• Ken Forsythe

Field Journal: Salvation Army Gives Emergency Relief at DC Navy Yard Incident

The Salvation Army responded swiftly on September 16 to news of the tragic shooting at the Washington Navy Yard. National Capital Area Commander Major Lewis Reckline oversaw deployment of Emergency Disaster Services equipment and personnel to Southeast DC. The team of Corps officers brought food, hydration and prayers of support for the first responders involved in Monday’s crisis.

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Lieutenants Michael and Malaika Goode performed the initial relief work arriving at approximately 12:00pm with The Salvation Army FedEx Canteen. The mobile feeding unit was positioned just outside the Navy Yard complex, very near to where the tragedy occurred. Then, for the next nine hours, teams provided emergency relief to the brave members of local, federal and military law enforcement. All of the men and women faced the overwhelming job of investigating the mass shooting that took place shortly after 8:00 a.m. that morning.

Within the first few hours of service, hundreds of bagged lunches consisting of ham or turkey sandwiches, chips and a snack were served. As evening approached, The Salvation Army’s EDS team transitioned to dinner service. Lieutenants Good were joined by Captains Vicki Lesesne and Herb Frazier, along with his daughter Kennedi. Throughout the duration of the night, hot soup, water, beverages, and snacks were served to weary investigators.

The DC Office of Emergency Management incident team requested food service inside the base. Capt. Frazier and his daughter brought much needed nutrition and hydration to many hungry responders. The two served 132 hot meals, 300 drinks and 300 snacks to those on base as dinner service from the canteen continued outside the gate.

In total, The Salvation Army served the following:

• 200 bagged lunches
• 250 bowls of soup
• 600 bottles of water/beverages
• 600 snacks

All of the first responders displayed an overwhelming sense of relief for The Salvation Army being on the scene. Though most of them appeared mentally exhausted from going non-stop since early in the morning, every person we served took a moment to say thank you.

Late in the evening, The Salvation Army concluded its emergency service connected with the incident at the Washington Navy Yard.

The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command

The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command assists individuals and families throughout the year with by providing a diverse range of services. Compassionate care is given to anyone seeking help in the following areas: basic social services-rental, mortgage, utility, and grocery assistance, homeless nutrition program, transitional housing and case management for women and their children, alcohol and substance abuse comprehensive treatment, disaster relief, and youth music, culture, arts and education. To make a donation or find help for yourself or someone you know, visit SalvationArmyNCA.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube using keyword SalArmyNCA.