• Christine Rogers

“The operation has gone successfully, and the mission is being accomplished.”: Disaster Teamwork in Valdosta

Valdosta, G.A. (October 6, 2024)— Within hours of arriving in Valdosta, Georgia, The Salvation Army emergency disaster response team stood up its operation and was ready to serve meals in five surrounding counties. To date, the team has served more than 32,000 meals.

“I’m very proud of the team,” said Captain Paul Ryerson, Incident Commander for the Valdosta response. “During a disaster we show up in a community we might not be familiar with and we all have to rally and be ready to go. This operation has gone successfully, and the mission is being accomplished.”

An important part of the job is finding resources and building local relationships. A pivotal partnership in Georgia has been with Camp Rock Georgia and the Send Relief Valdosta Ministry, an organization committed to serving the community’s large refugee population and protecting vulnerable families and children. They operate a home for children and foster families and run camps year-round.

“We are Jesus’ hands and his feet,” said Valdosta Ministry founder Pastor Jay Watkins. “We bring a light and I’ve heard several people comment they do not know who people are but they can often tell they follow Jesus by their kindness and their smile.”

Camp Rock opened its doors and provided essential housing and meals for the Salvation Army Hurricane Helene disaster response team. They also provided much needed administrative office space for the Incident Command team.

“I just love serving God’s people,” said Pastor Watkins. “The Salvation Army has been a blessing to us and the community.”

In addition to serving Army staff and volunteers, Camp Rock has provided thousands of meals to Valdosta residents along with shower and laundry facilities.

“Camp Rock has come in with a service mentality serving the community and us,” said Captain Ryerson. “Pastor Jay has a spirit of humility and hospitality. It has been a joy to get to know him.”

“We do this because we love it," smiled Pastor Watkins. “It’s our calling.”