Welcome Home, NigHtHaWks Lolo Jones Returns ... - Salvation Army

Western Division 

The Salvation Army Salute Volume 19, No. 1 Fall 2010 

Welcome Home, Nighthawks 

Local UFL Team Finds Home at Omaha’s Kroc Center 

Some people were very surprised when the UFL Omaha Nighthawks announced at a news conference on July 21 that 

it would establish its football training camp at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in 

south Omaha. There’s nothing like this partnership anywhere else in the nation. 

The UFL team signed a two-year rental agreement for the facilities. According to United Football League (UFL) 

spokesperson Kat Welch, the Nighthawks also became the first of the five UFL franchise teams to conduct practices 

in its host city. Team training began August 21. 

In this issue: 

United football 

League partnership 

Lincoln Corps' 

"Mission: Literacy" 

New Planned Giving 

Associates 

The Kroc Center’s sports field complex is used for the team’s practice field. A 5,000-square-foot locker room is 

being built within the Kroc Center. The Education Center is used for team meetings and the Fellowship Hall is the training table with the Kroc Center’s 

executive chef preparing the food. 

Among those present at the news conference was the first player to sign with the 

Nighthawks, former Nebraska Husker and Green Bay Packer star Ahman Green. 

Green signed the tee-shirts of the children who were attending “Kroc Summer Day 

Camp” that day. 

For the Kroc Center, having players there furthers The Salvation Army’s mission of 

giving children the chance to interact with positive role models. It also gives the 

community exposure to what the Kroc Center offers when people drop by to watch 

the Nighthawks practice. 

Using the state-of-the-art Kroc Center facility as their home for training helps the 

UFL team with its goal of being close to the Omaha community. 

“From the moment we first visited the Kroc Center, we wanted to house our team 

there and not only make the most of top-class facilities but also become integrated 

within the local Omaha community,” said Nighthawks General Manager Rick 

Mueller. “Everyone from the Nighthawks organization is excited to be here.” 

Ahman Green, former Nebraska Husker and Green Bay Packers star, is UFL Nighthawks Present $25,000 Award to Kroc Center 

pictured with children attending Kroc summer day camp at the Kroc Center. 

A $25,000 award from the United Football League (UFL) Omaha Nighthawks to the 

Omaha Salvation Army will allow two programs for Omaha’s children and teens to take place at The Salvation Army’s Kroc Center in south Omaha. 

With this generous award, the Nighthawks expansion team and the Kroc Center have partnered to create a Nighthawks youth fan club for children ages 5-12 

and a new mentoring program for teens. These two programs will help children and teens experience a better life, give them access to positive role models 

and have fun along the way. 

continued on page 2 

Lolo Jones Returns “Home” 

International track star Lolo Jones paid a surprise visit to The 

Salvation Army’s Citadel Corps and summer day camp in Des 

Moines, Iowa on June 28. She brought a television crew with her. 

Jones and the NBC television crew visited the corps to help tell the 

story of how her family lived at the corps during a time of 

homelessness when she was a child. Lolo was active in the corps’ 

children’s ministries during her childhood. 

After playing a game of dodgeball with the day camp children, 

Lolo encouraged them to reach for their goals. 

“What a joy to have Lolo visit,” said Major Mary Corliss, Citadel 

Corps Officer. “She was such an inspiration to the young lives in 

our day camp.” 

In the course of the year, the Citadel Corps’ day camp program 

serves some 120 children. Nearly 50 day campers were on hand for 

Lolo’s visit. 

continued on page 2 

Save the Date 

Bell Ringing Signup Begins: ......Oct. 1 

at www.RingOmaha.org 

Red Kettle 5K Run:.............Oct. 30 

For more information, visit 

www.GiveSalvationArmy.org 

Bell Ringing Season:...Nov. 12 – Dec. 24 

Kettle Klub Reception: ..........Nov. 3 

Tree of Lights Kickoff: .........Nov. 12 

TurkeyFest: ..................Nov. 25 

www. GiveSalvationArmy.org 1

From The Commander 

I have always found early 

autumn to be a season of 

paradox. It means the 

beginning of another school 

year. On the other hand, the 

beautiful colors in the 

changing leaves remind me 

that the ending of another 

year is fast approaching and 

with it comes winter, the 

holidays, and family 

gatherings. 

This issue of Salute is filled 

with useful information and 

inspirational stories. You 

Paul D. Smith 

will read about our Back- 

To-School effort and also our ministry to the Sudanese community in 

Omaha. You will find examples of The Salvation Army meeting 

basic needs through our disaster services and a literacy program in 

Lincoln, Nebraska. I think you will be inspired by the impact 

Olympic athlete Lolo Jones had during a recent visit with the 

children in Des Moines, Iowa. 

I believe what you read will be a blessing to you as you see 

examples of lives being impacted and transformed through the 

ministry of The Salvation Army. This ministry is made possible 

through the generosity of organizations and people like you. 

Your partner in serving others, 

Local UFL Team Finds Home continued 

The youth fan club provides kids the chance to meet Nighthawks’ players 

and to be a part of the UFL Nighthawks team excitement. Details for both 

the fan club and the mentoring program will be posted at www.OmahaKroc. 

org as they become available. 

Pictured with 

Camp Kroc Kids is 

Lt. Bersabe Vera - Hernandez, 

Youth Development 

& Outreach/Multi-Cultural 

Ministries Coordinator 

Omaha Kroc Center 

Two New Donor Opportunities: 

Support Scholarships. Honor a Friend. 

Donations to the Kroc Center Scholarship program fund up to 100 percent of 

a membership at the Kroc Center for people who live below the poverty level 

or who have very difficult life circumstances. The sponsored scholarship 

gives them the chance to grow and develop. One scholarship recipient said, 

“The Kroc Center will change my life because it will help my children and 

me to be a normal, healthy family.” 

Donors also are taking advantage of the opportunity to honor a friend or 

relative, living or deceased, in the new Tribute program. They can create a 

lasting memorial, salute or a special occasion in the person’s life such as a 

birthday, anniversary, marriage or special achievement. The honored 

person’s name and a tribute message will be placed on a garden bench or tree 

in the Kroc Center’s outdoor green space. 

Major Paul D. Smith 

Divisional Commander 

Lolo Jones Returns "Home" continued 

The NBC crew captured video of Lolo Jones and the day campers in 

preparation for coverage of Lolo prior to the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. 

The footage is expected to be broadcast in August of 2012. The film crew 

director said some of the video may be shown sooner on NBC’s Today 

Show. 

Jones, an Olympic hurdler from Des Moines, is a two-time world indoor 

champion. She won her second outdoor national title in the 100-meter 

hurdles at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Des Moines 

on June 26 with a time of 12.69 seconds. 

Thanks to Mark Theisen, Joe Bavaresco 

and Woodmen of the World for the 

donation of brochures for the 

Omaha Citadel Corps 

For up to date information 

on Kroc Center progress, 

log on to www.OmahaKroc.org. 

Majors Todd and Catherine Thielke, Omaha Kroc Center leaders with Camp Kroc Kids. 

Scholarship donations can be sent directly to The Salvation Army, 3612 

Cuming St., Omaha, NE 68131, Attn: Development Department. Or they 

can be made by clicking the Donate flag at www.OmahaKroc.org. (For 

website donations, please specify Omaha Kroc Center). Any donation 

amount is welcome. A tribute can be made over the phone by simply calling 

402-898-6052. 

Thank You, Joan Kroc 

The Kroc Center was made possible thanks to the vision and generosity of 

Joan Kroc, wife of the founder of the McDonald's restaurant chain. At the 

Kroc Center, children, adults, seniors and families are inspired to discover 

their unique potential through health, education, the arts and spiritual 

enrichment. The state-of-the-art building covers six square blocks and 

includes an Aquatics Center, Fitness Deck, Gymnasium Complex, Learning 

Center, Assembly Hall, Sports Field Complex, Game Room and more. 

2 

www. GiveSalvationArmy.org

It’s Not All About Them 

Emily Essen of Fremont lives with an illness. Yet the teenager puts pain 

aside as she volunteers. Among other contributions, she founded “The Little 

Rays of Sunshine” to comfort children hospitalized on holidays. 

Like the other eight teenagers selected this year as The Salvation Army D.J.’s 

Hero Awards Luncheon winners, she has reached outside her own problems 

to help others. 

“These kids know that it’s not all about them,” said Super Bowl hero Kurt 

Warner who spoke at the D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon on May 3. 

Haley Graupner of Lincoln knows it’s not all about her. Despite being 

placed in 27 foster homes, she enthusiastically volunteers in the community. 

Desiree LaFerla left an abusive home life behind and now volunteers for 

organizations such as the Open Door Mission. She created a student-led 

club, “Do Something Mustangs!”, that carries out activities to help those in 

need. Desiree knows it’s not “all about her”. 

These three were among nine teenagers saluted along with this year’s Adult 

Hero, Dr. Lee Simmons. Director of the Henry Doorly Zoo for nearly 40 

years, Simmons has created many educational programs that bring knowledge 

of the natural world to young people. 

Among the 1,400 people who rose to give these heros a standing ovation 

were Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman and Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle. 

Each teen received a $5,000 academic scholarship. Several are the first in 

their families to go to college. The number of “heroes” ages 17 through 19 

who were honored this year was a record number. 

Sid Dinsdale, co-chair of the event with his wife, Dawn, said: “My favorite 

part of the preparation process for the D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon is the 

reading and selecting of the scholarship winners. If you read these 

applications and don’t tear up, then you don’t have a heart. These kids are 

truly an inspiration.” 

Donors included Mid-American Energy Holdings Company and David and 

Peggy Sokol. The awards are named for their son, D.J. Sokol, who died at 

age 18 after a valiant battle with cancer. Other donors were Sid and Dawn 

Dinsdale and Suzanne Caruso. 

Sokol persuaded Warner to sign a football for a $5,000 donation. He then 

challenged those in the audience to match his donation for a second football 

Back row (from left): Desiree LaFerla, Kasey Pestel, John Gardner, Dr. Lee Simmons, Kurt 

Warner, Major Renea Smith, Major Paul D. Smith, Andrew VanDerVeen and Emily Essen. 

Front row (from left): Sarah Payich, Taylor Tacha, Richelle Price and Haley Graupner 

autographed by the former Arizona Cardinals quarterback. After spirited 

bidding, Scott Robinson of Omaha won with an $8,500 donation. 

The luncheon raises funds to support programs such as: Children’s Summer 

Enrichment, Comprehensive Adolescent Residential and Educational 

Services for pregnant and parenting teens (CARES), and Salvation Army 

KETV Seven Can Help Kids Back-to-School Backpack program for children 

from low-income families. 

Warner named the Rev. Billy Graham and civil rights leader Martin Luther 

King, Jr., as examples of heroes who never compromised their ideals. He 

quoted King as saying, “A man who won’t die for something is not fit to 

live.” Warner adds, “To be a Hero, you have to be willing to sacrifice for 

someone else.” 

“The D.J.’s Hero Awards Scholarship Committee met 

intending to select six teens from 130 nominations for the 

$5,000 scholarships,” said Joanne Bemis, divisional director of 

development and community relations. “But there were too 

many good nominations and outstanding candidates so we 

selected three additional recipients!” 

Welcome New Officers: 

Steven Merritt and Christine (Diaz) Merritt were both born to Salvation Army officers. Growing 

up, Steve lived with his family in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Indiana, and Illinois. Christine lived 

in Michigan, Nebraska, and Illinois with her officer parents. They met as children while both 

families were stationed in Omaha, Nebraska. Their paths crossed again in Chicago, Illinois. From 

Chicago, Steve went into the US Marine Corps in 1981 and spent three years at Camp Pendleton, 

CA. Christine attended Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL from 1980-1984 and 

graduated with a BA in Education/K-9. 

After Steve returned to Chicago, he was employed at Schiele Graphics as a Journeyman Printer. 

Christine returned to Chicago and worked at Burson-Marsteller Public Relations Firm. Both were 

active soldiers at The Salvation Army Oakbrook Terrace Corps. They were married in 1986 and 

resided in Oak Park, IL. They had their first child, Benjamin, in 1990. 

In 1991, Steve and Christine entered the College for Officer Training in Chicago, IL. After being commissioned and ordained in 1993, they were appointed 

as corps officers in Lafayette, IN. Their responsibilities included preaching, teaching, and oversight of The Salvation Army work in Lafayette and 

Tippecanoe County. Under their direction were social services, a family shelter, and an advisory board. They also added a second child, Matthew, to their 

family in 1994. In 1995 Steve and Christine were appointed to Oak Creek, Wisconsin as corps officers. They remained in the ministry in Oak Creek for 

eight years. They were responsible for congregational life, community relations, a 78 unit HUD housing complex for seniors, and an extensive childcare and 

afterschool program. The last of their three children, Abigail, was born in 1998. 

The Salvation Army transferred the Merritts to Dearborn Heights Citadel (one of the oldest established corps in the Central Territory) in the metro Detroit 

area as corps officers. They worked very closely with the Ford Motor Company community. Their area of service included the largest population of 

immigrants from Iraq outside of the Mideast. They served in this appointment from July, 2003-June, 2010. 

Recently, Steve and Christine have been appointed to Western Division Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. Steve serves as the divisional secretary and 

Christine as the divisional women’s ministries secretary. They took up these responsibilities in this appointment on July 1, 2010. 


“Because You Cared. . .” 

Captain James Pennington, corps officer in Lincoln, Nebraska reflects on his personal 

experiences when The Salvation Army set out to help during the recent flooding in Norfolk, 

Nebraska. 

“After four days of mobile feeding in the flood area, we really got to know the people in the 

area by name. We were able to pray with them and provide short-term counseling.” 

“I remember talking to Elisa one day over a plate of spaghetti in her driveway. She was 

talking about the devastation and how she lost so much. But then she said to me, ‘I’m trying 

to keep it in. I have to pull myself together. I can do it.’ I looked at her and said, ‘No, you 

don’t have to hold it all in. You have just gone through a traumatic event. It’s okay to let it 

all out.’ She looked at me as if she was asking for permission, and, at that moment, she 

burst into tears. We hugged and I offered to pray for her.” 

“She accepted the prayer and afterwards thanked me for allowing her to cry -- the first time 

she had cried about the whole thing. From then on at every meal, we made sure we stopped 

by Elisa’s home. I met her husband and her two children, and soon she introduced me to her next door neighbor and her children. Every time we passed by 

her house, the canteen stopped, food was dispensed and a prayer was said.” 

Volunteer Opportunities 

Adopt-a-Family Radiothon 

Christmas sign up 

Turkeyfest 

Toyland 

Gene Eppley Camp 

Material Assistance (MASS) 

Dora Bingel Senior Center 

• Cleanup and volunteer 

• Food pantry helper 

• Bingo Caller Assistant 

• Van Driver 

• Meal Servers 

• Movie day coordinator 

• Red Hat Society aide 

• Scrabble coordinator 

• Scrapbook leader 

• Wii leader 

Durham Booth Manor 

• Government commodities distribution 

Omaha Senior Services Department 

• Telephone Reassurance/Friendly Visitor 

Emergency Disaster Services 

• Disaster Services volunteer 

Stepping Stones Child Care Development Center 

• Substitute grandparent 

Interested in volunteering? Go to our website 

www.GiveSalvationArmy.org/Volunteering.asp or call 402-898-6000 

“It was neat to see the people in Norfolk. We would drive down the street 

stopping at every driveway, dispensing food and clean-up kits. The people 

would see us coming, and they would stop working. They would patiently 

line up in their driveways waiting for us to reach them.” 

“Soon one neighbor would run and get a few lawn chairs. Another would 

appear with a table cloth, and there in the middle of the putrid smell of 

receding flood waters, a little neighborhood picnic was held.” 

The volunteers heard many stories of floods past and how the 

folks dealt with them then and now. Captain Pennington said 

that many residents thanked The Salvation Army Emergency 

Disaster Services (SAEDS) volunteers for their caring in a time 

when all seemed lost. They were called “angels on site” and 

the “calming force among all of the destruction.” There were 

also many “thank you’s.” 

In regard to The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Service 

(SAEDS) efforts, Lt. Joe Martinec with the Douglas County 

Sheriff’s Office stated that The Salvation Army services were 

“PRICELESS!” 

Our Wish List 

• Three wooden pedestal tables (large enough for board 

games) 

• Travel size hygiene products: soap, lotions, toothpaste and 

shampoo especially for men 

• Hand-held steam cleaner 

• New puzzles with larger pieces 

• Diapers 

• Yarn 

• Laundry detergent 

• Bottled water 

• Snack foods (individually packaged) 

If you are able to contribute to Our Wish List, 

please contact Madeline Madden, 402-898-5907. 

For current news and information or to donate 

online visit www.GiveSalvationArmy.org. 

4 


From Air Force to "Army" 

Captain Scott Shelbourn and his wife, Captain Jolinda Shelbourn, joined the Western Division in June 

as divisional youth secretaries. 

Scott’s first job after high school was with the U.S. Air Force where he served six years as an imagery 

interpreter specialist. He then attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha. 

Before God called the Shelbourn’s to His service with The Salvation Army, Scott worked for Medical 

Technologies where he installed audiological medical equipment for hospitals. Jolinda was a dance 

teacher with a background in theater. 

In 1997, they left their careers and began work as directors of ministries at the Omaha Citadel Corps. 

They worked there for two years before entering the College for Officer’s Training in Chicago, IL. 

While at the college, they were selected to try a new training program and became the administrators of the Peoria Citadel Corps for their second year of 

training. They ran the corps while completing the course work. In 2001, they were commissioned as captains. They returned to Peoria Citadel as the corps 

officers. 

In 2005, they were appointed as corps officers at the Bloomington Corps in Bloomington, IL. Four years later, they completed a $2.5 million capital 

campaign in Bloomington to build a new homeless shelter. 

In 2004, Scott was honored as the Outstanding Young Religious Leader of the Year by the Peoria Area Jaycees. He has been a member of Kiwanis 

International for eight years and served as the Spiritual Aims Committee Chairman in the Bloomington Kiwanis Club until June when he moved to Omaha, 

his hometown. Married 18 years, the Shelbourns have four children. 

“Mission: Literacy” Launched in Lincoln 

The Bible is used in Lincoln to help students improve their reading scores. 

The Salvation Army in Lincoln, Nebraska began “Mission: Literacy” in 

January for students in its after-school program. The literacy program was 

developed for The Salvation Army nationwide in conjunction with the 

American Bible Society to improve reading scores using Bible stories. 

Captain Angie Pennington of the Lincoln Corps found out about the program 

on Facebook from an officer using it in Grand Forks, North Dakota. 

Over the course of the semester in Lincoln, improvements were dramatic. 

Forty-five students participated in the 22-week program. Six teachers worked 

with students for one hour twice a week. Eleven of the 45 students initially 

received the lowest score possible on tests. 

By the end of the program, only two students re-tested at that same level, and 

87 percent of the students improved their reading scores. A majority of 

students in the after-school program attend nearby Clinton Elementary School 

which has the second lowest reading scores in the district. 

One third grader, Aries, began “Mission: Literacy” at the lowest reading 

"Mission: Literacy" Program a big success at the Lincoln, NE Corps Community Center 

level. At that time, his report card showed that he “did not meet minimum 

standards” in five areas related to reading. By the end of the program, his scores had jumped 20 points, and he is now reading at grade level. On his final 

report card, he now “meets minimum standards” in all but one of the reading areas. 

James, a first grader, began the program lacking basic reading skills. At the end of the program, James’ scores increased seven points. He is now what most 

would consider an emerging reader. James’ mother said that before our program began, her son had absolutely no interest in reading. She had never seen him 

with a book. Since our program began, her son has regularly brought books home from school to read. 

At the end of the semester, students celebrated with a graduation party that was well attended by parents. Stanford Bradley, the program coordinator, said, 

“We want the kids to know that we support their education as passionately as we support their sports.” 

Lincoln Co r p s Welcomes Karen Cullinan 

Karen Cullinan has been named development director for the Lincoln, Nebraska Corps. Cullinan has been with The 

Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters since March 2007 where she worked in Development as a planned giving 

associate. In that role, her territory included Lincoln and all points west in Nebraska as well as western South 

Dakota. 

She will now focus her efforts in Lincoln and says, “I have enjoyed my time traveling and meeting our friends and 

donors all over Nebraska and South Dakota, and I am very excited for the opportunity to work with The Salvation 

Army and to help meet the needs of the city where I was born.” 

Her transition began in late May, and she began working full time in Lincoln this June. Her primary role is to raise 

funds for the Lincoln Corps Capital Campaign. For more information about ways to support The Salvation Army in 

Lincoln, please contact Karen at 402-318-4671. 


Th r e e Jo i n Des Mo i n e s Staff 

The staff of The Salvation Army in Des Moines, Iowa recently welcomed a 

new officer, director of family services and receptionist. 

Lieutenant Janelle Cleaveland was assigned as 

the associate officer at The Salvation Army’s 

Citadel Corps in Des Moines. She began her 

duties on July 1. Cleaveland works with Citadel 

Corps Officer Major Mary Corliss. 

After earning a bachelor’s degree in community 

relations and marketing in Wisconsin, she 

entered the College for Officer Training from 

Waukesha, WI. A native of Clinton, IA, Lt. 

Cleaveland was ordained and commissioned on 

June 13, 2010 in Schaumburg, IL. She is 

working on her master’s degree. 

Marie Birdsley is the new director of family 

Lt. Janelle Cleaveland 

services for The Salvation Army in Des Moines. 

She succeeds Bev Johnson who died unexpectedly in February. 

A native of the Des Moines metro area, Birdsley is a graduate of Urbandale 

High School. In May, she received a bachelor’s degree in Child, Adult and 

Family Services from Iowa State University. As a college student, she had 

considerable internship experience with the Iowa Department of Human 

Services. 

In her new position, Birdsley supervises all aspects of The Salvation Army’s 

social services outreach in Des Moines. Two food pantries are part of their 

outreach. 

Roberta Arnett joined The Salvation Army’s staff earlier this year. A true 

multi-tasker, Arnett serves as receptionist for the city administrative offices, 

the Temple Corps and the family services department. She also assists the 

family services staff. 

A native of Galesburg, Illinois, Arnett has lived in Des Moines for eight 

years. Prior to joining The Salvation Army staff, she worked as an 

administrative assistant/office manager for The Christian Church in the 

Upper Midwest. This new staff member is the mother of one son, Dario, 19. 

On Familiar Ground in South Dakota 

For new planned giving associate 

Greg Krumbach, working with 

donors and professional advisors 

across South Dakota will be familiar 

territory. 

A native of Parker, SD, Krumbach is 

a graduate of South Dakota State 

University in Brookings, SD. After 

working on the campaign to elect the 

late South Dakota Governor George 

S. Mickelson, Greg served in the 

Governor’s administration and in the 

South Dakota Department of 

Agriculture. He later attended the 

North American Baptist Seminary in 

Sioux Falls then served as pastor of 

several Iowa churches before 

becoming a fundraiser in the nonprofit sector. 

“I look forward to providing information to donors of The Salvation Army 

that will help them and their trusted advisors develop estate plans that can 

fiscally benefit them and create a lasting gift to The Salvation Army,” 

Krumbach said. 

He and his wife, Karen, have three children. His hobbies include wheat 

harvesting, camping, boating, basketball and reading, especially historical 

novels. 

Greg can be contacted at 402-898-5970 or online at greg_krumbach@usc. 

salvationarmy.org 

Give and You Shall Receive 

Charitable gift annuities offer tax advantages 

and guaranteed lifetime payments. 

Tacye Pedersen of Red Oak, Iowa, found a way to give to The Salvation Army 

while also benefitting herself in the future in a practical way by giving through 

charitable gift annuities. Her two charitable gift annuities offer tax advantages 

and guaranteed lifetime payments while at the same time providing future 

funding for Salvation Army programs and services. 

“The interest from a gift annuity is very good,” said Mrs. Pedersen. “You don’t 

get this good rate of interest on anything else these days. I like to give to charity, 

but at my age, I can’t just do that. The charitable gift annuities let me support 

The Salvation Army while giving me some financial security.” 

For Mrs. Pedersen, who was born and raised in Hastings, Iowa, her family’s 

connection with The Salvation Army may extend as far back as her grandfather, 

William Booth Wilson. “My grandfather was probably named for William 

Booth.” (Booth founded The Salvation Army in 1865). “It’s possible that my 

grandfather had direct contact with William Booth.” 

Her grandfather lived in England 

before moving to the United States. 

Following a career as a gold 

prospector, he moved to Iowa where 

he purchased farmland in Mills 

County. 

Pedersen’s late husband also 

supported The Salvation Army. “He 

always knew that The Salvation 

Army was a good, safe place. The 

Army would always help.” 

Mrs. Pedersen’s confidence in the 

work of The Salvation Army was 

fostered by both her grandfather and 

husband. “It’s wonderful what The 

Salvation Army can do. I strongly recommend The Salvation Army and its 

charitable gift annuity program as a good way to help those in need,” she said. 

President’s Volunteer Service 

Award Recognition 

The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation (the Council) 

was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers 

are making in our communities and encourage more people to serve. The 

Council created the President’s Volunteer Service Award program as a 

way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated 

commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. 

Recognizing and honoring volunteers sets a standard for service, 

encourages a sustained commitment to civic participation, and inspires 

others to make service a central part 

of their lives. The President’s 

Volunteer Service Award 

recognizes individuals, families, and 

groups that have achieved a certain 

standard – measured by the number 

of hours of service over a 12-month 

period or cumulative hours earned 

over the course of a lifetime. 

This year the President’s Volunteer 

Service Award Program recognized 

Harry Reyburn of Omaha, NE as 

the recipient of the President’s Call 

To Service Award. This award 

recognizes volunteers who have 

completed 4,000 hours or more of 

volunteer service over a lifetime. 

Congratulations Harry! 

6 


Strategic Planning with the Corps: “Planning for the Future” 

A quote attributed to Yogi Berra states: “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up somewhere else.” 

“The quote may not express an intellectual approach to life, but its meaning resonates with those of us who believe in planning,” said Hal Johnson, 

Western Division director of board development and long range planning. 

“If a business, a person or a corps is ever to fully engage the gifts that God has provided and rise to full fruition, planning is a critical element in the 

process of getting there. Such was the genesis behind strategic planning for the corps,” he says. 

“It has taken a full two years to see our long-range planning process accepted and adopted by Salvation Army corps throughout the Western Division. 

But now that we have hit the point of critical mass, it seems another corps is asking for a strategic planning retreat every week.” 

Appointed to his position by Colonel William Harfoot in 2007, Hal has seen the efforts of Divisional Headquarters come into full bloom within the last 

year. In the most basic explanation of the division’s approach to long-range (sometimes called ‘strategic’) planning, this approximately 10-hour retreat 

encompasses four primary areas: mission development, vision definition, strategy and timing. 

The term “mission” challenges corps officers and advisory boards to state WHY the corps is active in its respective community. The “vision” definition 

seeks to describe WHAT the long-term vision for the corps is. 

“Strategy” sessions develop HOW the corps plans to attain the goals and objectives set out in the vision segment while “timing” seeks to lay out a final 

plan of WHEN important milestones are to be achieved (and in what order). 

This general planning outline is further explored in terms of four distinct areas: programs, facilities, staffing, and branding. By the end of the retreat, 

usually held on a Friday night-Saturday time frame, corps officers have an excellent plan from which to guide the day-to-day operations of the corps. 

The plan enables the officers and advisory board to selectively develop specific program thrusts while also enabling the corps to proactively design its 

impact on the local community. Strategic planning also aids in the transition of new officers into a corps as the incoming officer already has a welldefined 

plan from which to manage. 

“The positive result of strategic planning cannot be understated and is backed up by the hundreds of successful books and studies on leadership, business 

management, and church development,” says Johnson. “It is an exciting time in The Salvation Army. Corps that make strategic planning a priority are 

well-positioned to take a leadership role in addressing the many and complicated issues of the era.” 

OFFICERS ON THE MOVE 

As of last July, there are many new faces and some new appointments for 

Salvation Army officers throughout the Western Division which includes 

Nebraska, South Dakota and the western two-thirds of Iowa. 

Major Steve Merritt, Divisional Secretary/Men’s Ministries Secretary, 

Omaha, NE 

Major Christine Merritt, Women’s Ministries Secretary, Omaha, NE 

Captain Scott Shelbourn, Divisional Youth Secretary/Camp Administrator/ 

Assistant Candidates Secretary, Omaha, NE 

Captain Jolinda Shelbourn, Divisional Youth Secretary, Omaha, NE 

Major Todd Thielke, Senior Kroc Center Officer, Omaha Kroc Center 

Major Cathy Thielke, Kroc Center Officer for Congregational Life, Omaha 

Kroc Center 

Lieutenant Bersabe Vera-Hernandez, Kroc Center Officer for Youth 

Development & Outreach/Multi-Cultural Ministries Coordinator 

Lieutenants Joel & Etta Johnson, Corps Officers, Omaha North Corps 

Lieutenants Bradley & Cassandra Burkett, Corps Officers, Council Bluffs 

Corps 

Lieutenant Janelle Cleaveland, Associate Corps Officer, Des Moines 

Citadel Corps 

Major James Beardsley, Black Hills Area Coordinator/Corps Officer, 

Rapid City, SD 

Major Elizabeth Beardsley, Black Hills Area Special Services/Corps 

Officer, Rapid City, SD 

Majors David & Marina Womack, Corps Officers, Aberdeen Corps 

Transferring within the Division: 

Majors Richard & Susan Rubottom, Corps Officers, Omaha Citadel Corps 

Captain Grace LaFever, Assistant Corps Officer, Lincoln, NE 

Lieutenant Ruth Sellen, Associate Corps Officer, Mitchell, SD 

Helping Donors Fulfill Goals 

Diane K. Moore joined 

The Salvation Army staff 

in July as a planned 

giving associate. In her 

new role, she will visit 

contributors and friends 

of The Salvation Army 

throughout the state of 

Nebraska. 

“Gift-giving is a very 

personal endeavor,” she 

said. “I look forward to 

the privilege of working 

with our donors and 

hearing their stories.” 

Moore said she is ready 

to assist donors and their 

advisors with information that will help them fulfill their lifetime 

financial and charitable goals, both for their family and their legacy. 

A native of Norfolk, NE, Moore moved to Omaha in 2000. She has 

maintained a strong commitment to the nonprofit sector, working 

previously for the Boy Scouts of America Mid-America Council, 

Dana College, the Omaha Symphony, and Lutheran Family 

Services of Nebraska. 

She holds professional memberships with the Nebraska Association 

of Fundraising Professionals, the American Association of Grant 

Professionals and the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning. 

Moore enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her hobbies 

include genealogy, scrapbooking, photography and crafts. 

Diane can be contacted at 402-898-5890 or online at diane_moore@ 

usc.salvationarmy.org. 


A Gift to Encourage Positive Choices 

Long-time supporter and Advisory Board member Mike Simmonds recently agreed to chair the Army’s North Corps Development 

Committee. After touring the facility, Mike learned the important role the corps plays in the lives of many young boys and girls 

from the neighborhood. 

He also realized right away that the North Corps summer program was in need of additional funding to meet the growing needs of 

the young people who depend on it for summer activities and programs. 

“We learn early in our youth that choices have both rewards and consequences,” said Joanne Bemis, divisional director of 

development. “Today’s youth have many temptations, and hanging out with no place to go only leads to problems.” 

She says that thought motivated Simmonds to help The Salvation Army raise the necessary funding to provide scholarships that 

gave at least 50 to 75 North Corps boys and girls an opportunity to participate in a wide range of summer enrichment classes at 

The Salvation Army Kroc Center. 

The children were transported twice a week to the Kroc Center where they enjoyed computer classes, pottery, art, outdoor sports, culinary arts, swimming lessons 

and more. All took place in a safe, caring and state-of-the-art facility that offers extraordinary recreational, educational and self-esteem building opportunities. 

On their return trip to the North Corps, the children eagerly asked to go back again and again. “Thanks to Mike’s inspiration and that of several other generous 

supporters, life changing experiences were made possible for many boys and girls,” said Bemis. 

As one member of the North Corps staff summed it up, “It is so rewarding to see the sparkle in the children’s eyes as they returned from each trip.” 

“Thank you Mike Simmonds and to all who supported this summer venture,” Bemis said. “You provided a positive experience that will impact their lives for 

weeks and years to come.” 

“Shovel and Shield for Salvation” Vegetable Garden 

For fresh, home-grown produce, senior residents at Durham Booth Manor need go 

no farther than their yard. Thanks to the vision and volunteer efforts of Judy Grace, 

The Salvation Army Lied Renaissance Center in Omaha has a new garden. Produce 

from the garden also is available to those who utilize the Army’s food pantry. 

The garden began last fall through the efforts of many volunteers. Home Depot 

delivered the materials, and, along with Kiewit Construction volunteers, built the 

four raised-bed-style garden plots. OPPD delivered the mulch, and volunteers from 

various church organizations helped spread the mulch throughout the area 

surrounding the plots. 

This spring, Judy Grace and other volunteers planted tomatoes, green peppers and 

cucumbers. Additionally, they planted parsley, rosemary, basil and thyme in large 

pots placed outside the garden fence. Grace also reached out to the community for 

donations. Making her vision become a reality were these donors: Home Depot, 

Mulhall’s, Earl May, Kiewit Construction, Wal-Mart, OPPD, Terry Hughes Tree 

Service, Bressman Lawn Service, Ralston High School, Center Ace Hardware and Ideal Hardware. 

People who come in for help from our Material Assistance and Seasonal Services (MASS) office are grateful for the opportunity to have fresh produce all 

summer long. 

“We would like to thank the gardeners from the following community gardens for their generosity: Gifford Park, Dundee, City Sprouts and Ford Birth Site 

and Gardens. For two years, they have donated their extra produce to The Salvation Army food pantry,” said Gregory Kadrlik, divisional director of 

volunteers. Oren Hodges, a nearby farmer, also donated fresh produce from his two-acre farm located in Macedonia, Iowa. 

“The ribbon-cutting and garden-blessing ceremony held in July showed that when a community pulls together, great things start to grow,” Kadrlik said. “The 

Salvation Army thanks Judy Grace and all of our partners for making a difference in the community.” 

New Partnership Steps Forward to Help Food Pantry 

A news conference held May 6 at the southwest Omaha Fire Station No. 63 kicked off the Omaha Fire Department’s new “Food Pantry Donation Station” campaign. 

Omaha’s neighborhood fire department stations are now a “drop” where donors can leave nonperishable food 

items for The Salvation Army’s Food Pantry. 

The need at the food pantry has nearly doubled since The Salvation Army took over the Red Cross Food Pantry 

and its consumers on June 9, 2009. That increased demand, also the result of a bad economy, has put a 

significant strain on The Salvation Army pantry. 

In the new partnership, the Omaha Fire Department, The Salvation Army and Mayflower Moving and Storage 

are working together to keep The Salvation Army Food Pantry shelves stocked year round. The collaboration 

announced at the news conference will help provide a constant supply of food to people in need. 

At the news conference were Captain James Gentile, Public Relations Officer Omaha Fire Department, Scott 

Riha of Mayflower Moving & Storage and Major Richard Trimmell of The Salvation Army. Also present were 

Station No. 63 firefighters and Salvation Army staff members. 

The public is invited to bring donations of nonperishable food items to their neighborhood fire stations year 

round. Food donations also may be dropped off at Salvation Army headquarters at the Renaissance Center, 3612 

Cuming Street, Omaha, NE. 

8 


Dan Neary – 2010 Tree of Lights 

Honorary Chairman 

Omahans Who Never Stop Giving Lead Tree of Lights 

The Salvation Army has joined forces with four phenomenal supporters for this 

year’s Tree of Lights Campaign --- Dan and Shirley Neary, 2010 Tree of 

Lights honorary chairmen, and Hal and Mary Daub, 2010 Tree of Lights 

honorary vice-chairs --- to promote our mission of doing the most good in the 

Omaha community. 

As CEO of Mutual of Omaha Companies, Dan Neary helped with the 

successful rehabilitation of The Salvation Army North Corps into a more 

efficient and pleasant environment for families. A Mutual of Omaha gift 

allowed the North Corps to upgrade its kitchen, computer lab and indoor 

activities center. 

Neary promotes volunteerism by encouraging Mutual of Omaha employees to 

give of their time during the company’s “100 Days of Giving” program. It was 

through this program that many Mutual employees generously gave of their 

time to build a playground area at the Army’s Gene Eppley Camp in Bellevue, 

Nebraska. 

He reminds us that leadership is about knowing what needs to be done and then finding the way to do it. If 

asked, Neary will tell you that the mission of The Salvation Army is one of “giving hope to people.” His wife, 

Shirley, believes in giving hope to people as well and is a strong community volunteer. 

Hal and Mary Daub continue to put the needs of Omaha in the forefront of their lives. In the past, the Daubs have served as chairs of the D.J.’s Hero Awards 

Luncheon. Hal, who is on the Omaha Salvation Army Advisory Board, started volunteering with the Army at a young age. When asked to volunteer, Hal 

always says, “You know I will help.” Mary participates in the Women’s Auxiliary. 

The mission of The Salvation Army is embodied by these individuals. Their example of giving will undoubtedly inspire thousands of Omahans to give of 

their time and talent this Christmas and to do the most good. 

When It Pays Not To Wait 

A tax increase next year gives you a great opportunity this year. 

Hal & Mary Daub will be the 2010 Tree of Lights 

Honorary Vice-Chairs. Hal is pictured at a Tree 

of Lights celebration more than a decade ago. 

Capital gains tax rates are expected to increase in 2011. With a higher capital gains tax rate, it will be more expensive than ever to sell your appreciated assets 

starting next year. However, there are things you can do now to save on taxes and have peace of mind. 

If you sell an asset this year, the capital gains tax rate you pay will be less than if you wait until next year. Carefully consider any stock (or other asset) you 

have that is worth more now than what you paid for it. No matter what the market is doing, remember your gain is not measured by what the stock was once 

worth, but what you paid when you purchased it. If your stock is worth more now than the amount you paid for it, consider the coming tax increase and what 

you can do to avoid it. 

Even if your asset has lost value in recent months or years, you may still have significant gain depending on its current value compared to what you paid for it. 

Now is the time to deal with these assets. If you delay, higher taxes will result. 

For even greater tax advantages, talk with your tax advisor or with us about creating a charitable remainder trust. A charitable remainder trust, or unitrust, avoids 

all capital gains at funding and provides significant other benefits for you. 

To learn more, please call The Salvation Army Planned Giving Department at 1-800-274-0628 or contact us at wst_pg@usc.salvationarmy.org. 

Back-to-Sc h o o l 

Backpack Program. 

An o t h e r year, 

a n o t h e r success! 

“In these tough economic times, many families 

continue to struggle each month. The Salvation 

Army/KETV 7 Can Help Kids Back-To-School 

Backpack program offers hope and assurance that 

these children will be well equipped to start the 

school year with the essential tools for learning,” 

said Dr. Linda Burkle, divisional social services 

director. 

More than 10,000 backpacks were given to 

children in the Omaha community during the 

2010 Salvation Army KETV Seven Can Help 

Kids Back-to-School Backpack program. Since 

1998, more than 87,000 children have been 

assisted through this program. Salvation Army 

volunteers handed out backpacks Aug. 7 at the 

Omaha Public Library Millard Branch and Aug. 

12-14 at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc 

Creighton University and University of Nebraska at Omaha staff 

and students gave a pre-season boost to The Salvation Army 

KETV 7 Can Help Kids Back-to-School Backpack program. The 

two universities challenged each other to collect the most erasers 

and rulers. Celebrating a big victory at the Kroc Center are 

KETV News Anchor Brandi Petersen with school representatives 

and children who will benefit from the program. UNO collected 

more than 5,100 erasers and Creighton collected just over 5,400 

rulers. 

Corps Community Center and Omaha North 

Corps Community Center. 

Volunteers assembled the backpacks with the 

donated school supplies at The Salvation Army 

Lied Renaissance Center. It takes more than 400 

volunteers each year to manage the Back-to- 

School program, 200 for assembly and 200 for 

distribution. 

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to work with 

The Salvation Army on the Back-to-School 

Backpack program. I was dirty and hot at the end 

of the day but very pleased with my day when I 

left. I know there is a lot yet to do with the 

project but I felt like I had helped at least a bit,” 

said volunteer, Celeste Hubbard, Creighton 

University School of Medicine, Office of Student 

Affairs. 

The 2010 KETV 7 Can Help Kids Back-to-School 

Backpack program would not have been a success 

without KETV and the support of these sponsors: 

First National Bank, NRG Radio, Boys Town 

Pediatrics, Staples and Payless Office Products. 


TRIBUTE GIFTS: (Tribute Gifts received January 2010 thru June 2010) The Salvation Army is privileged to continually receive 

gifts in honor or in memory of loved ones. These gifts not only provide a fitting tribute but also serve, in a practical way, to relieve human suffering. 

The Army notifies the honoree or the family of all tributes. 

IN HONOR OF: 

Barb Schaefer 

Mr. & Mrs. Richard K. Davidson 

Beth Gerlach 

Mrs. Joan Field 

Bill & Nancy Pierce 

Colonel & Mrs. Donald C. Hansen 

Bud & Donna Strong 

Mr. & Mrs. Scott J. Gass 

Darlene Spencer 

Mr. & Mrs. Rex King 

Dennis Wilfong 

Mr. Vernon Davis 

Donald J. & Linda M. Hagen 

Mr. Delbert C. Huddleston 

Earl Robotham 

Ms. Dorothy Robotham 

Edward & Maxine Kruger 

Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Halverson 

Eldon & Marie Wietzke 

Mrs. Thomasina Parker 

Eric & Patty Tussey 

Mrs. Ruth C. Tussey 

Frank & Sally Walker 

Mr. & Mrs. Allen L Shepherd 

Franklin & Barbara Landis 

David & Cathy Landis 

Gayla Fletcher 


Gene Miner 

Mrs. Janice Miner 

Howard & Carolyn Rhoten 

Mr. & Mrs. Allan D. Nelson 

Jay Schueler 

Mrs. Amelia C. Pusl 

Lee Simmons 

Amy Scott 

Dolores C. Owen 

Mr. & Mrs. Dennis E. Pate 

Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Grewcock 

Mr. & Mrs. Jim O. Armitage 

Mr. & Mrs. Nick Baxter 

Mr. & Mrs. William R. Grewcock 

Mrs. Dian Moore 

Lorraine Change 


Mabel Wyatt 

Ms. Evelyn Green 

Mary Jane Lamountain 

Mr. Stephen Trimarchi 

Mary Rogers 

Megan Tooker 

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Nelson 

Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Kennedy 

Nancy & Larry Tooker 

Megan Tooker 

Nancy Roberts 


Paul G. Madsen 

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Madsen 

Phyllis Toebben 

Jennifer Toebben & Chris Link 

Richard & Joan Pitner 

Dr. & Mrs. Gordon E. Fredrickson 

Sylvia Kessler 

Nebraska Paralegal Association 

Taylor Amlee 

Mr. & Mrs. David Claassen 

Willard Kuchar 

Mr. William Banwell 

Willie Williams 

Mr. Lloyd F. Leetsch 

IN MEMORY OF: 

Amy M. Dinger 

Mr. Jeffrey L. Norton 

Anna Smith 

Mr. & Mrs. James Barger 

Anne Loquist 

Ms. Kristi Omar 

Arlene Phillips 

Ms. Anita Smith 

Arlys Lewis 

Mr. & Mrs. James B. Lammers 

Arlys Lewis 

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas L. Flickinger 

Arthur Jacobsen 

Mrs. Nadine Jacobsen 

Barbara Kuehn 

Mr. James A. Kuehn 

Barney Shives 

Mr. & Mrs. Fritz Buglewicz 

Bart & Grayce McElligott 

Ms. Patricia A. Reinhardt 

Bernice Doughty 

Mr. Neil C. Doughty , Jr. 

Bernice Huddleston 

Mr. Delbert C. Huddleston 

Betty Gruber 

Ms. Lori J. Pankonin 

Betty Lou Ingvall 

Ms. Ann Wallace 

Bev Hawk 

Ms. Dolores D’Agosto 

Bill & Carrie Grafelman 

Miss Wilma M. Baird 

Bill Baumgart 

Mr. & Mrs. Bob Dickkut 

Billy Templeton 

Ms. Phyllis Payne 

Bryce Christianson 

Mrs. Debra Montufar 

Byron Barney Strattan 

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen C. Flansburg 

Carl & Augusta Johnson 

Ms. Virginia F. Jensen 

Carl Hula 

Ms. Millie Christianson 

Carl J. Kjar 

Mrs. Carl J. Kjar 

Charles & Margaret Keau 

E. Ewing 

Charles G. Cvrk 

Ms. Bernice Cvrk 

Charles Shimerdla 

Jeff Hunter 

Karin J. Schliesman 

Mr. & Mrs. Francis E. Stanek 

Mr. & Mrs. Gary J. Shimerdla 

Mr. & Mrs. Gary T. Barta 

Mr. & Mrs. John A. Egermier 

Mr. & Mrs. Timothy W. Starbuck 

Mr. Richard L. Zpevak 

Mr. Ronald F. Rubek 

Mrs. Mary Ellen Shimerdla 

Mrs. Shirley A. Killian 

Ms. Kim L. Hackbart 

Peter Sarpy Elementary School 

Ray Z. Zagozda 

Timothy & Cynthia Finnigan 

Chris Rudloff 

Mr. & Mrs. Alan G. Siemek 

Cinnia Culliver 

Marsha Moyer 

Michele Shear 

Conrad Young 

Gary Mongar 

Craig Saylan 

Mrs. Esther K. Karloff 

Darrell G. Taylor 

Mrs. Darrell Taylor 

David Charles Arnez 

Mr. & Mrs. Charles L. Arenz 

Dean Saeger 

Mr. Harold Marshall 

Dee Jones 

Mrs. Joan S. Carnaby 

Donald Leslie Lair 

Ms. Nona Lair-Klein 

Dorothy Ott 

Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Brasch 

Steven Beran 

Earl Livdahl 

Mrs. Eleanor Livdahl 

Ed Patton 

Mrs. Jean Patton 

Edith McEntee 

Ms. Mary M. Breler 

Eloyse Johnson Rice 

Mr. & Mrs. Gayland Block 

Em Rose 

Mr. Raymond Mlinar 

Ernest Love 

Ms. Patricia Love 

Florence Eischeid 

Mr. Hank Eischeid 

Florence Knutson 

Dan & Marge Christensen 

Mr. & Mrs. Doug Knutson 

Mr. & Mrs. Milton Knutson 

Mr. & Mrs. Rick Bortnem 

Floyd Pearson 

Mrs. Doris Pearson 

Forest F. Boots 

Ms. Laura Boots Chambers 

Forest Hill 

L. R. Smith 

Gene Brong 

Mr. & Mrs. David A. McBlain 

Gene Mears 

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Haarberg 

George P. Bowker, Sr. 

Gordon & Linda Specht 

Mr. & Mrs. Bill Bauer 

Mr. & Mrs. Charles H. Crane , Sr. 

Mr. & Mrs. Dale Von Lintel 

Mr. & Mrs. Verlin F. Schaefer 

Mr. Gerald F. Hanlon 

Mr. Gilbert L. Bailey 

Mr. Roger Morris 

Mr. Wilber E. Clemons 

Ms. Erma Ferguson 

Ms. Janice E. Durnin 

Ms. Mary Nance 

Ms. Melissa Hanlon 

Ms. Sandy Acton 

V. I. Brenizer 

Gordon Anderson 

Mr. & Mrs. LeRoy Anderson 

Grace Martin 

Mrs. Lola Hoover 

Greg & Cheryl Asbury 

Ms. Joan Asbury 

Guymon Sears 

Ms. Maxine Groesbeck 

Helen Hoschar 

Heartland Council Telecom 

Pioneers 

Herbert Buntemeyer 

Mrs. Mildred Buntemeyer 

Ivan Novak 

Mr. J. E. Miller 

Jack L. Krahulec 

Mrs. Mary A. Krahulec 

Jack Quackenbush 

Mr. & Mrs. Larry J. Carmody 

Janice Lampkin 

Mr. & Mrs. Bobby R. Lucas 

Jerald Harder 

Mrs. Ruth Harder 

Jerry Lopour 

Ms. Louise J. Harris 

Jessie McDole 

Mr. & Mrs. Roger L. Crook 

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Jorgenson 

Yvonne Stephens 

Jim & Gloria Asbury 

Ms. Joan Asbury 

Jim Johnson 

Mrs. Virginia Johnson 

Joe Grasso 

Mrs. Cathy High 

Joel J. Allen 

Gene & Christi Allen 

John & Margaret Mertz 

Mr. Eugene Mertz 

John Heller 

Mr. Dallas Johnson 

John Mitchell 

Ms. Louise J. Harris 

John T. Grant 

Mr. & Mrs. Keith Howard 

Johnny Hawkins 

Ms. Sandra Goff 

Joseph Cunningham 

Ms. Theresa Cunningham 

Joseph Siracuse 

Mrs. Lucy Siracuse 

Joseph Vondracek 

Mr. Steve J. Vondracek 

Julia, Delmar and Wesley 

Mrs. Arlene Schmidt 

June Albers 

Ms. Priscilla Christensen 

Kay Louise Lee 

Mrs. K. Jean Lockwood 

Kevin F. Morefield 

Ms. Nancy Morefield 

L. C. Jack Petersen 

Mr. & Mrs. Lauren G. Faist 

LaDonna Doughty 

Ruth Yentes 

Lanae Hagen 

H. M. Amos 

Larry Vorse 

Mr. Richard Juro 

10 


Memorials (continued) 

LaVonne Wood 

Gayle Haner 

Mr. & Mrs. Bob Simon 

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel L. Grone 

Mr. & Mrs. James A. Schmitt 

Mr. & Mrs. James E. Black 

Mr. & Mrs. James J. Parks 

Mr. & Mrs. Michael A. Brown 

Mr. & Mrs. Ralph L. Morocco , Jr. 

Mr. & Mrs. Richard L. Hurley 

Mr. & Mrs. Ron Strong 

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. West 

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Risinger 

Mrs. D. D. Sorensen 

Ms. Ann Haskins Olney , MD 

Ms. Brigitte Howard 

Ms. Cheryl R. West 

Ms. Deborah A. Fredrickson 

Ms. Linda L. Hammann 

Ms. Susan Stalnaker 

Lawrence A. Liska 

Ms. Kathy J. Liska 

Loreann Heller 

Devlyn Cooper 

Louise Freebury 

Ms. Phyllis O’Brien 

Lydia Simmons 

Mrs. Eldora Andreas 

Mabel Houts 

Sandra Houts 

Margaret Lebeda 

Mr. & Mrs. Harry Perry , Jr. 

Marge 

Mr. & Mrs. Norris Skadburg 

Mary Hughes 

Ms. Barbara H. Geil 

Nancy Schoening 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Scott 

Neal Chase 

Mrs. Mary Ellen Chase 

Nina Andersen 

Mr. Chester A. Andersen 

Nita Stattler 

Mr. Clarence K. Stattler 

Ralph Gene Parmenter 

Mrs. Charlene Parmenter 

Ramsey Austin 

Mr. & Mrs. Gayland Block 

Ray VanNorman 

Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Engler 

Raymond A. Holm 

Mrs. Priscilla Holm 

Richard & Ethel Mulder 

Mr. Mike Mulder 

Richard & Marilyn May 

Ms. Darla May 

Richard D. Fulmer 

Mr. Karl R. Borkenhagen 

Robert Cross 

Mrs. Phyllis C. Cain 

Robert Hartigan 

Ms. Celeste Mack 

Robert J. Brower 

Mr. John M. Brower 

Robert Woodfin West 

Dianne M. Johnson 

Roger Cano 

Mr. & Mrs. Brian C. Peterson 

Mr. & Mrs. Gary L. Beller 

Mr. & Mrs. Gordon S. Thompson 

Mr. & Mrs. James L. Barna 

Mr. & Mrs. Paul S. Jensen 

Mrs. Kathleen L. Cano 

Ms. Mary G. Kassmeier 

Ms. Maryanne Johnson 

Ms. Rosemary S. Block 

Ms. Maxine A. Munhall 

Ms. Melissa Beber 

Rosella Sipe 

Mrs. Roberta A. DeFord 

Russell F. Tate 

Ms. Lou Etta Smith 

Mr. & Mrs. Lewis VanFosson 

Ms. Wanda Y. Kauffman 

Janet & David Herkelman 

Mary Weets 

Ruth Harmer 

Ms. Sean Heldt 

Stanley & Nadine Hall 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Beilke 

Terry Dray 

Mr. Thomas Duncan 

Traci Thrailkill 

Mr. Harry L. Hoogers 

W. R. Bob Ballew 

Central States Health & Life Co. 

of Omaha 

Lamson, Dugan & Murray 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mattson 

Wallace King 

Mrs. Viola Niederbaumer 

Walter Moe 

Mrs. Clarine Moe 

Wendi Olivia Sense 

Ms. Mary Boynton 

Wilda Ubben 

Mrs. Irene E. Mayland 

Wilfred Edith Olson 

Ms. Dorothy Olson 

William & Emma DeMoss 

Mr. & Mrs. Eldon C. Goff 

William Dave Turner 

Mrs. Onedia C. Turner 

William R. Gewinner 

Ms. Rosemary Gewinner 

William V. Brooks 

Mr. & Mrs. Bruce D. Classen 

Mr. & Mrs. Gene Ferrell 

Mr. & Mrs. Martin Desilets 

Woodrow Melena 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Gonderinger 

Category One Partners with 

The Salvation Army Food Pantry 

Please help dull the sharp pain of hunger and have your kitchen knives 

sharpened at the same time! On October 2 from 12:00 Noon - 3:00 PM 

customers who bring in a donation of non-perishable food items for The 

Salvation Army’s food pantry will get up to five non-serrated knives 

sharpened at no charge. Omaha’s Category One Gifts & Gourmet is 

located in Rockbrook Village, 10922 Prairie Brook Road. 

A Class Act: Social Manners 101 

Imagine going to Sudan and fitting in with the social customs of that African 

country. That’s what the Sudanese teens that came to Omaha were facing. 

They were uncomfortable adapting to the different social situations in their 

adopted country. 

As the teens came to The Salvation Army Citadel Corps for an after-school 

program, Captain Ken Shiels saw their fears and wanted to help. He turned to 

Anne Baxter, a member of the Omaha Salvation Army Advisory Board. She 

designed a class called Social Manners 101 especially for the Sudanese teens. 

Omaha Advisory Board 

Member and Social 

Manners 101 instructor 

Anne Baxter pictured with 

students at a graduation 

celebration in the First 

National Bank dining 

room overlooking the city 

of Omaha. 

Her husband Nick Baxter from First National Bank and Kathy Wilson another 

community volunteer, enthusiastically joined Anne in sharing their knowledge 

and experience. The three volunteers facilitated a fun and lively program. 

Eighteen Sudanese teens from Omaha learned lessons in the art of dining, the 

how-to of social chit-chat, and skills in interviewing for that first job. 

A graduation luncheon culminated the two-night program in April. From the 

First National Bank dining room looking out over Omaha, the 18 young men 

and women dined, socialized and talked about their hopes for the future. 

• John Lako, Got Gatwak, Alo Guizar, 

Nyahok Chut, Jimmy Eremti 

• Kochoch Duop, Nyabieg Lam, 

Boumkuoth Galuak 

• Nuapech Makuach, Chuil Makuach, 

Bumetet Duop, , Kernyang Chut, 

Haylee Boeller 

• Kayla Sebastian, Mat Walter, Ruben 

Guizar, Gawar Gai 

The graduates of Social Manners 101 thanked their teachers and assured them 

that they would continue using the skills they developed in class. As for 

Captain Ken, Anne, Nick, and Kathy, their smiles said, “We are proud of you 

for a job well done.” 

Generous Donation Helps Women 

The Pilot Club of Omaha donated 125 personal 

care kits to Salvation Army programs for women 

in need. The women, however, received more 

than soap, shampoo, toothpaste and other 

personal hygiene items. Tucked inside the kits, 

they also found little pictures of encouragement 

drawn by children attending art classes at 

Madonna School. 

The Pilot Club of Omaha is a service club 

affiliated with Pilot International. The club’s 

mission is to serve humanitarian efforts through 

charitable, educational, and research programs in 

local communities and throughout the world as 

well as to achieve universal awareness and 

prevention of brain-related disorders and 

disabilities. 

The Omaha Pilots have been providing personal 

care kits for many years to the various shelters in 

the Omaha area. Anyone can bring personal 

hygiene items to their neighborhood fire station 

in the Omaha community. The donations will be 

given to The Salvation Army. 

Michele Shearer, Volunteer 

& Special Events 

Coordinator & Yvonne 

McGarry of the Pilot Club 


Bell Ringers Wanted! 

You can be the person smiling behind the red kettle. Give as 

little as three hours this Christmas season to ring bells. Or give as 

much time as you can. 

Suzanne O’Donnell 

Joins Development 

Team 

Suzanne O’Donnell has joined the development 

team at the Western Division Headquarters in 

Omaha. Her special focus is development for 

the newly opened Ray and Joan Kroc Corps 

Community Center in Omaha. O’Donnell brings 

over 20 years of sales, marketing, contract 

negotiations and P&L management to the 

organization. 

Her professional experience spans both corporate 

This volunteer opportunity is 

very important to our fundraising 

success --- and it’s fun, 

too. 

The bell-ringing campaign 

runs Nov. 12 through Dec. 24. 

Contact Michele Shearer at 

898-6000 or at michele_ 

shearer@usc.salvationarmy. 

org. 

Sign up online at www. 

RingOmaha.org beginning 

Oct. 1, 2010. 

NEW THIS YEAR! 

A pre-season fundraiser for The Salvation Army’s Food Pantry— 

the Red Kettle 5K Run! 

Date: October 30, 2010 at 9 AM 

5K 

Location: Zorinsky Lake Park, 3808 S. 156 th & F Streets, 

Omaha, Nebraska 

The Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive kicks off November 12, 

2010. New this year is a pre-season fundraiser for the Army’s 

food pantry and feeding programs. The Red Kettle 5K Run hopes 

to help stock pantry shelves during a time of overwhelming need 

in Omaha. 

For more information on how you can participate in our 5K run 

and qualify for great prizes and awards, visit our website www. 

GiveSalvationArmy.org or call Joanne Bemis, 402-898-5911. 

and nonprofit companies. O’Donnell’s corporate 

background in relationship management and her 

active role in many networking organizations are 

great tools toward building a supportive donor base 

for the Kroc Center. 

“I’m excited to help the Kroc Center build a strong 

community of support,” O’Donnell said. 

She has a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the 

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Suzanne has 

received numerous awards including being named 

one of the Ten Outstanding Young Omahans by the 

Omaha Jaycees. O’Donnell is a current member of 

Omaha Network and active in her parish and 

children’s school. She and her husband have four 

young children. 

Please Accept My Gift 

$10 $50 $100 

$25 $75 $250 Other 

Your Name 

Phone Number 

Mailing Address City State ZIP Code 

Email Address 

This gift is given: 

In Honor of 

in Memory of 

Name of Person/People to be honored or remembered 

Your relationship to the above: Mother/Father Grandmother/Grandfather Daughter/Son Friend Other 

Please notify the following person/people of this gift: 

Name 

Mailing Address City State ZIP Code 

12

Welcome Home, NigHtHaWks Lolo Jones Returns ... - Salvation Army

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