Western PA Salvation Army Leaders Moving on - Majors Robert and Lynette Reel to Retire

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Jun 08, 2011, 10:55 ET

CARNEGIE, Pa., June 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Majors Robert and Lynette Reel are hands-on leaders. As co-bishops of The Salvation Army's Western Pennsylvania Division, you may find them manning kettles in the cold; feeding the homeless at a community dinner; or shopping with children for new coats through Project Bundle-Up. This couple forged their career and calling on the streets, not behind a desk. Now, after 42 years, they are about to embark upon a new adventure – retirement.

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Robert J. Reel was born and raised in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania where he met and wed his bride of 47 years, Major Lynette Reel. Together, they have diligently worked side-by-side serving those in need with a Christ-centered passion. The Reels entered The Salvation Army's School for Officer Training (Seminary) in the Bronx in New York in 1970. Upon graduation they were jointly commissioned as officers and ordained ministers.

During their hectic schedules, the Reels managed to earn degrees and honors. Robert attended Eastern College and theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, earning a B. S. in Business Management with concentrated studies in organizational and church management. He graduated with honors and was accepted in the Delta Mu Delta Society for Outstanding Business Students. Lynette was also busy with her studies, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management and a Servant Leader Award from Eastern College of St. David's, PA.

In 2004, The Reel's final appointment brought them to Pittsburgh for the second time. Major Robert was assigned as General Secretary, second in command for The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania with responsibility for the operations of Allegheny County. In 2005 he was reassigned as Divisional Commander for Western Pennsylvania with responsibility for all operations in 28 counties. He also serves as a member of the Christian Fellowship of Bishops for Greater Pittsburgh and as Board Chair for Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania.

Major Lynette was appointed as Associate Divisional Commander. She works with her husband in team ministry, providing pastoral care for officers in the division and is responsible for primary consultation to and oversight of the Women's Organizations programs with a direct liaison relationship to the Territorial President of Women's Ministries. Together they lead The Salvation Army in the ongoing battle to alleviate the pain of poverty and to bring hope to those who need it so desperately.

"Lynette and I have made Western Pennsylvania our home," said Major Robert Reel. "We love this area and its people. The generosity and support that we have received here has been overwhelming. It is going to be very hard to leave. We pray God's blessings on the good people of Western Pennsylvania." The Reels will be relocating to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The newly appointed Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Divisional leaders are Majors William and Joan Bode. Currently serving as Divisional leaders in Massachusetts, the Bodes will assume their duties here in early July.

Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 124 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log onto www.salvationarmy-wpa.org. The Salvation Army … Doing the most good . . . for the most people . . . in the most need.

SOURCE The Salvation Army