Laura Bush, new member of the National Advisory Board (center) with National Commander Commissioner Israel Gaither (left) and National Advisory Board Chairman Rob Pace (right)

Rob Pace chairman of The Salvation Army’s National Advisory Board welcomed Laura Bush as a new member of the board during the plenary session at the January meeting held in San Antonio.    Mrs. Bush has been a long standing supporter of The Salvation Army’s charitable works, including serving as a keynote speaker during the Army’s 2007 National Advisory Organizations Conference in Dallas, attended by more than 2,000 organizational volunteers, staff and officers.

As with all new members to the NAB, Mrs. Bush, participated in a new member orientation session, conducted by National Commander Commissioner Israel Gaither, NAB Chairman Rob Pace, National Chief Secretary Colonel David Jeffrey, and Major George Hood, National Community Relations and Development Secretary. 

The new member orientation included a discussion of the mission of the Army, a brief history of The Salvation Army, its organizational structure, the NAB’s mission, responsibilities and operating plan, and the role of committees.  The discussion was augmented by a PowerPoint presentation.  Mrs. Bush asked each of the officers to share their personal story about their call to ministry to The Salvation Army

At the conclusion of the orientation session, the National Commander escorted Mrs. Bush to the various committee meetings, which were in session. After visiting the committees, new members to the NAB can decide which committee they would like to serve.

The National Advisory Board and local advisory boards are absolutely essential in the work and acceptance of The Salvation Army in the communities in which they serve.  These boards are imperative to the work, progress and life of The Salvation Army.  The wisdom of involving key, influential leaders of the community in the work of the Army is obvious, and proved itself many times over.