Champions of the Mission, Commissioned 

Reported by Robert Mitchell, Hugo Bravo, and Warren L. Maye

June 6–8, 2025, Hershey, Pa. — Commissioning Weekend began on Friday morning with an uplifting and inspiring commencement service dedicated to the Champions of the Mission session (2023–2025). Cadets celebrated the culmination of their rigorous training, receiving their associate degrees in applied science, along with various academic awards that recognized their hard work over two years at the College for Officer Training (CFOT). Lt. Colonel James LaBossiere, serving as the training principal, introduced the cadets to Commissioner Ralph Bukiewicz, territorial commander. Vibrant performances from the New York Staff Band (NYSB), the CFOT Worship Team, and the CFOT Chorus punctuated the ceremony. 

‘Well done’ 

LaBossiere commended the cadets and affirmed their achievements with a heartfelt “Well done.” Among them, Cadet Alexander Dressler stood out with his remarkable academic performance, achieving a valedictorian GPA of 3.94. In addition to his top honors, he was presented with the Bible Knowledge and Doctrine Knowledge Achievement awards, recognizing his grasp of these crucial subjects. Cadet Emily Shoultz was acknowledged as the salutatorian for her impressive academic journey. Showing dedication and growth, Cadet Natalia Pizzirusso earned the award for Doctrine Knowledge Progress for a 28-point improvement over the course of her studies, while Cadet Jalicia Smalley earned the Bible Knowledge Progress award, having achieved a 26-point improvement. 

One of the evening’s highlights was the announcement of Cadet Joshua Fenton as the recipient of the esteemed Commissioner’s Award. Commissioner Ralph Bukiewicz recognized him as a natural-born leader — a cadet who has excelled across several dimensions, including academics, leadership qualities, positive attitude, fieldwork experience, and spiritual influence.  

In his valedictory address, Dressler reflected on his transformative journey from a half-hearted student to a dedicated learner during his time at CFOT. He expressed immense pride in the education he received and reaffirmed his commitment to the mission of preaching the gospel as a devoted Salvation Army officer. Dressler reminded his fellow cadets to cherish their training and the purpose that lies ahead of them. He quoted the biblical mandate, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”  

Commissioners Cheryl and Kenneth Maynor, international secretaries for the Americas & Caribbean Zone, were special guests for the weekend. Commissioner Cheryl shared a passage from Ezekiel 37:1–6, which speaks to revival and hope. During his commencement address, Commissioner Kenneth expressed gratitude to the cadets’ parents for their unwavering prayers and support, reflecting on the faithfulness of God across generations. He also thanked Commissioners Bukiewicz for inviting the longtime USA Eastern officers back to be part of the festivities.  

Maynor emphasized that the leaders being trained and commissioned are not self-made individuals but rather guided by the divine hand of God. He reminded the cadets that even during the most challenging circumstances they may encounter, and in the most surprising places, “the Word of God will never abandon you and the Spirit of God will never send you to a place where He will forsake you. For He’s got purpose, He’s got a mission. He’s got truth for you to share.” 

Friday night celebration 

To cap off the opening celebration, seven-time Grammy winner Israel Houghton gave an electrifying praise and worship concert with his band New Breed to a packed hall at the Hershey Lodge and thousands more who viewed the livestream. (Read our profile of Houghton in the latest issue of SAconnects magazine.)  

“I honor every one of you going into ministry,” Houghton told the cadets. “I think that’s just incredible, and tonight we’re just going to celebrate how good God has been.” 

Often urging the crowd to raise hands, Houghton showed off his guitar skills as he performed hit songs including “Here I Am to Worship,” “Friend of God,” “Trading My Sorrows,” “You Are Good,” “Jesus at the Center,” “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus,” “Broken People,” “Alpha and Omega,” and more. 

Houghton, who is biracial, told how his mother was a pregnant 17-year-old drug addict and living outside when a woman crossed the street to tell her about Jesus. He reminded the crowd that they don’t necessarily have to cross the ocean but sometimes can simply cross the street or go to the next cubicle at work to share Christ. 

“I just want to say that it works,” he said. “It works if you’ll just cross that uncomfortable line with people, share love and hope and Jesus with them.” 

The entertainment segment also showcased the NYSB, the Eastern Territory Staff Songsters, MOVE Dance Company, and Unbound. Three children dressed as a pilot and flight attendants did a creative skit about “Flight 3:16” aboard “Holy Spirit Airlines.” Commissioner Kenneth Maynor offered a prayer for Hands-On and Summer Brass missionary teams who will be deploying to several countries, drawing inspiration from Luke 10. 

Star Search and ‘King of Kings’ 

On Saturday, young Salvation Army soldiers gave it their all in Star Search 2025, presenting their varied talents before attentive adjudicators. The hotel halls were filled with children praying, rehearsing, and receiving encouraging words from their music teachers, families, and corps officers. 

To launch the awards ceremony, the NYSB premiered “King of Kings,” a journey through key moments in the life of Jesus that combined live narration (by SAconnect’s own Colonel Richard Munn), worship music, contemporary pop songs, and movie clips, along with a healthy dose of audience participation.  

In between the presentations of awards for Star Search, Commissioner Ralph Bukiewicz honored the Bible Bowl winners and encouraged everyone to delve deeper into studying the Word of God, giving a shoutout to four teams from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands for their revitalized participation.  

“Help young people get further into God’s Word by starting a Bible Bowl team in your corps, or with other corps near you,” Bukiewicz said. “Not only will it help young people get deeper into the Word, but there is great competition and fellowship.”

In his devotional, Commissioner Kenneth Maynor noted the joy and community spirit that permeated the event. “God is giving you the sacred privilege of shining like a star in the universe,” he said. Star Search is more than just a talent showcase, but an invitation to receive God’s love and grace — the message to all is that the Lord is here, and “You belong.” 

Ordination and Commissioning 

Sunday was set aside for the sacred ordination and commissioning of the new lieutenants from the Champions of the Mission in the presence of officers, soldiers, family, friends, and God. Commissioner Ralph Bukiewicz encouraged the cadets to align their personal missions with divine purposes, sharing four key concepts that are foundational to the mission of The Salvation Army: redemption, reconciliation, restoration, and regeneration.  

Inviting all attendees to embrace personal transformation, Bukiewicz stressed the need to serve God with integrity, and the importance of responding to God’s call to officership. He spoke about the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in guiding future leaders of The Salvation Army. 

In a heartfelt moment during the service, Major Sheila Gage, territorial Candidates’ secretary, prayed for prospective officers, asking for doors to be opened and obstacles to be removed, seeking divine guidance for their journey ahead.  

Lieutenant Antonio Blackmon, session speaker, encouraged a champion mindset characterized by resilience, determination, and steadfast dedication in that whatever you do — “if you fix shoes, sing the blues, or share the Good News” — you do it for the Lord.  

Territorial Corps Sergeant-Major Heather Green spoke about the essential collaboration between officers and soldiers, emphasizing the importance of listening, self-care, and wellness in the demanding field of ministry. 

As the service ended, Commissioner Susan Bukiewicz offered a prayer for the newly appointed officers, asking that their actions would inspire others and reflect the values of their training. Colonel Christine Rock concluded with a powerful benediction, encouraging everyone to confront the challenges they might face with unwavering faith and a deep commitment to the mission they are called to uphold.