100 Years of Service: Salvation Army captain reflects on service in the Friendly City

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - June marks the 100th anniversary of the Salvation Army of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Even though he left the area a few years ago, former Capt. Duane Burleigh said his leadership position in the Friendly City will always stick with him.

Burleigh’s journey with the Salvation Army began during a game of flag football in upstate New York. Burleigh said it was the organization’s mission that drew him in and kept him there for 30 years and counting.

“The love of people and the need to let them know that there is hope in this world because of Christ, to let them know there is a way to make them complete and to have a better chance of a fulfilled life,” Burleigh said.

Burleigh and his wife were stationed in Harrisonburg as auxiliary captains in 2008.

“I don’t believe I could’ve done it without her,” Burleigh said. “She is my support in times of difficulty. She’s there to lend a helping hand. She completes what I am incomplete in. I wouldn’t even wanna think of undertaking it without her.”

They quickly became embedded in the community through church services, donation drives and the Red Kettle campaign. Their canteen program was also a staple in their service. Burleigh said he and his family were always “ready to go” to help those in need.

“It’s probably one of the things I’m proudest of. Everyone at some time in their life is going to need some kind of help,” Burleigh said.

Burleigh and his wife ended their time with the post in 2014, but after allegations of mismanaged funds from former leadership, they stepped back in 2022.

“The people just love the Salvation Army, and they’re just people that want to help friends and neighbors and so it was just a great place to serve,” Burleigh said. “It was a great time of growing and learning. “When I left, my words to the incoming officers was just love the people and you’ll be fine.”

After seven and a half years of service in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, Burleigh officially retired in 2023, making way for the Salvation Army’s current leadership. However, the mission kept calling. Burleigh’s now in his seventh appointment since his departure, acting as a captain in Roanoke. Burleigh said continuing to help others in need is an honor.

“We believe in giving people a hand up, not a hand out,” Burleigh said. “In other words, yes, we’ll meet their immediate needs, but we’re looking long-term also. What else can we do to make their life better, to make it stronger?”

Burleigh will be back in Harrisonburg for the Salvation Army’s Centennial Gala on June 28 at James Madison University’s Festival Conference Center. He will be delivering a speech to the community he continues to hold dear.

“I hope they think of me as family. When they think of me, it’s not just the things that I did, but maybe the way that I was,” Burleigh said. “I think most of the people that I worked with there, whether it be in the community, the staff or anybody who needs help out, that they think of me as family. I believe if we treat everybody with love and respect, then we get love and respect back, and that was my biggest goal.”