February has been a difficult month for the city of Trenton and the Canadian Forces Base located there. The arrest of former Base Commander Colonel Russ Williams, and the horrific charges laid against him, has been a shock to the community and the country.

In an effort to encourage and support the troops, Mayor John Williams organized a Military Appreciation Rally on Saturday, February 20. The purpose of the rally was to show the military personnel of CFB Trenton that the city continues to stand behind them, and that local residents remain proud to live beside Canada's largest air force base.

When Captain Steve Manuel, corps officer of The Salvation Army Trenton Community Church, became aware of the event, he immediately contacted the mayor.

“We offered our assistance and assured the mayor that The Salvation Army would support this endeavour,” says Captain Manuel. “After contacting our divisional headquarters to request a vehicle that could be on site to serve coffee and hot chocolate, we began to encourage our church members to attend the rally. Our presence at the event was enhanced by the use of jackets and scarves obtained from THQ that identified us as The Salvation Army.

“My wife, Tina, and I were very proud to participate in the rally, and we were equally as proud of our congregation. We have a small church, but we had over 20 members in attendance.”

Photos: Captain Steve Manuel speaks with newly appointed Base Commander Colonel David Cochrane at the rally; Captains Tina and Steve Manuel with Colonel David Cochrane and his wife, Sherri; Captains Manuel with three military chaplains who serve at CFB Trenton