Second Generation Salvation Army Officer Takes Over Command at Adult Rehabilitation Center

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, July 14, 2008 - Salvation Army officer Major Rick McConniel was destined to work with The Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) from childhood.

Both of Major McConniel's parents were Salvation Army officers. His mother has the distinction of being the first female administrator of a Salvation Army ARC, an all male rehabilitation program, which happened to be right here in Memphis. The Salvation Army was a part of his life from the beginning.

Major McConniel with his wife Major Janeen McConniel have taken on new roles at the Memphis ARC of The Salvation Army. Major Janeen McConniel will act as the Director of Special Services and Major Rick McConniel will be the new Administrator of the ARC. Major McConniel's life change began in 1983 after the death of his father. Major McConniel says he believes without doubt that his position is a calling from God.

"After my father's death I felt a real calling to the ‘family business,'" Major McConniel said, adding that "God wished this" of him.

Both Majors Rick and Janeen McConniel worked secular jobs for 10 years before they answered the call to become Salvation Army officers. Major McConniel says they have not looked back since their decision to devote their lives to serving God in The Salvation Army.

Majors McConniel entered into officer training in 1985 and were first commissioned in 1987. Since becoming Salvation Army officers, the couple has served in nine states working with either Corps Officer's or as Divisional Staff Officers youth leaders. Prior to their move to Memphis they served as leaders of the ARC program in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

As the new administrator, McConniel oversees the ARC including the clients of the residential program and its three Family Stores, which are the sole financial support of the ARC.

When asked about why he is so devoted to The Salvation Army, Major McConniel had a simple answer.

"Because of people like Johnny," McConniel said.

Johnny was a young man from the streets of New Orleans who grew up with no father figure and only a mother and siblings who were all addicted to drugs. After his family completely collapsed Johnny ended up at The Salvation Army seeking help. One Sunday after Johnny had been with the Salvation Army for a while, he stood to give thanks to The Salvation Army officers as well as to God. During this time of thanks, Johnny said something profound.

"I have met the Johnny I never knew, and I like him." Johnny said.

Major McConniel watched Johnny progress in the program and watched him move from hopelessness to a person with his eyes on the future.

Major McConniel describes this experience and others like it as seeing "lumps of coal become diamonds." He compares his ministry to the verse of the Bible found in Mathew 25 verse 40, which says, "whatever a person does for the least of these, he is also doing unto the Lord." The men helped by the ARC could well be described by some as the "least of these," and Major McConniel has made it his life's goal to serve them.

About the ARC
The Adult Rehabilitation Center, located at 130 N. Danny Thomas Blvd., serves as a home to 86 men, most of who have substance abuse problems (alcohol, drugs or both). These men wish to change the direction of their lives, and the Center assists them in doing that through counseling, work therapy, life skills courses and spiritual guidance.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army Memphis began its work in the city on October 18, 1900. Since then, the organization has fought hunger, homelessness, addiction, poverty, abuse, and suffering caused by disaster. At the center of The Salvation Army's work in Memphis is a common belief that all people can make positive changes. The Salvation Army believes in the healing power of compassion, love, dignity and respect, and use these principles to guide our actions and words.

The Salvation Army values the transforming power of God and the salvation that comes from knowing Christ as our personal savior. The Salvation Army believes that enduring change comes from holistic ministry to the mind, body and spirit.

In 2007, The Salvation Army Memphis helped more than 17,855 people, provided more than 65,000 nights of lodging, and served 208,251 meals and snacks. For more information on our work, visit www.salvationarmymemphis.org.

CONTACT:
Abby Turner
Thompson & Berry PR
(901) 328-5233

Elizabeth Duncan
The Salvation Army
(901) 260 -9130