Relief worker to speak in Islands

By Mary Kaye Ritz
Advertiser Religion & Ethics Writer

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Joe Noland The retired territorial commander for the U.S. Eastern Territory of the Salvation Army will be making these appearances and holding to this speaking schedule during his visit to Hawai'i: Keynote speaker at the Salvation Army's Partners in Community Service awards luncheon, Monday 11 a.m. tomorrow, speaking at Salvation Army in Wai'anae's meeting at Poka'i Bay (they meet under a tent on the beach). 11 a.m. March 28, speaking at the Kauluwela Mission Corps, 296 N. Vineyard Blvd. Information: Salvation Army, 988-2136

As a commander with the Salvation Army, Noland was stationed in Hawai'i when Hurricane Iniki struck; was stationed in California during times of floods, fires and earthquakes; and most recently, was territorial commander on the East Coast when terrorist attacks leveled the World Trade Center.

Here are five questions for Noland, an author of two books and the divisional commander for the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division from 1990 to 1993. These days, he and his wife, Doris, live in LaQuinta, Calif., outside Palm Springs.

Q. Boy, bad things happen wherever you go. What's up with that?

A. (Laugh) Maybe that's why they retired me instead of sending me someplace. Whether it's coincidence or divine appointment, I don't know. I like to think of it as divine appointment.

Q. What was it like when 'Iniki struck Kaua'i?

A. I remember going over on Steven Spielberg's airplane, flying over and looking at the devastation. I said, 'Wow.' I never thought I'd see this island look that particular way.

Q. What did you learn from 'Iniki?

A. I think that effort helped me give leadership to the relief efforts in New York City. What we learned in Kaua'i we were able to transfer. You go by instinct when you go into these situations. ... When you've gone through the chaotic experience, though none are alike, you can know what to expect. It gives you a sense of confidence and leadership.

Q. What sort of things does the Salvation Army do for relief efforts?

A. Anything. Just anything. For example, when I went down to Ground Zero the next day (after Sept. 11), I went into the pit. One firefighter worker came up and said they needed Mentholatum for their noses because the stench was so bad. An hour later, we came back with a truck full of Mentholatum. ...

We had a big tent at Ground Zero. The workers referred to it as the Taj Mahal. It was there for respite. (The Salvation Army) fed everybody, and had counselors on hand. When the workers came in, there were gals there who would take off the boots, rub their feet, put ointment on.

Q. You're retired, but what's up next for you?

A. I'm meeting with people about starting a Sunday school in Wai'anae. We want to do it all along the coast, do it at homes, at beach parks, wherever they can find locations, depending on how many volunteer leaders they can recruit and train.