Tuesday, Jul. 08, 2008

New Salvation Army leaders settle into roles

Martsolfs hope to expand presence in community

The Olathe Salvation Army provides many services to the Olathe community: the Johnson County Family Lodge, early-childhood development programs, social services, a food pantry and other community programs.

Majors Mark and Terri Martsolf, the new commanding officers of the Olathe Salvation Army, want to increase the organization’s presence in the community even more.

“We like to get involved in the community,” Mark Martsolf said.

That doesn’t necessarily mean more programs or services — at least right away. Olathe residents and business leaders, however, will see the commanders more outside of the Salvation Army setting. Through their leadership, the organization will become involved in other community events and activities, Mark Martsolf said.

But before that can happen, the Martsolfs have to settle into their new positions. They’ve been on the job two weeks and still need to resolve the issues that come with any move.

They commanded the Salvation Army in Topeka for five years, but unlike previous appointments, the Martsolfs will begin the Olathe assignment as empty nesters.

The last of their four children moved out of the house before they left Topeka.

“We brought their things with us, but not them,” Terri Martsolf said.

Although a major milestone for any parent, Terri Martsolf said she and her husband are adjusting to life without their children at home.

The Martsolfs have served with the Salvation Army for 27 years. They met while attending the Salvation Army Training College in Chicago.

Since then, they’ve served in Topeka, Illinois, Michigan, St. Joseph, Mo., and Minnesota.

They’re grateful for the Kansas winters compared with Minnesota’s, but they’re still not sure about the summers.

What they are sure of is the importance of the Salvation Army’s continued presence in the community.

“We’re impressed by the scope of the operations,” Mark Martsolf said. “We’re very excited about working with a tremendous staff.”

What they hope to provide is a fresh look at the current services and programs and to seek new challenges and opportunities for future development.

“We definitely like this part of the country,” Mark Martsolf said. “Hopefully, we’ll be here for a long time.”

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