The Salvation Army has assigned Major’s Robert and Shannon Winters to Orange, replacing the Zuniga’s who were moved to McAllen after six years in the Gateway City.
They bring with them a ton of experience with Robert serving some 40 years and Shannon 30 years of service. For Shannon it’s somewhat of a homecoming. She was born in Nederland. Robert was born and raised in Arkansas. They’ve been married for almost 30 years.
They come to Orange from Florida where they’ve spent the last seven years. The last three with the Daytona Beach Salvation Army.
Thursday the Salvation Army hosted a Chamber Breakfast Connection to introduce themselves to the community.
“Everyone has been welcoming,” Robert said. “We can tell the Salvation Army has been a part of this community. And we look forward to continuing to serve it.” The Winters have moved in to the same home where the Zuniga’s lived in Orangefield.
We asked the Major if they bring their own style of programs and management when they move to a new community? “Well we have our mission as servant’s of the Salvation Army,” he said. “But we know certain programs are wanted or needed in areas whereas they may not be in others. We’ve been briefed by the Zuniga’s but that’s also why we have an advisory board here that we listen to as well as our employees who have been here and are invaluable to us.”
Winters said he is aware of the natural disasters that have hit our area the last 18 years and says the Salvation Army will continue to be a leader and hub to the Orange community.
“Orange has a great facility,” he said. “You can tell it was well thought out and we have space to grow if we need it.”
The couple says they have hit the ground running and are already preparing for Christmas time with their red kettles and Angel Trees. If you or your organization would like to help or volunteer with the Salvation Army, you can call (409) 291-8400 or visit them at their office on MLK Drive.
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