by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
“You don’t apply for a new post. One day the phone rings and you’re given your farewell orders.”
That’s how Salvation Army Northeast Florida Area Commander Maj. Jim Arrowood explained why he and his wife, Salvation Army Maj. Linda Arrowood, are packing their personal belongings and relocating to Atlanta in about a week, where he will be the district commander and responsible for Salvation Army operations in the entire state of Georgia.
“It’s a new challenge and we feel honored to go into that position,” he said.
The couple married before joining the Salvation Army and entering the School for Officers in 1981. They graduated in 1983 and began their careers, which have taken them to three postings in North Carolina, then to Dallas, Atlanta, Tampa and Baltimore before bringing them to Jacksonville in June 2006.
Arrowood said for a long time, he never envisioned a career in the organization.
“Both my parents were Salvation Army officers,” he said. “I grew up saying there’s no way I would do that. It’s a thankless job and you move all the time, but I felt God’s calling.”
During their tour of duty in North Florida, a new service center opened in Nassau County and the Salvation Army persevered through the recession to maintain its traditional high level of service to those in the community who are in need. Arrowood credits the organization’s advisory board and its women’s auxiliary for the success.
“The board and the auxiliary are the foundation. Folks like us come and go but they have ownership and they help the Salvation Army do the most good,” he said.
Arrowood said he and his wife have gotten used to relocating every few years.
“This will be our toughest move. From the day we arrived, we felt like Jacksonville was home. The people of Northeast Florida made us feel welcome from the first day and we have never seen a community where people come together the way they do in Jacksonville. We have made a lot of lifelong friends here. It has been remarkable.”
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