Remembering Sandi Gabel’s legendary impact

BY MARLENE KLOTZ-COLLINS

The Salvation Army lost one of its greatest ambassadors when Sandi Gabel, legendary in her work for the Western Territory’s Southwest and Intermountain divisions, died in November 2022 following a brief illness.

Her passing is a monumental loss for those of us touched by her grace and blessed to call her friend. In the truest sense, she was uniquely gifted, a natural-born and beloved leader who leaves both a void and legacy of extraordinary measure.

Colonel Olin Hogan, Southwest Divisional Commander in 1995, had the honor of hiring Gabel into The Salvation Army family.

“There wasn’t anything she couldn’t do, and she did everything exceptionally well,” Hogan recalled. “She was constantly sharing our story and had a genuine, knowledgeable style that won corporate leaders, donors and volunteers to The Salvation Army. She was incredibly talented.”

Gabel was first hired as the divisional volunteer coordinator, before transitioning to community relations after The Salvation Army hired her best friend, Marsha Pearson, to spearhead volunteer efforts. The two carved out an enviable niche for volunteer opportunities that attracted corporations to the Army’s doorstep. Their highly organized efforts resulted in creative, memorable wins for The Salvation Army at all levels.

Gabel knew and understood collaboration was a hallmark for excellence in corporate and nonprofit best practices.

Retired National Commander Commissioner David Hudson was closely involved in Gabel’s hiring as a Captain in the Southwest Division at the time.

“After excelling in unprecedented ways with community relations, she had been reticent to accept the position of Development Director,” Hudson remembered. “She would always say ‘I am not a fundraiser,’ yet I lost count of the times following one of her campus tours or corporate visits, people would say, ‘I never knew the Army did so much’ and would present five-figure checks. Her creativity and drive never wavered.”

It was a bitter-sweet day in 2006 when Gabel announced she and her husband were moving to Denver to be with their children. At her final board meeting, she was presented the “Others” Award as an expression of appreciation and her impact in the Southwest Division. Following her move, and not surprisingly, she began almost immediately to further deepen her legacy with The Salvation Army, this time through the Intermountain Division.

Colonel Dan Starrett, divisional leader at that time with his wife, Helen, said, “One of my biggest regrets during officership was not meeting and working ‘for’ Sandi earlier in my career. I learned far more, listened, sought advice, counsel and treasured our time together more than words can express.”

In highlighting Gabel’s contributions to the division, Starrett reflected, “Sandi helped us improve our footprint in the community; completed the build of the Harbor Light facility; expanded advisory board memberships to be one of the best in the Western Territory; expanded our fundraising to amounts never seen before in the division.”

He added, “Sandi never said, ‘No, we can’t do that.’ It was a blessing, challenge and reminder of her skill, experience and faith in the Lord and the Army. Her skills in fundraising, public relations, personnel and mentoring (of many officers) will be greatly missed. I am a better officer and person because of her wonderful impact.” NFC

Major Gerald Hill

June 12, 1929 – March 11, 2023

Major Gerald Avery Hill, 93, was promoted to Glory March 11 from Tucson, Arizona.

Gerald Hill was born June 12, 1929, in Port Angeles, Washington, to Majors Edward and Dorothy Hill. The second of four children, he was known as “Jerry” to family and friends.

After graduating from East High School in Salt Lake City in 1947, he attended the University of Utah for one year. The following summer, he applied to The Salvation Army School for Officer Training. This had never been his plan, but when a friend applied, he realized this was his calling as well. He entered training in San Francisco in 1948 with the Peacemakers Session of Cadets. One of his sessionmates was his future wife, Suzanne Atkinson.

After his commissioning in 1949, he held several assignments as assistant corps officer. In June 1951, he was appointed in-charge in Anaconda, Montana. At that time, officers had to be at least 23 and in charge of a corps to get married. Hill, however, received permission to marry Atkinson at 22. The two wed Jan. 1, 1952. Their family would grow to include four children.

The Hills served as corps officers in Alaska, Washington, Arizona, Oregon and California before Jerry served six years in prison ministry as California Correctional Services Director. From 1992–1994, Jerry finished his 45 years of active service as Corps Officer and County Coordinator of Spokane, Washington.

The couple retired to La Center, Washington, where they lived until they moved to Vancouver, Washington, in 2017. From 1994–2019, Jerry served as Counselor and Chaplain of the Portland (Oregon) Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC). During this time the Hills soldiered at the Portland Tabernacle Corps.

In 2019, the Hills received The Salvation Army Certificate for Exceptional Service award at the Portland ARC, recognizing 25 years of post-retirement ministry there. The Hills moved to Tucson in 2020.

Along with Major Suzanne Hill, Jerry leaves behind his children: Dorothy Lance, Gerald Hill, Commissioner Edward Hill and Laura Ury; nine grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. A memorial service took place April 3 at the Tucson All Nations Corps. NFC

ALASKA Preview event honors Transformed Treasures artists

The Alaska Division held a preview event April 13 ahead of its Transformed Treasures live and silent auction held April 29. For Transformed Treasures, local artists create works from second-hand pieces sourced through the Army’s Northern Lights Thrift Store. Inspired by stories of individuals and families who have been served, each item represents how once-broken treasures can be remade with love and care infused into them.

Lt. Colonels Doug and Sheryl Tollerud are the Alaska divisional leaders.

Cascade

Salvation Army connects with government officials

Salvation Army officers and staff from the Cascade Division met with Senators and Representatives at the Oregon Capitol March 15.

“We had engaging conversations and look forward to welcoming them to visit our various sites across Oregon this fall to see how The Salvation Army is making a difference right here in our community,” said Major Bob Lloyd, Portland Metro Coordinator, who also passed out doughnuts.

Del Oro

Boys II Men Camp

During spring break, the Chico (California) Corps invited local boys to a free "Boys II Men" camp. Over three days, instructors taught essential life skills: how to change a tire, use power tools, shave, cook, sew, shake hands and more. Donors provided tuition, lunch and building materials to the program.

Lts. Jeffrey and Kristin Boyd are Chico Corps Officers.

Golden State

HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDS FIS a ‘Safe Place for youth’

The Salvation Army Family Intervention Services (FIS) was designated as an official Safe Place for youth by the County of Hawaii Mass Transit Agency and the National Safe Place Network in March.

“The State of Hawaii has been working for some years now to reestablish Safe Places for Youth here in Hawaii,” said FIS Executive Director Roxanne Costa. “We were fortunate the County of Hawaii became a pilot site and being we operate the only emergency shelter for youth here on Hawaii Island, the partnership evolved.”

Intermountain

Denver Salvation Army receives $6M

In Denver, three Salvation Army efforts will receive over $6 million as a part of the city council's $22 million program designed to help people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. A majority of the funds will support efforts related to providing services and shelter to those who are living in hotels. The remaining funds will aid the Connection Center, where the Army connects people to services.

Kristen Baluyot is the Denver Metro Social Services Director.

Northwest

Not wanting to dispose of another set of tarps, the aquatics team got busy cleaning and cutting sections of the tarps to be repurposed as temporary shelter or padding for those facing homelessness. The Kroc Center then partnered with the YMCA, which managed the distribution of the tarps.

Majors Rob and Stacy Birks are the San Diego Kroc Corps Officers.

Southwest

Hanford Corps holds farmers market

The Hanford Corps partners with the Central California Food Bank to host a neighborhood market on the third Friday of every month. With the help of volunteers, the corps distributes fresh produce, including potatoes, oranges, onions, berries and more. The farmers market format connects clients to healthy ingredients and nutritious snacks. Clients can drive through the market or browse on foot.

Lt. Shannon Brown is the Hanford Corps Officer.

Continued success at HOPE village

Longtime Salvation Army supporter and Washington Governor Jay Inslee visited HOPE Village in Longview, Washington, Feb. 14. The 50-unit community provides temporary housing to individuals facing homelessness. Residents also receive access to essential resources and a caseworker. Since its Dec. 19, 2022 opening, HOPE Village has helped five people find permanent housing and others reconnect with loved ones they can live with.

Majors Lawry and Phil Smith are the Longview Corps Officers.

Volunteers make meals at Tempe Corps

Volunteers from GM Financial, General Motors’ captive finance company, served at the Tempe (Arizona) Corps Feb. 27. The team, led by Jonathon Isola, helped make more than 200 sandwiches for those who were hungry and unsheltered.

Captains Brittany and Jeremy Baker are the Tempe Corps Officers.

ARCC

Swimming world records broken at Kroc Center

The Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Kroc Masters Swim Team held the “February Flurry” swim meet Feb. 2526, which included more than 70 participants, adults ages 18 and up, from Idaho, Montana, Washington, Montana, Oregon and California. National and world records were broken by Laura Val (72) and Richard Burns (80).

Majors Don and Ronda Gilger are the Kroc Center Corps Officers.

Southern California

San Diego Kroc Center repurposes pool tarps

The San Diego Kroc Center was in the market for new pool tarps and decided it was an ideal opportunity to give to the community. “Pool tarps are probably the number one thing that gets wasted,” said Aquatics Manager Simmone Call.

Honolulu ARC freshens up neighborhood

The Honolulu Police Department needed volunteers to help in a neighborhood restoration, so the Honolulu Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) administrators Majors Ron and Ronalee Fenrich enlisted eight alumni to assist in the clean-up.

The "beautification" went on for three hours, covering two blocks of a busy compact stretch of town. City council members were so impressed with the outcome they developed further plans to tour the ARC and arranged a second clean-up this summer.

Cfot

Cadets minister at local shelters

On three Sundays during the academic year, cadets and officers from the College for Officer Training (CFOT) visit shelters in the greater Los Angeles area for the purposes of learning, fellowship and practical ministry training. On a recent “Shelter Sunday,” the cadets visited The Way In (Hollywood), Hope Harbor and Lafayette Square (Los Angeles).

“These Sundays end up being a blessing not only to the shelter residents, but also to the cadets as they interact with those who have been largely forgotten by society,” said Major Rob Reardon, CFOT Mission and Ministry Director. NFC

New territories announced

The Salvation Army renamed a number of commands as territories, effective March 1. For many years The Salvation Army Year Book has referred to these commands as “small territories.” General Brian Peddle, with the help of The General’s Council, decided to make that recognition formal and discontinue the use of the term “command.” The Salvation Army will now simply refer to “territory” when describing a geographic area of its work. Those areas currently referred to as “regions” will continue to be referred to as regions.

“This is a significant moment in Army history as it recognizes the commitment to God’s mission by Salvationists in places that may not be as large numerically,” Peddle said. “International Headquarters remains committed to supporting our work across 133 countries and now 58 territories. We seek to better understand each geographical area and then act in the best interests to advance the mission.”

The following commands are now territories: Angola; Bangladesh; Hong Kong and Macau; Italy and Greece; Liberia; Sierra Leone and Guinea; Russia; Rwanda and Burundi; Spain and Portugal.

U.K. launches Salvationist Radio

The United Kingdom and Ireland Territory recently launched Salvationist Radio, an online radio station for those linked to The Salvation Army. It plays Salvation Army and Christian music 24/7 with special programs on Sundays. A recent playlist included U.S. Western Territory vocalists Barbara Allen and Matt Woods.

The territory’s mission priorities helped articulate the station goals, particularly that the station will be effective in sharing the good news and in helping nurture disciples of Christ. Currently, access to Salvationist Radio is online at salvationist.org.uk/radio. Future plans include dedicated apps and the ability to listen via Amazon Alexa devices and Google smart speakers.

Salvation Army holds panel on digital divide for women

During the United Nations 67th Commission on the Status of Women March 6-17, international Salvation Army personnel shared present challenges and holistic strategies in meeting early learning opportunities for the most poor and marginalized in the world in a panel discussion. It was one of three parallel events viewed by attendees.

Panelists included International Education Specialist Elsa Tsang, who covered special educational needs in the Pearl River Delta, China; Salvation Army International Director of Schools Howard Dalziel, who gave a review of the situation globally from 2,000 schools; HRH Chieftainess Mweemba, who shared about COVID’s impact on female students in the Chikankata Kingdom, Zambia; and International Social Justice Commission Director Colonel Ian Swan, who gave a summary of digital advancement and challenges. NFC

USA West celebrates 10 years of work in Greenland

USA Western Territorial Leaders Commissioners Douglas and Colleen Riley were the special guests at the 10 year anniversary celebration of The Salvation Army’s work in Greenland held in Nuuk, the capital city, April 16. As a mission partner with the Denmark Territory, which includes Greenland, the Western Territory contributed to the establishment of the Army’s work there in 2012.

The Salvation Army has been working in Nuuk for 10 years now, and during that time, the Army has seen the impact of its programs, ministry and services on the lives of those who are most vulnerable. Nuuk is a home to some 18,000 people, and has high rates of alcoholism, domestic violence and suicide. In spite of the challenges, however, local leaders said there is also a great deal of hope and resilience. NFC

Caribbean Territory celebrates 135th anniversary

The Caribbean Territory celebrated its 135th anniversary Feb. 23-26 during a congress themed “Committed to God’s Mission—Encourage, Empower, Engage.”

General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle attended; it was their first visit there as international leaders. During their visit, the Peddles met with the Jamaican Governor-General and the Prime Minister. They also visited the territorial college for officer training and The Salvation Army School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Children.

On the Saturday, the international leaders, supported by territorial leaders Lt. Colonels Devon and Verona Haughton, received the Salvation Army salute from more than 500 uniformed Salvationists during an open-air march of witness in downtown Kingston at the site of the first open-air meeting in Jamaica 135 years ago.

The Peddles each spoke during the final day of Congress, with many attendees responding to their messages. Thirty-two people answered a call to officership. The congress concluded with a “hallelujah wind-up” of praise and dance demonstrating the spirit of Caribbean Salvationism. NFC

EDS responds to tornadoes in Mississippi

The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory’s Emergency/Disaster Services responded to a series of tornadoes that ripped through Mississippi on March 24, leaving a 200-mile path flattened and destroyed.

“The Salvation Army had boots on the ground serving meals in four different communities in less than 24 hours,” Divisional Director of Emergency Disaster Services William Trueblood told the Southern Spirit. “We have four more units on standby for a continued response. We are working closely with our partners to ensure we do our part to restore sense and normalcy to the lives that have been turned upside down by these events.”

On March 31, First Lady Jill Biden visited The Salvation Army Disaster site in Rolling Fork County to offer support and encouragement to the efforts being made. NFC

International leaders celebrate in Rwanda

The Salvation Army’s international leaders traveled to Kigali, Rwanda, in February to be a part of the commissioning of 11 new Lieutenants from the Reflectors of Holiness Session.

“The Command is positioned for growth with an active Governance Board, good public favor and projects in process like the new Officers Training College,” wrote General Brian Peddle on his Facebook page.

As ceremonies wrapped up, the Peddles made a visit to the Genocide Memorial Centre to lay a wreath and honor the lives lost from the 1994 Civil war and Genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group. NFC

Senior leaders from across The Salvation Army world will gather in the United Kingdom in May for the 2023 High Council. The sole purpose of the High Council is to prayerfully elect the next international leader of The Salvation Army, as the current international leaders, General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle (World President of Women's Ministries), prepare to enter retirement.

“The privilege of serving in the role of international leaders is now coming to an end for Commissioner Rosalie and me, and we seek to complete what we had set out to do,” General Brian Peddle wrote in his Easter message. “Soon we will need to say, ‘It is finished.’”

A public welcome to the High Council will be held at Central Hall Westminster and streamed live online on the IHQ website. The event, that will also bid farewell to the Peddles, will feature contributions from many different Salvation Army musicians, including the African Praise Fellowship Zimbabwe (APFZ), Konverse Dance Crews (KDC), International Staff Songsters (ISS), International Staff Band (ISB) and the International Headquarters Praise Team. NFC