel: I-10 from
Louisiana to Alabama, U-S 90 from Louisiana to Alabama; U-S Highway 49
is open only to emergency vehicles from Jackson to Gulfport; Interstate
59 closed from Meridian to Picayune; Interstates 20 and 55 are open but
motorists are asked to exercise caution.

The Alabama Department of Transportation opened two lanes of the
Cochrane-Africatown USA Bridge (US 90/98), which crosses the Mobile
River and was hit by a barge, and reopened Bankhead Tunnel yesterday for
local I-10 traffic.

(SOURCES: The Weather Channel/National Weather Service/CNN/The
Times-Picayune, Service Area 4)
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Donations
If you would like to make a financial contribution to the Southern
Baptist Disaster Relief Fund, make checks payable to the North American
Mission Board (NAMB) and mail to: NAMB, P.O. Box 116543, Atlanta, GA
30368-6543.National Leadership
There are two incident command teams—a Mississippi team and a Louisiana
team. The Mississippi IC team is set up at Camp Garraway in Clinton,
Miss. (for now). The Louisiana IC team will operate out of the Louisiana
Baptist Convention in Alexandria. Team members include Terry Henderson,
David Abernathy, Donald Kimbell , Eddie Blackmon, Mike Morgan, John
Dillender, Carl Russell, Kevin Kite, Gary Smith, and Harold Moore.
Donna Swarts and Don Gann are the Mississippi White Hats.
Tommy Puckett is Alabama Disaster Relief State Director.
Loy Seal is Louisiana Disaster Relief State Director.
Mickey Caison is the NAMB Disaster Operations Center (DOC) manager.
Fred Kinsey is the SBC liaison at American Red Cross National
Headquarters (ARC NHQ) in Washington, D.C.
Randy Creamer is the SBC member of an ARC mass-care coordination group
convening at ARC NHQ in Washington, D.C.
Harold Johnson is SBC liaison at ARC HQ in Baton Rouge, La.
Don Hargis is SBC liaison at ARC HQ in Montgomery.
Mike Overcash is SBC liaison at TSA HQ in Jackson, Miss.
To contact the Disaster Operations Center, call 1 800 462-8657, ext.
6133 or e-mail dir_offsite@namb.net

SATERN Volunteers Have Pivotal Roles in Rooftop, Attic Rescues

NEWINGTON, CT, Sep 2, 2005--Amateur Radio was instrumental in saving several stranded flood victims this week in Louisiana and Mississippi. At least one of the incidents received national media attention. On August 29, a call for help involving a combination of cell telephone calls and Amateur Radio led to the rescue of 15 people stranded by floodwaters on the roof of a house in New Orleans. Unable to get through an overloaded 911 system, one of those stranded called a relative in Baton Rouge. That person called another relative, Sybil Hayes in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, whose 81-year-old aunt Helen Elzy was among those clinging to the roof along with other family members.

Hayes called the American Red Cross chapter, which contacted the Tulsa Repeater Organization. Using the Red Cross chapter's well-equipped amateur station, TRO member Ben Joplin, WB5VST, was able to relay a request for help on Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network ( SATERN ) net on 14.265 MHz via Russ Fillinger, W7LXR, in Oregon, and Rick Cain, W7KB, in Utah back to Louisiana, where the ARES net contacted emergency personnel who rescued the 15 people and got them to a Red Cross shelter.

"When all else fails, Amateur Radio works is more than a catchy tag line," says TRO's Mark Conklin, N7XYO. "It's a lifeline." National Public Radio interviewed Joplin about the experience for its "All Things Considered" program on August 30.

Fillinger and Cain got attention from regional media for their role in the rooftop rescue.

Cain passed along a similar piece of traffic a day earlier after he got a message that a police officer was stuck in the attic of his house. Although the policeman had a cell phone, he was unable to call his office in New Orleans. Cain relayed the information to others on the SATERN net, but he still doesn't know how the police officer's message reached him or if the man was rescued.

SATERN National Net Director Jim Adams, WA0SLB, reports he got a call on the net August 29 from Bill Simpson, KE4WRH, seeking help in locating two elderly men trapped in their attic in Gulfport, Mississippi, with the water rising. The stranded men, identified as Steven Calcote and John Young, called Simpson because they remembered that he was a radio amateur.

"After receiving the traffic, I tried to get a station on frequency who could deliver the message to authorities, but no stations were on," Adams recounted. After turning over net control duties to Tom Buchan, N9AL, he started making telephone calls, but had no luck. He then called Quentin Nelson, WA4BZY, in Georgia, who's SATERN's national health-and-welfare director. Nelson was able to contact Salvation Army Capt John Robbins, who, in turn, got in touch with Mississippi State Patrol. Authorities were able to rescue the two men.

Adams says the net handled at least two other messages relating to individuals trapped in attics with the water rising. The net also took some 700 health-and-welfare inquiries during its first 12 hours on the air following Hurricane Katrina. By week's end, the number of H&W inquiries had ballooned to more than 12,000, and SATEN was shuttling those to its Web site.

Red Cross and SATERN volunteer Ben Joplin, WB5VST, in Oklahoma City, is interviewed by local news media after getting word through to Louisiana officials that 15 people were stranded on a roof there. [Mark Conklin, N7XYO, Photo]

Fillinger, a SATERN net controller, also was part of the mix August 29 when the net got word of a family of five trapped in an attic in Diamond Head , Louisiana. The family used a cell phone to call out, but it's not known whom they contacted initially. Bob Rathbone, AG4ZG, in Tampa, says he checked the address on a map and determined it was in an area struck by a storm surge.

Acting on a sudden inspiration, he called the US Coast Guard search-and-rescue station in Clearwater, explained the situation and relayed the information. At this point, the US Coast Guard office in New Orleans was out of commission.

"Two other emergency calls came in with people in trapped in attics," Rathbone said. "That day the SATERN net gradually changed from health and welfare to handling more and more priority and emergency calls."

Rathbone said he was rewarded an hour later by a call from the South Haven Sheriff's Department in Louisiana, which informed him a rescue operation was under way.

"Another search-and-rescue operation I ran with involved three people stuck on a roof, and one was a child," he said. The person was able to send a text message from a cell phone to a family member in Michigan. Once again, the US Coast Guard handled the call.

"Ham radio works when all else doesn't," he concluded.

ARRL has learned that the US Coast Guard and Rescue Coordination Center is no longer taking rescue requests by telephone, due to the overwhelming number of calls. All rescue requests must be submitted via the Coast Guard home page, which includes a red link to file a "Missing/Stranded Persons" report.

Salvation Army Leader Says Katrina Impact is Unprecedented
As storm moves inland, ministry prepares to move in with food and other supplies
(CEN, Aug. 29) JACKSON, Miss.– With winds of 95 mph hammering his base of operations here, Salvation Army Divisional Commander Major Dalton Cunningham, said that, in his experience, the impact of Hurricane Katrina is unprecedented.
Cunningham, who is responsible for the three states hardest hit by the storm so far – Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama – said, “The size of this is massive. It is covering several states and coming several hundred miles inland. So the needed resources are going to be more widespread.” He added, “This one is hitting multiple cities.”
Indeed, Cunningham reported that at least 800,000 people in Louisiana are without power. He reported also that those sheltered in the Superdome in New Orleans were without air conditioning and possibly electricity. In Jackson, he reported that at least 50,000 where without power at the time of the interview, which was about 4 p.m. CDT.
He said that approximately 100 Salvation Army workers are presently working either in the field – such as at shelters in New Orleans – or at national and regional headquarters to coordinate activities. Another 200 are standing by at the perimeter of the storm, waiting on the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assess where best to direct resources.
Once activated, the 200 workers of the Salvation Army's Incident Management Teams will be moving in 72 canteens that can feed 400,000 people a day and two 54-foot mobile kitchens that can feed an additional 20,000 people a day.
Cunningham explained, “The first priority is to feed those that are hungry, that have no food, and that have no place to cook.”
He said those wanting to help the needy by assisting the Salvation Army could best do so by making cash donations. “Financial contributions are greatly needed, and provide The Salvation Army with the funds to purchase what storm victims need. They also allow The Salvation Army to assess the unique needs of individuals and families, as well as put money back into the economy of those communities affected by the disaster.” To donate by phone, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. To donate by mail, send checks, earmarked ‘disaster relief,' to PO BOX 4857 JACKSON, MS 39296-4857. Click here to donate online...
Indeed, Wal-Mart today contributed one million dollars to the Salvation Army for its relief efforts. “I just want to express how deeply grateful we are for such a generous contribution,” said Cunningham. “We hope that corporations will match it, for the needs will be great.”
He added, “Don't send clothing or material items at this point. People are going to be without homes or places to put stuff.”
Once immediate needs are met, said Cunningham, the Salvation Army will focus on providing clean up support and assistance.
Cunningham said he had not been able to communicate with his workers in New Orleans who stayed to take care of about 250 people that could not leave for economic or other reasons, but others had relayed information to him that they had ridden the worst of the storm out. But, he wasn't surprised he had lost touch, saying, “Losing lines of communication is generally the first challenge facing us.” He expressed appreciation to Operation Blessing. “They have been wonderful about transporting goods.” It is an international humanitarian aid organization dedicated to alleviating human need and suffering by providing food, water, medicine and disaster relief to those in need. To learn more, visit, http://operationblessing.org/ .
He also praised several groups affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention for their assistance, in particular food preparation (more below).
Cunningham predicted the costs associated with rebuilding and recovery will run into “the multi-millions of dollars.” Yet, he added, “The Salvation Army will be there until the needs are over.”
He said the biggest challenge over the next one to three days will be getting into the worst affected areas. Hence, he said, “We ask for the prayers of all the people that we have wisdom, strength and the resources to meet the demands.” He concluded, “People mean the most to us. Houses and other things can be replaced.”

SALVATION ARMY DEPLOYS RELIEF TEAMS FROM FLORIDA TO ASSIST IN HURRICANE KATRINA EFFORT

As the Gulf Coast states continue to be pounded by Hurricane Katrina, Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) teams from Florida have been dispatched to assist in the relief efforts in Alabama , Mississippi and Louisiana as well as throughout the Florida Panhandle.

The Salvation Army's Hurricane Katrina relief effort will be coordinated out of the organization's Alabama , Louisiana and Mississippi area headquarters in Jackson , Miss. Florida EDS teams will aid in delivering crucial support to residents and emergency responders.

While The Salvation Army's effort will be focused on the Gulf Coast , additional EDS teams will stay in Florida to provide aid to those in the Panhandle who are impacted by Katrina.

“While it didn't take the brunt of the storm, we are expecting that the Pensacola area will be affected, and there will be a need for The Salvation Army to respond,” said Kevin Smith, in charge of The Salvation Army's emergency disaster services in Florida .

Ten Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) capable of serving up to 5,000 meals each are expected to be in the Gulfport , Miss. , area by tomorrow. The Salvation Army in Florida has put an EDS team on stand-by to dispatch its 54-foot mobile kitchen that is able to serve up to 20,000 meals a day.

In addition, The Salvation Army continues to the aid thousands of residents and emergency responders in south Florida who are still without power after Katrina made her first landfall last Thursday.

“We are providing food and encouragement to those who seem to have lost the most,” said Captain Steve Morris, in charge of The Salvation Army's work in Broward County . “We will continue to do what The Salvation Army has done for over a century and a half, respond to those in need.”

Monetary donations, earmarked “Disaster Relief,” may be sent to your local Salvation Army or made online at www.usc.salvationarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, August 29, 2005

SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS TO HURRICANE KATRINA

In response to category four Hurricane Katrina, all Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) teams in Florida , Alabama , Louisiana and Mississippi are on alert and prepared to assist in the relief effort. Emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) and fully-equipped mobile kitchens are ready to provide crucial support to survivors, emergency responders and clean-up crews as soon as it issafely possible. In addition, The Salvation Army is providing relief in Monroe, Dade and Broward counties and the Keys in Florida after Katrina made landfall earlier as a category one hurricane leaving extensive damage from flooding and high winds.

As Katrina bears down on the Gulf Coast , EDS teams are ready to be dispatched to areas identified by state and local emergency management officials as areas needing aid including clean-up sites, emergency shelters and flooded regions. Food and emergency disaster supplies have been placed at a safe distance from costal and inland storm surges but are still close enough to be moved quickly into affected areas once the storm dies down. Operation Blessing and the Southern Baptist churches will assist The Salvation Army in providing food and transportation services. Salvation Army EDS units from Texas have been dispatched as well to assist in the effort.

Due to the unpredictability of this storm, The Salvation Army has an additional 200 canteens available to be used if necessary and another 125 special vehicles designated for disaster response throughout the southeast.

In response to Katrina's first landfall, The Salvation Army is aiding residents in Monroe, southern Dade and Broward counties in Florida that were impacted by damaging floods and high winds. The Salvation Army is providing food, water and a respite to those impacted. In Broward County , The Salvation Army is working with local emergency management officials to coordinate a response to several mobile home parks that were flooded and remain without power.

While Katrina moved west away from the Florida Keys , Key West was hit by tropical storm force winds. The Salvation Army has deployed EDS teams to areas damaged by the high winds.

SALVATION ARMY UNITS IN TEXAS HEAD EAST TO AID IN
HURRICANE KATRINA DISASTER RESPONSE

Dallas, TX (August 28, 2005) -- Preparing for the onslaught of Hurricane Katrina, The Texas Division of The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services has dispatched mobile feeding unit teams to aid in the relief efforts in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Ten units have already left to stage in areas closer to the expected strike zone. Additional units will leave from Dallas early Monday morning.
The Army's Alabama-Louisiana-Mississippi Division, headquartered in Jackson, MS, will coordinate Salvation Army relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina. The Texas teams will aid in the delivering of crucial support to hurricane victims, emergency aid workers, and volunteers in affected areas.
Mobile Feeding Units, capable of serving 5,000 meals per day, and mobile kitchens capable of serving 20,000 meals per day. The Salvation Army will dispatch the vehicles to areas identified by state and local disaster management officials, including clean-up sites, emergency shelters and flooded regions.
The Salvation Army also distributes clean-up kits, containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies. Other resources provided include drinking water, shower units, and first aid supplies.
Food and supplies were placed in areas on Sunday afternoon, where they will be kept at a safe distance from coastal and inland storm-surge regions yet close enough to be moved immediately after the storm to meet the needs of victims and first-responders. Operation Blessing and the Southern Baptist churches, collaborating nonprofit agencies, will assist The Salvation Army in providing food and transportation.
Because of the unpredictability of this historic storm, The Salvation Army has an additional 200 mobile feeding vehicles available, if necessary, and another 125 special vehicles designated for disaster response throughout the Southeast.
For information on ways to assist The Salvation Army in meeting the needs of the victims of Katrina, persons may call 1-800-SALARMY or visit our website at http://www.salvationarmyusa.org.

THE SALVATION ARMY READY TO FEED VICTIMS AND FIRST RESPONDERS IN WAKE OF HURRICANE KATRINA

      Jackson, Miss. (August 28, 2005) -- Preparing for the impending
Hurricane Katrina, The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services teams
in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi have placed 38 Mobile Feeding Units
and 2 fully-equipped mobile kitchens on preparedness alert to deliver
crucial support to hurricane victims, emergency aid workers, and volunteers
in affected areas for as long as they are on the scene.

      The Salvation Army will dispatch the vehicles to areas identified by
state and local disaster management officials, including clean-up sites,
emergency shelters and flooded regions.

      In preparation for Katrina, all Salvation Army units in Florida,
Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi were activated to coordinate and stock
mobile canteens and to prepare a variety of other aid to victims and
emergency relief personnel.   The Salvation Army also distributes clean-up
kits, containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies.  Other
resources provided include drinking water, shower units, and first aid
supplies.

      Food and supplies were placed in areas on Sunday afternoon, where
they will be kept at a safe distance from coastal and inland storm-surge
regions ... yet close enough to be moved immediately after the storm to
meet the needs of victims and first-responders.  Operation Blessing and the
Southern Baptist churches, collaborating nonprofit agencies, will assist
The Salvation Army in providing food and transportation.

      Because of the unpredictability of this historic storm, The Salvation
Army has an additional 200 mobile feeding vehicles available, if necessary,
and another 125 special vehicles designated for disaster response
throughout the Southeast.

      For information on ways to assist The Salvation Army in meeting the
needs of the victims of Katrina, persons may call 1-800-SALARMY or visit
our website at http://www.salvationarmyusa.org.

                                    ###

About The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church,
has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since
1865. Nearly 33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation
Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range
from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance
for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to
the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents
of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 9,000
communities nationwide. For more information, go to
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org.

August 27, 2005

THE SALVATION ARMY CONTINUES RELIEF EFFORTS IN SOUTH FLORIDA WHILE WATCHING FUTURE PATH OF HURRICANE KATRINA

(Key West, FL) – While Hurricane Katrina moves west and away from the Florida Keys, Key West continues to experience tropical storm force winds that are hindering Salvation Army relief efforts.

According to Captain Bob Reckline, corps officer in Key West, two mobile feeding units and their crews are ready to respond, but it is still not safe to venture out in the high winds. Reckline expects that by Saturday afternoon the winds should have subsided enough for them to begin relief operations.  

In Dade County, Salvation Army mobile canteens are now roving affected neighborhoods in the Cutler Ridge area as well as other areas in south Dade County. Accessibility is still a problem as many areas are still flooded making travel difficult and many people are not able to get out of their neighborhoods because of the high water. Power outages continue to be a major problem and Salvation Army relief services provide an important source of food and water.

While the storm is now in the Gulf of Mexico and expected to move toward a possible landfall in Louisiana, Kevin Smith, state disaster services director for The Salvation Army is not ruling out a possible response in the Panhandle. “We have seen storms make drastic turns, like Hurricane Charlie did last year, and go where it was not expected to go.  We are not out of the woods just yet.”

Salvation Army disaster teams in the Panhandle and through out the state are on stand-by ready to mobilize if necessary.

Much of the Panhandle is still recovering from Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and more recently Hurricane Dennis that came ashore in July of this year.

Financial donations will be needed to assist with the relief efforts. Anyone wanting to make a donation can call 1-800 SAL-ARMY, on line at www.salvationarmy.org or mail a check to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 270848 Tampa, FL 33688.

SALVATION ARMY IN CHICAGO RESPONDS TO
TRIPLE-DIGIT HEAT EMERGENCY

July 26, 2005 - Working in partnership with the Chicago Department of Human Services (DHS), The Salvation Army in Chicago, Ill., responded to this past weekend's triple-digit heat emergency by providing water and assisting at cooling centers around the city.
At the request of DHS Commissioner Carmelo Vargas, The Salvation Army provided water to all seven of the Chicago DHS facilities in the city. In addition, water was distributed at the Ford City Shopping Mall and three Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) continue to be on-call to be used at the city's discretion.
On Sunday, as heat indexes soared to nearly 114 degrees, The Salvation Army assisted residents at an apartment complex that lost power in the midst of the heat emergency. Salvation Army emergency disaster services teams provided water and light nourishment to emergency responders and the 480 displaced residents. Also, The Salvation Army corps and community center (center for worship and service) in East Chicago, Ind., was opened as a cooling center at the request of the East Chicago Emergency Management Department.
  “Our disaster emergency services volunteers did an exceptional job in meeting the request of the city and the needs of those suffering during the heat emergency. We will remain on call to provide services during the remainder of the heat emergency and will be there whenever we are needed,” said Major David Dalberg, in charge of The Salvation Army's emergency disaster services throughout the Chicagoland area.

SALVATION ARMY CONTINUES TO SUPPORT LONDONERS AFFECTED BY THE TERRORIST ATTACK

July 11, 2005

Salvation Army personnel and volunteers are continuing to support the ongoing emergency services efforts following the horrific terrorist attack last Thursday in London.
The Salvation Army is assisting at a newly-established family assistance center near Victoria station. Police liaison officers are referring relatives and friends who have been affected by the tragedy to a multi-agency team of counselors including Salvation Army officers (pastors). The center will be open 24 hours a day. The Salvation Army is working closely with Victims Support and the British Red Cross to make sure all needs are met.
A Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicle (canteen) remained at Russell Square underground station throughout the weekend. Salvation Army personnel have been offering support, counseling and refreshments to emergency responders and the public.
As the clean-up and investigation operations get underway, The Salvation Army continues to comfort those impacted by Thursday's events. Salvation Army officers have accompanied rescue workers, offering prayers and support, as they've descended into the underground to recover bodies. Other Salvation Army emergency response teams have made themselves available at underground stations to talk to people who have come to lay flowers and mourn those killed in the attack.
On Sunday, Salvation Army corps and community centers (centers for worship and service) around the world held prayer meetings and special services to pray for those injured and the bereaved families trying to cope after the traumatizing events.       

SATERN on alert for hurricane Dennis

July 10, 2005

SATERN personnel will standby on their net frequency of 14265 MHZ as Dennis nears landfall. SATERN will provided emergency communications into and out of the impacted area as needed, plus fulfill its traditional Health and Welfare messaging responsibilities for those who are looking for word of loved ones. Health and Welfare information may also be found at the SATERN Website (satern.org) by clicking on the Health and Welfare hyperlink. SATERN will monitor and help as long as needed. 73 es God bless. Patrick E. McPherson Major National Director SATERN

From London SATERN Liaison - G4DGX

July 10, 2005

1200z UTC Sunday, July 10. Major Pat, The confirmed fatality figure from Thursday 7/7 remains at 49 but is still expected to rise. 65 casualties remain in hospital and 12 of these people are in "intensive care". A further 25 people are officially listed as missing. A rota of Salvation Army personnel remain on duty on the streets of central London, staffing mobile canteen facilities and providing pastoral support. At this precise point in time, personnel from Uxbridge Corps are staffing the emergency vehicle in Russell Square. In addition to this, a major security operation took place in Birmingham (England) on Saturday night, which included the mass evacuation of 20,000 (twenty-thousand) people from the city centre. Security forces carried out four controlled explosions on suspect packages. June Stirrat, G4DGX London

Salvation Army Braces for Dennis

July 10, 2005

Salvation Army relief teams along with their mobile feeding units will meet
at the Sam's Club warehouse located at 3221 N. Monroe Street in
Tallahassee, just off I-10 on Sunday, June 10 by 5:00pm. This rallying
point will enable The Salvation Army to be ready to move in to the effected
area once the storm has cleared the Panhandle. Each of the 15 mobile
feeding units meeting in Tallahassee will be stocked to provide 1,500 hot
meals and nourishment to victims and other relief workers on the scene.

"It is a matter of safety at this point," says Kevin Smith, disaster
services director for The Salvation Army in Florida. "We need to be far
enough way to be out of harms way, but close enough to respond quickly once
it is clear to enter the area and begin to set up our operations."

The Salvation Army in Florida has 43 mobile feeding units and various other
support vehicles that will respond , but Smith points out that a half dozen
units are being used in the South Florida area and the rest will be in
route as reinforcements for the relief effort in the next few days.

This is the second time in less than a year that The Salvation Army has
mounted a massive relief effort in the Panhandle. Last year The Salvation
Army spent weeks in the Panhandle in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan which
took the same path that Hurricane Dennis is now taking. At the height of
the relief operation, nearly 30,000 meals a day were being served by The
Salvation Army from their mobile feeding units.

In addition to Florida's response, 200 mobile feeding units and their crews
are standing by throughout the Southeastern United States ready to respond
at moments notice.

June 7, 2005

SALVATION ARMY STILL OFFERING ASSISTANCE AFTER EXPLOSIONS ROCK CENTRAL LONDON

Salvation Army emergency disaster services teams are now scaling down their immediate response efforts but remain in affected areas to provide ongoing support to relief workers and the public. Moments after explosions ripped through London's public transportation system this morning killing nearly 40 and injuring over 700 people, The Salvation Army was on the scene to provide comfort, food, beverages and hope to emergency responders and others affected by the terrorist attack.
Salvation Army teams have been on site at two underground stations in London, helping emergency services and survivors of this morning's explosions with additional teams on standby. The Salvation Army's Faith House, opposite London's Kings Cross station, is assisting emergency services personnel and offering counseling and refreshments to stranded public transit passengers, as well as giving them the opportunity to call loved ones. Faith House has become a respite for many travelers who are in a state of shock.
The Salvation Army's center on Oxford Street is also serving refreshments and offering support to commuters who face difficult journeys home. Other Salvation Army centers including the Training College are on standby to act as emergency shelters as needed.
In addition, Salvation Army officers (pastors) are counseling and comforting emergency workers who responded to this tragedy. With the assistance of other local London churches, The Salvation Army is coordinating a befriending service to provide emotional and spiritual support to those affected by the bombings.

From G4DGX - SATERN Coordinator June Sirrat in London

July 7,2005

Major Pat, I am here if you need me, so please do not hesitate to pass any requests which might arise. I had intended emailing you but I have been a little busy, checking up on one or two things and following the events. The cellular telephone networks did become overloaded with congestion in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks, however to the best of my knowledge this was user congestion rather than any collapse of the communications infrastructure. Reliable sources inform me that the emergency services experienced no communication problems and that their VHF and UHF networks functioned perfectly. I would have to research the exact details for you but, in brief, there was a Salvation Army contribution to public welfare in the aftermath. A Salvation Army facility close to one of the explosions was thrown open to the public as a rest and refreshment centre, Salvation Army Officers negotiated with a "Burger King" establishement and this was opened to the public as a rest and refreshment centre, and in addition to this mobile canteen vehicles were deployed to support emergency responders. All best wishes, June

Reflections on Terror and Hope: The 10th Anniversary Memorial Service Oklahoma City Murrah Federal          Building Bombing

(OKLAHOMA CITY, April 19, 2005) During the tenth anniversary memorial service of the Murrah Federal Building bombing, Major John Roy Jones, Major Kenneth Morris, Captain Craig Primm, Antoinette Hysmith-Hinton, Ernie Potter, Jon Wallace and other Salvation Army personnel gathered in Oklahoma City to reflect on the terror of a decade ago and the hope of today.  

Jones was stationed in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995 and talked about the experience of coming back, “It was a strange feeling as I returned to Oklahoma City to attend the ten year anniversary of the bombing."

He continued “Familiar sensations were aroused as I remembered the night I walked these streets observing the devastation of the twelve-block area. The beautiful memorial now sits on the site of the worst terrorist attack in American history at the time. It is a wonderful tribute to the 168 men, women and children killed; the survivors and a city that was violated like no other.”

A long reflecting pool spans the length of the memorial and sits between two entrances, marked with the times 9:02 A.M. – the time the bomb exploded and 9:03 A.M. – the time that Oklahoma City and the country were changed forever. There are 168 lighted chairs, with the name of each person that lost their life that day. There is the survivor tree that bears the scars of that fateful day, as each person who survived bears similar scars.

“I see other changes in the city as I noticed the new buildings that occupy the spaces where severely damaged buildings once stood. It is a dramatic testimony to the strength of a city that had responded to disaster, replenished hope and moved forward once again,” Jones said.

Major Kenneth Morris, the current Oklahoma City Area Commander, spent the day with Jones and shared the experience as an American and as a Salvation Army officer spiritually affected by the tragedy from his corps in another state. Morris talked about how good it is to talk to the people who had been a part of the response and to sit and reflect with them.

Antoinette Hinton has been the Social Services Director at Oklahoma City Area Command since before the bombing. Jon Wallace served in Oklahoma City Social Services with Hinton. She, Wallace and Jones shared their experiences with the others who had not been here ten years ago, but were curious as to how The Army reacted to such an attack. Hinton described the sorrow that still affects some members of the Oklahoma City community to Captain Craig Primm, Corps officer, Oklahoma City Citadel.

Primm served at the canteen during the memorial service with Ernie Potter, General Manager, Oklahoma City Area Command. The canteen was strategically located at the 9:03 A.M. wall on the west end of the memorial park, just blocks from the service location ten years ago. “So many people stopped and told me what a blessing The Salvation Army was and how they appreciated us being here after the bomb. I didn't mention that I had not been here, only that the Army was just doing the work of our Lord.”

When asked how he felt when he arrived downtown and saw the destruction, Jones stated that he did not have time to feel, but that feelings would stir later. For at that moment, there was only the mandate to do the job; help the people; and do whatever it took to alleviate the suffering. He pointed out the spots where each of the The Salvation Army mobile units was stationed.

Jones stood in the midst of what had been the infamous pit area and recalled how our brave Salvationists watched the horrifying work of search and rescue while administering refreshment and encouragement. He said that he remembered putting his hand on the shoulder of a firefighter who had just come from inside the building and asking if he was all right.  “Yes,” the firefighter said, in a low and dazed voice, “but thanks for asking.”

Jones said that he was thrilled at being able to see the assistant fire chief, John Hansen, who had coordinated the search and rescue. “I remember when he came to our incident command meeting at the area command to give us an update and how off guard I was when he grabbed me and hugged me. I know that it wasn't me he was hugging, but The Salvation Army.”

As they recounted many of their experiences, Jones and Hinton agreed that they were proud of what was accomplished, but also amazed. The only real direction that had given to our workers was to do whatever it takes.  “I didn't think about it much then, but as I look down these refurbished streets, and speak with revitalized people in a revitalize city, I wonder how we accomplished some of the things we did? The answer is in the people. The community responded with unbelievable generosity. Our Salvation Army officers, employees and volunteers found no task too large and no challenge too great. God worked through them all to do miracles of grace,” Jones said.

It was only a coincidence of appointment that I was stationed there at the time, but I will ever count it as one of my proudest moments as an officer to have been a part of that tremendous service.”

Morris said, “The people of Oklahoma City told us how much they depended on The Salvation Army during the weeks and months that followed the horrific tragedy. We are all honored to be able to minister to the people of our communities and share the love of Jesus Christ, in word and deed, no matter the situation.”

FLORIDA PANHANDLE FLOODING AND STORM RELIEF

(April 7, 2005) The Florida Panhandle is saturated.   Storms that made there way through Florida on Thursday only added to the currently rising Apalachicola and Chipola rivers.   Currently many of the rivers are above flood stage and as rain continues to fall, homes are being threatened and residents brace for the river's crest.   Located between Tallahassee and Panama City, The Salvation Army has been on scene since Monday, April 3, providing  hot meals, beverages and snacks to residents and emergency responders.   The families are very difficult to reach as the roads to their houses are underwater.   Responders are only able to reach them using high clearance four wheel drive vehicles.  

With a Mobile Feeding Unit stationed at the local fire station in Howards Creek, Major John Tharpe is leading efforts on site to provide comfort truly with a ministry of presence and hot meal.   Captain Worthy, officer in charge of the Panama City Corps stated,  "They (residents) have been very appreciative and are ready to get to work in cleaning up their homes.  But right now, its just hurry up and wait.  We will continue to support them and wait to see how high the river is going to rise.   As soon as it recedes, we will be distributing clean up kits and continue feeding hot meals as these families begin their cleaning their homes."

Meanwhile as the line of storms passed through the Peninsula of Florida, unconfirmed tornadoes passed through Marion County and damaged several homes.   Major Chris Flanagan of the Ocala Corps reported,  "The majority of the damage was tree and other debris affecting the power lines and road closures, but we have opened the gymnasium at our Ocala facility to support any of the families that may need shelter."  

The Salvation Army Florida Division is still helping victims recover from the Hurricanes of 2004 and yet they stand ready to respond in the event that the flooding and severe whether broadens in scope.  

The Salvation Army Responds to Mississippi Storms

Jackson, Miss. -  (April 6, 2005) – In the early morning hours of  April 6, a system of severe storms began sweeping through Mississippi spawning tornados, hail, and flash flooding

In the Central Mississippi town of Florence in Rankin County, a tornado cut through a neighborhood destroying homes and businesses.  A mobile feeding unit and personnel from Jackson, Mississippi led by Major Mark Woodcock, is responding to meet needs in the central Mississippi city. Immediate plans are to provide feeding assistance and emotional support to victims of the storm and emergency responders.

In Mississippi, The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster response teams are preparing for service in areas hit hardest by the storms.  The Salvation Army is working with local and state agencies to gauge the need for response by Disaster services teams.

Since 1865, The Salvation Army has been meeting human need without discrimination.  If you would like to support The Salvation Army in its mission to mankind please send monetary donations to The Salvation Army, Emergency Disaster Services, P.O. Box 4857, Jackson, MS  39296-4857.   NEED KNOWS NO SEASON!