There are abundant changes at the Salvation Army Austin Corps, but one thing remains the same: service to those in need.

Last week, Major Doug and Linda Yeck announced they are leaving Austin for a new assignment in St. Paul.

"We have enjoyed serving in Austin very much," Major Doug Yeck said.

David Reynen, president of the Salvation Army Austin Corps advisory board, described the major as a "compassionate person and I wish him the best in his new position."

The Yecks' tour of duty in Austin was filled with the usual good deeds, for which the Salvation Army is known. The four-year tour also was punctuated with occasional conflict.

Most recently the Austin Corps' advisory board saw plans for a new family thrift store almost derailed and an application for funding from the Salvation Army negated because a filing deadline was not observed.

Major Doug Yeck did not discuss the past events last Thursday when he announced he and his wife were leaving Austin.

"We've enjoyed working with the staff and the advisory board," he said.

The Yecks and daughter, Betsy, arrived in Austin in the summer of 1999 and replaced Capt. Ed and Deanna Wilson.

The Yecks' replacements are Major Jose and Annette Tamayo, who have four children. The Yecks leave June 29 to begin new duties in St. Paul on July 3.

In another transition, Heidi Garcia has been hired as a new bilingual caseworker for the Austin Corps. Among her responsibilities, Garcia will be in charge of overseeing the summer feeding program and free community meals served at the Salvation Army community center.

The Austin Corps' advisory board meets at noon Tuesday, May 27, for a regular meeting.

Not only is the family thrift store project and continuing funding woes among the issues being discussed by the advisory board, but so will an emergency and transitional housing project and the new Austin Corps officers in charge.

David Reynen, current advisory board chairperson, had no comment on the change in officers in charge.

Helping Missouri

On Friday, Major Doug Yeck headed an emergency disaster services team bound for tornado-stricken southwest Missouri.

According to the major, the team members will do casework, computer input, meal-serving and clean-up duties.

The volunteers left Friday morning by private vehicle and Salvation Army van. Their services were requested by the Missouri Salvation Army hierarchy and they will spend a week to 10 days assisting the victims of recent tornadoes.

When they return, Jim Middleton, the Austin Corps' emergency disaster services coordinator will take another team of volunteers to the Missouri communities that were severely damaged by tornadoes earlier this month.

"We're the only Salvation Army unit from Minnesota to be called to Missouri to help the victims of the tornadoes," Major Yeck said.

The contingent of volunteers included three brothers, Bobby, Ron and Dennis Newman, Mary Frances Jones, a member of the Salvation Army's advisory board, Jack O'Sullivan and Major Yeck.

Bobby Newman said of his brothers' and his volunteerism, "It just feels good to help. These are people who really needed and we're glad to be able to do it."

The Newmans were among a Salvation Army crew who went to Roseau County last summer to aid flood victims.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com