Article

2003-11-25 Iraq

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Posted by Chuck Simmins 2003-11-25 12:30:40 PM|| || Front Page|| [2 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 Regardless of your religious beliefs, or lack thereof, please don't think ill of the Salvation Army. When I was in college, I got a temp job before Christmas as a bell-ringer. One day an old guy stopped to chat, and soon after another one joined him. Turned out they had both fought in WWII, one in Europe and one in the Pacific. One of them told me a story I'll never forget. He made his way to a camp and went into the Red Cross tent. There was a table full of doughnuts there. They wanted to charge the soldier for the doughnuts. He left, of course, and found a Salvation Army tent, and the leader there gave up his own cot, free, so the soldier could sleep in it.

Remember, also, they were a HUGE part of the relief effort helping to care for workers down at Ground Zero.

Posted by growler 2003-11-25 2:28:37 PM|| 2003-11-25 2:28:37 PM|| Front Page Top

#2 I had lots of direct and eye-opening experience with the Salvation Army's overseas operations in the former Soviet republics in the 90s. They were consistently competent, efficient, reliable, and modest. A joy to work with, and bigger ambassadors of civilized behavior than many probably realize. They can only do good in Iraq.

While most NGOs have many good people and do fine work, another refreshing thing about the SA is their lack of "attitude," especially, uh, what might be termed a suspicious or disrespectful attitude towards anything done by the US.

It was no surprise to me that here at home, when Joan Kroc was looking for some non-profit to manage a huge recreation/community center complex she was funding in San Diego, she turned to the Salvation Army.

Posted by IceCold 2003-11-25 2:46:20 PM|| 2003-11-25 2:46:20 PM|| Front Page Top

#3 When I was growing up the SA was the only charity my Dad would give to.

When going back to Maui from Iwo he needed a few bucks to buy a razor and soap from the ship's store to clean up. The RC rep on the ship offered a loan to be taken out of his pay, the SA rep gave him a razor, soap and $5 no questions asked. I expect Dad's given over $20,000 to the SA over the years and he doesn't have to wonder what they do with it.

Of course even the Salvation Army could not compete with Gentleman Jim Fair's Genuine, Get It for Ya Wholesale, Swap-Shop and Salvation Navy. Anyone from Tampa?

Posted by Shipman 2003-11-25 4:12:48 PM|| 2003-11-25 4:12:48 PM|| Front Page Top

#4 Chuck Simmims...thanks for posting this article. I'm going to email a copy to the United Nations and International Red Cross.

Posted by Mark 2003-11-25 6:07:36 PM|| 2003-11-25 6:07:36 PM|| Front Page Top

#5 During my short career in uniform I appreciated what I saw organizations like the the American Red Cross, USO, Navy League and Navy Relief accomplish.
Navy Relief seemed to get the worst press because however many sailors they helped there was always someone on a ship that had really needed something that Navy Releif and hadn't been helped to their satisfaction. Always wondered about those guys that griped so loud. Never felt like I was getting the real story out of them.

Posted by Super Hose 2003-11-25 8:45:35 PM|| 2003-11-25 8:45:35 PM|| Front Page Top

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