New Officers Welcomed to Alaska
The Salvation Army network of Corps Community Centers and Outposts is strengthened by regularly reassigning personnel to different areas. This year The Salvation Army’s Alaska Division welcomes new statewide leadership, and new faces in Anchorage, Cordova, and Kodiak.
Statewide – Divisional Headquarters
Majors Mike and Cindy Dickinson – The Dickinsons have been Salvation Army Officers for 25 years, serving in various locales in Washington, Arizona, and California before assuming the top leadership role for The Salvation Army Alaska. Major Mike is Alaska’s new Divisional Commander, with Major Cindy serving as the Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries.
Major Mike holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University and is a graduate of the Arrow Leadership Executive program. His leadership experience includes three years overseeing the business and program functions of a four-county wide area in San Diego, followed by leadership roles in Los Angeles and Phoenix. Major Mike is an active Rotarian and served on the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Los Angeles.
Major Cindy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She served as Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary in San Diego, Los Angeles Area Commander and as a Corps Officer in Phoenix.
Along the way, the Dickinsons have raised three children: David, 21, is a graduate of Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. Joshua, 19, recently graduated from Mountain Pointe High School in Phoenix. Daughter Rebekah, 17, will graduate from Dimond High School this year.
Anchorage Corps Community Center
Majors Scott and Barbara Schneider – World travelers who consider the great state of Alaska their home, the Schneiders have worked in the Republic of Georgia, Panama, California, New Mexico and in the Southeast Alaska communities of Klawock and Sitka. From running orphanages, summer camps and senior centers to teaching Bible Studies and serving as pastors, the Schneiders bring a wealth of experience and a love of all things Alaska to their work in Anchorage.
Lieutenant Janet Studdard – A life-long Bay Area resident, Lieutenant Janet Studdard is also a first generation Salvationist with a passion for helping people. “I feel complete when I am serving God,” she says, noting that she’s looking forward to caring for the people in Alaska. When Lt. Studdard arrived at her posting at the Anchorage Corps Community Center, it was the first time she’d been to the 49th state. “It’s been amazing so far,” she reports. As she settles into her new home, so too does her 11-year-old son Russell, who is also excited to be here.
Kodiak Corps Community Center
Majors David and Lola Davis – The Davises spent nine years serving as Salvation Army Officers in Kodiak, leaving in 2007 for posts in Chico, California, Longview, Washington and Oakland, California. Their homecoming to Kodiak, which was their first post as newlyweds in 1998, follows successes such as developing a homeless transitional housing center in Longview. The Davises had been trying to get posted back in Alaska, so were excited to hear about their assignment to Kodiak. It’s extremely rare to get posted back to the same location. After nine years, a lot has changed, so while they are familiar with the community and its people, the Davises are approaching their role in Kodiak as if it’s a brand new appointment. The community has welcomed them fully: within the first 24 hours of being back on Kodiak Island, Major David was approached to resume his old post as Fire Chaplain and Police Chaplain!
Cordova Outpost
Lieutenants Antonio and Heather Romero – Recent graduates of The Salvation Army College for Officers, the Romeros are excited to begin work in their first posting. Both Antonio and Heather grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and were inspired to do the Lord’s work after seeing the great need of people there who were at rock bottom. In Cordova, the Romeros have been warmly welcomed as they bring their passion and energy to The Salvation Army’s mission in this small Prince William Sound community.