Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

On Tuesday, March 25, the Salvation Army held its annual appreciation dinner and annual meeting. It was a time to share the accomplishments of the past year, look towards the future and honor those who have supported its work in Beaufort, Martin, Bertie, Washington, Tyrell and Hyde counties.

In all, 12,000 people were served in the six-county region. This included 3,300 food boxes, clothing, emergency shelter responses, gifts to nursing homes and detention centers, rent and utility assistance and toys and clothing for the children in need at Christmas.

“Our annual kettle campaign and Angel Tree program ensure the families that we serve have the necessities that each of their children need and want at Christmas time,” said Dr. Rocky Jacobs, advisory board member. “It is a privilege to see the smile of a child who receives that special gift they really wanted and the look of gratitude from the parents when they see the coat that will keep their child warm during the winter months. None of this would be possible without the financial support of the community, which is why we have launched another sustaining campaign with a goal of raising $75,000 this year.”

The keynote address was given by former Washington Post commander Lt. Colonel Ron Bursoe. Bursoe and his wife Carol served in Washington from 1978 to 1981. They have followed a diverse career path that has led them to serve across the United States and overseas. He would eventually go on to serve as the National Community Relations and Development Secretary at the Salvation Army’s national headquarters in Washington, D.C. In 2014 he was named the National Director of White House Relations and Liaison for Emergency Disaster Services.

Bursoe said the key to success for any commander, as they move to different cities across the country during their tenure, is to listen, serve, and tell the story.

“Listening to the people in each new city is essential,” said Bursoe. “It is important to understand the local culture and adapt our thinking to the reality of our new community. Tonight is also about you, the advisory board members, community leaders, donors, and volunteers, as we can not do what we do without your support, which is ‘Give Hope Today.’ By doing so the Salvation Army in Washington will continue to provide the resources that it has for so many years. In closing, I urge you to listen to people, serve people, and don’t be afraid to tell the story.”

Post commander Sergeant Les Ashby and his wife Mary also recognized the top volunteers and organizations for 2024.

Top Volunteer Kettle Drive

Washington Morning Rotary $14,493.44

Top individual bell ringer

Jessica Paige $7,835.69

Competition among churches

Grace Church $2,332.06

The Ashby’s also recognized staff member Kathy Winstead for her 22 years of service in the Salvation Army, 12 of which were served in Washington. 

“I think tonight was awesome,” said Sergeant Les Ashby. “Colonel Bursoe got right to the point of sharing where we were when he first arrived here in Washington and where we are today. We are moving forward and helping our community to get even stronger, but we need everyone’s help to get the job done.”

The Ashby’s put retirement on hold in 2024 to come to Washington and on Tuesday night announced that they will be staying for another two years. “We were asked if we could continue for another two years, and we said yes,” said Sergeant Les Ashby. “It has been a great place and we love Washington. We can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for us in the next two years.”