Indiana County Welcomes New Salvation Army Leaders
PITTSBURGH (June 18, 2024) – The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division will welcome new leaders to The Salvation Army Worship and Service Center in Indiana, Pa., beginning Wednesday, June 26. Envoys Glenn and Christy Ooten will serve Indiana County as the area’s new Commanding Officers. This appointment is part of The Salvation Army’s annual national and divisional officer reassignments.
Captain Erin Perez, formerly Rischawy, will be relocating from Indiana, Pa. to Washington, Pa. with her new husband, Lieutenant Tom Perez. Officer moves occur annually, when new lieutenants graduate from The Salvation Army’s Officer Training School while others retire. Envoys Ooten are no strangers to Western Pennsylvania. Envoys Glenn and Christy are native to Indiana County and have four children and two grandchildren.
“It is an honor to continue our journey and mission of serving others in these new roles,” Envoy Christy Ooten said. “Indiana County is home, so we both understand the needs of the community and look forward to providing a strong foundation for the future. We cannot wait to get started!”
Envoy Christy has served The Salvation Army Corps Assistant since 2015 and Corps Sergeant Major since 2019. Both Envoys Glenn and Christy have served in The Salvation Army since 2013 and have been promoted to Envoys, a non-ordained minister position. Over the years they have led multiple Salvation Army initiatives including youth and adult programs, Ark of Learning afterschool education, Bible studies, scouting programs, feeding distributions, as well as the seasonal programs; Kicks for Kids, Coats for Kids, community Thanksgiving Dinner, Angel Tree, Adopt-a-Teen and Adopt-a-Family and Sally’s Bazaar annual craft show.
Envoys Ooten will be integral to the success of The Salvation Army’s local support services and initiatives, including expanding community outreach programs, and working alongside the local advisory board and members of the congregation. Envoys Ooten will also be essential in assisting the advisory board with The Salvation Army of Indiana County’s Annual Red Kettle Breakfast.
The Salvation Army Ordination and Commissioning is an essential moment in the life of The Salvation Army and serves as a reminder of its mission to meet human needs in Christ’s name without discrimination. The community is invited to Envoys Glenn and Christy’s installation ceremony Sunday, June 30, beginning 11 a.m. at The Salvation Army Worship and Service Center at 635 Water St, Indiana Pa., followed by an outdoor reception. To RSVP to this event, please call 724-465-2530, extension 10.