Who’s In The News? Major Brooks Gilliam

Major Brooks Gilliam of The Salvation Army

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Major Brooks Gilliam of The Salvation Army has been helping out with the historic flooding in eastern Kentucky.

Major Gilliam says the incident command team he is over arrived on Tuesday night, and everyone in this team is stationed in Hazard, Kentucky.

“We established the incident command in Hazard, Kentucky. And we’re assessing all of the surrounding area in preparation to bring our mobile feeding units in. They’re on the way. Of course, we’re struggling with the snow like everybody else in the area, but we know that we will be serving in Perry, Pike and Floyd counties in Kentucky.”

Major Gilliam says he has been an active officer with The Salvation Army for decades, even though his involvement with the organization goes further back than that.

“I’ve actually been a part of The Salvation Army for all my life because it’s my home church. But I’ve been an active officer with The Salvation Army for the last 30 years.”

According to Major Gilliam, he’s volunteered during many disasters.

“I’ve been part of a lot of disasters. In the last 30 years, I’ve served in Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, West Virginia and Maryland, and then have also responded to various other national disasters.”

When it came to why he was interested in joining The Salvation Army, he said that other than the organization being his church, he just felt drawn to the mission of the organization.

“When I felt the call to ministry, it was the logical way to go. But I’m also drawn to the mission of The Salvation Army to help people in the name of Jesus, in an uncomplicated but necessary way.”

He says The Salvation Army’s efforts are only possible through the generosity of donors.

“Our efforts are only possible through the generosity of donors. And so, 100% of donations that come to the Salvation Army go directly to the survivors. So if folks would like to assist the work of the Salvation Army, they can do that by going to helpSalvationArmy.org, or they can call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and make a donation.”