National Salvation Army Week Recognized in Congress

In celebration of National Salvation Army Week, observed May 12–18, both chambers of Congress recognized The Salvation Army’s enduring impact on communities across the nation. Congressman Don Davis (D, N.C.-01), a member of the National Advisory Board, introduced H.Res.404 to formally honor the week, while Senator Tim Kaine (Va.) submitted a statement to the Congressional Record.

First declared by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954, National Salvation Army Week highlights the organization’s 145-year legacy of compassionate service. From disaster relief to poverty alleviation, The Salvation Army reaches 27 million people annually in nearly every ZIP code across the country.

“We are grateful for the leadership of Congressman Davis and Senator Kaine,” said Commissioner Merle Heatwole. “Their recognition reaffirms the power of service and the commitment to meet human needs in Christ’s name.”

Local celebrations, volunteer events, and community partnerships marked the week, offering thanks to the volunteers, officers, donors and staff who carry the mission forward every day.

Click here to read Rep. Davis’ remarks on the floor of the US House of Representatives.

National Publications Honored at 2025 EPA Awards

At the 2025 Evangelical Press Association (EPA) Awards held in Branson, Missouri, The War Cry and Peer Magazine, The Salvation Army USA’s national magazines, received a total of 18 awards across print and digital categories, highlighting the publications’ ongoing commitment to excellence in Christian media.

We celebrate and honor the gifted contributors and designers whose work continues to amplify The Salvation Army’s mission through inspired storytelling and impactful design.

Peer: Awards of Excellence

• Youth (Digital): Peer Magazine — Elizabeth Hanley 

Peer: Higher Goals

First Place 

• Typography and Lettering: Peer, Scripture Art — Frieda Ruh, Andrea Martin
• Publication Design: Peer — Andrea Martin, Hana Seo, Rachel Domotor

Second Place 

• Website Design: Peer — Elizabeth Hanley 

Third Place 

• Evangelism Article: Walking The Talk — Captain Joshua Hubbard

Fourth Place 

• Table of Contents — Andrea Martin
• Cause of the Year (Generosity): A Generous Heart — Major Jamie Spalding
• Two-Page Spread Design: When Drama Comes — Rachel Domotor, Andrea Martin

The War Cry: Higher Goals

First Place

• Devotional: The Language of Faithfulness — Captain Stephanie Pavlakis 

Second Place

• General Article: Short: The Sacrament of Bell Ringing — Phil Laeger
• Cause of the Year Illustration/Photo (Generosity): Growing Together: Nurturing a Spirit of Generosity — Janie Hao

Third Place

• Article Series: Christian Virtues for Today — Dr. Felicia Wu Song, Dr. Karen Hurula
• Typography and Lettering: Joy to the World — Saskia Bueno, Andrea Martin
• Titles: Beyond The Landing: The Journey of Perseverance; When Mother’s Day Hurts; Choose Better, Not Bitter — Kendall Louden, Lori Hatcher, Kathleen Bustamante

Fourth Place

• Evangelism Article: The War Cry, The Resurrection: The Body of Evidence — Major Nigel Bovey
• Standing Column: The War Cry, Healthy Habits — Major Amy Reardon, Major Rob Reardon

Fifth Place

• Single Photo (Controlled): The War Cry, Dolly Parton Kicks Off Red Kettle Season
• Photography Use (Print): The War Cry — Andrea Martin, Rachel Domotor, Hana Seo

INTERNATIONAL PRAYER FOCUS

This month, we are praying for:

• India Northern Territory (June 30–July 6)
• Japan Territory (July 7–13)
• Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea Territory (July 14–20)
• Brazil Territory (July 21–27)
• Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory (July 28–August 3)