Marlene Klotz-Collins Joins Distinguished List of Honorees
The Salvation Army has awarded Marlene Klotz-Collins, a long-time Valley community-relations professional, the highest recognition the organization confers on a non-Salvationist. The Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service was issued by the General of the Salvation Army from International Headquarters in London and presented during a meeting of the National Advisory Board in Phoenix.
Klotz-Collins has been a member of the Army’s Phoenix Advisory Board for 30 years and the National Advisory Board for 14 years. She was instrumental in the formation of the Army’s Christmas Angel program, presented annually by KTVK 3TV. Now in its 27th year, the program provides toys annually to 50,000 children. Her involvement also includes disaster-relief efforts, volunteer recruitment, fundraising, food drives and myriad other programs at local and national levels.
“The Salvation Army embraces every social-service need imaginable, throughout the world, without discrimination,” Klotz-Collins says. “I am honored to work beside the officers and valued volunteers to do whatever possible to help fulfill the Army’s mission. I am humbled by this distinction, truly an honor of a lifetime. This recognition truly embodies my family, employers, and peers who have embraced and supported the needs we are able to address through The Salvation Army."
The presentation was made by the Salvation Army’s National Commander William Roberts, Western Territorial Commander James Knaggs and Southwest Divisional Commander Joe Posillico.
“Marlene’s contributions have advanced the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army, locally and nationally, in immeasurable ways. She continues to amaze me with her service and love for the Army and for all we do. We are blessed to have her,” Posillico says.
Ninety Americans have received the Distinguished Auxiliary Service Cross since its inception in 1941. President William Taft’s brother, Henry W. Taft, an eminent New York attorney, was the first recipient. Taft had served as chairman of The Salvation Army Advisory Board in New York City for 20 years. Prime ministers, members of the nobility and President Herbert Hoover’s wife have been among the recipients. Nominations for the Order are received at International Headquarters from territorial and command headquarters around the world.
Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was admitted to the Order in 1985. Kax Herberger and Laura Danieli, all of Arizona, were also recipients.
