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Military Service
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Service to the Armed Forces
began during the Spanish-American War, when
Salvation Army officers accompanied troops
to the Philippine Islands. In 1917, National
Commander Evangeline Booth initiated a program
that ministered to the needs of American military
men at home and abroad. In the program, female
Salvationists became known as "Sallies"
as they served donuts and coffee in the frontline
trenches and elsewhere. They became a symbol
of love and caring that has endured through
the years.
In 1939, as World War II appeared inevitable,
The Salvation Army helped create the interfaith
movement that led to the formation of the
United Service Organization, known as USO.
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Texas
Support to Soldiers Serving in the Iraqi
War
Several times over the past few years,
soldiers waiting in line at the base gymnasium
to receive shots and basic supplies before
being deployed to Iraq were greeted by officers,
volunteers and staff of The Salvation Army.
We gave the departing soldiers phone cards
and a portfolio with writing paper, a pen
and stamped envelopes so they could stay
in touch with their families at home. Then,
as they left the gym and their families
behind to board the bus that would take
them to their airplane, our volunteers were
there to comfort them.
Months later, as the soldiers returned to
the base, our volunteers were there to welcome
them home.
Working closely with the USO and the epartment
of Morale, Welfare and Recreation at Fort
Hood, we gave a Christmas party for more
than 400 children of service personnel.
These children, ranging from newborn to
16-years-old, played games and enjoyed a
feast of hot dogs and pizza. Before the
party ended, each child was allowed to choose
gifts from a selection of toys, clothing
and other items. |
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