Salvation Army Volunteers Awarded Florida Governor's Champion of Service

November 08, 2017
Jessica Geib | jessica.geib@uss.salvationarmy.org | (850) 212-7761

Salvation Army Volunteers Awarded Florida Governor's Champion of Service

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services team is honored to recognize volunteers, Gene Kelley and Steve Rocca,  who have both been awarded the Governor Scott and Volunteer Florida’s Champion of Service Award.   The Champion of Service Award was established in 2013 by Volunteer Florida to honor individuals and groups for their outstanding efforts in volunteerism and service. 

Gene Kelley, volunteer with the Tallahassee Corps since 1985, deployed to Texas following Hurricane Harvey and upon return, stepped up to serve his own community for Hurricane Irma.  According to his Corps Officer, Lt. Ryan Meo, “Gene is the heart and soul of what The Salvation Army embodies- servant leadership and a willingness to think outside the box to help meet community needs.” 

Volunteer with the Orlando Area Command, Steve Rocca, was also presented with the Champion of Service award in October.  Following the Pulse shooting tragedy, Steve, who was the Advisory Board Chair at the time, discovered his passion for serving on a canteen.   “Deployed to both Houston during Hurricane Harvey and multiple locations in Florida during Hurricane Irma, we can always count on Steve to tell the story of the good work of The Salvation Army”  states Major Ted Morris, Orlando Area Commander. 

Awards were presented during a meeting at the Florida Cabinet by Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Vivian Myrtetus.  

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.

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The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
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