Divisional Spotlight: Western Pennsylvania
by Colonel Richard Munn
Shoring up the hinterland of the USA Eastern Territory is the steely, reliable, and beloved Western Pennsylvania Division. Characterized by its distinct topography of mighty rivers, steep gorges, and lush forestland, this is a region that values hard work, thrift, and community bonds. Highly visible Pittsburgh is the dominant city, gleaming as three rivers merge before it. It is an awe-inspiring sight.
Here is where the nation’s first oil well was tapped, and where coal and steel created vast wealth, powering American industry and manufacturing. Hand in hand with this evolved the deep community and family bonds of hardworking people, the labor movement, religious faith, abundant deer hunting, and simple celebrations, including the delightful wedding “cookie table” tradition.
The Salvation Army is strongly part of this community, renowned for its visible and enviable partnerships with local media and the treasured sports teams, maybe illustrated by the large red shield of divisional headquarters overlooking busy Interstate 376. At the same time, local corps and human service expressions of The Salvation Army can be found throughout the city and broader region, faithfully and unobtrusively embedded into neighborhood life. Especially treasured, a rallying point, is quite wonderful Camp Allegheny, the center of warmth for the division, and the broader territory, even. Quite simply, the people who live and serve in WPA love it dearly.
At the core of this sturdy command, forging, building, and founding, are Majors Marcus and Joy Jugenheimer, divisional leaders. SAconnects interrupted their shift for an up-to-date production report, to get you, our faithful readers, the story behind the story.
What are your divisional statistics: number of corps, senior and junior soldiers, officers, employees?
- 35 corps
- 2,440 senior soldiers
- 1,607 junior soldiers
- 61 officers
- 254 employees
Click to view full breakdown of the Western Pennsylvania Division.
How would you describe the personality of your division?
Western Pennsylvania has a distinct personality. You could describe it like an old steel beam: solid, weathered, and reliable, grounded in realism, shaped by its industrial past and still standing strong with a warm heart underneath the grit. Hardworking and resilient, down-to-earth, and unpretentious people who are community-minded and loyal. Western PA is culturally rich, with its own quirks such as the Pittsburgh dialect (“yinz,” “nebby,” “redd up”) and traditions like the Pittsburgh cookie table, pierogies, French-fry topped salads, church festivals, and the love for their black-and-gold sports teams.
The Salvation Army soldiers and employees are deeply rooted in their local communities, and many of the officers have a long history in the division and align well with the strong commitment to place.
What is the geographic and cultural terrain of the division?
Western Pennsylvania’s geographic and cultural terrain are intertwined. Its rolling hills, river valleys, and industrial waterways shape communities defined by hard work, resilience, and local pride. The rugged landscape fosters both self-reliance and close-knit towns, creating a regional character that remains grounded, practical, and deeply tied to place.
What especially notable expressions of ministry exist within the command?
The LIGHT Project is dedicated to Leading Individuals Gracefully out of Human Trafficking. Since its inception in 2018, the LIGHT Project has been educating the public and providing vital support to survivors in Pittsburgh and The Salvation Army’s surrounding 28-county Western Pennsylvania service area. The LIGHT Project serves all genders and helps survivors of both labor and sex trafficking.
WTAE-TV’s project Bundle-Up, a joint venture of the division and WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh’s ABC affiliate, has been going strong for four decades, providing new, warm winter outerwear — including coats, hats, gloves, and boots — to children and adults over the age of 62 throughout Western Pennsylvania. Dedicated corporate and community volunteers ensure that the experience is not just about receiving new items but also about creating meaningful, positive experiences that participants will remember for years to come. Highlights include surprise shopping trips with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and talent from WTAE-TV. Since its inception, project Bundle-Up has raised $17.5 million, helping more than 310,000 children and seniors.
What brings you the greatest joy?
As we recently arrived in this appointment, we currently find the greatest joy in visiting the corps locations, learning about the communities, getting to know the officers, meeting the soldiers, employees, and volunteers, and witnessing the impact that is being made for God and for good in the local communities.
What is God up to in the division these days?
We believe God is stirring up a holy discontent with the status quo. Societal realities have resulted in trends of statistical decline for congregational ministries, increase in demand for basic needs and services and growing financial challenges. There is evidence of God’s conviction in the hearts of change-agents to be more intentional about interrupting these trends through prayer and through assessing and questioning current realities.
Any final insights or thoughts for our readers?
Western Pennsylvania has long been a division that we would drive through on visits to family and friends. Over the past four months, Western Pennsylvania has become home as we have learned the landscape and the culture of this beautiful region.
How can we all pray for the division?
Please join us in praying for the sensitivity to discern and the courage to follow God’s leading into new paths of ministry and for God’s generous resourcing of the mission and the ministries throughout the division.
Thank you, Marcus and Joy — our territory leans on the sheer strength and service of the command. The WPA Division is a furnace of warmth and productivity. You can count on our interest and support. An army is cheering you on, with Terrible Towels, even.
