During a colourful, vibrant, emotional and dignified retirement salute to Commissioner Robin Dunster, The Salvation Army's first woman Chief of the Staff, General Shaw Clifton said he was conducting the retirement of a close colleague in Christ and a much valued prayer partner.

The salute, at Staines Corps (UK Territory) on Saturday 24 April, attracted people from many parts of the world and the main hall was filled to overflowing.

The General said the appointment in 2006 of a woman as Chief of the Staff (the Army's second-in-command) was historic and that 'Commissioner Dunster has graced that high appointment in every way. It is fitting that we honour her today. She has been an outstanding Chief of the Staff and will be most sorely missed.'

General Clifton commented that hardly anyone expected a woman to be appointed as Chief of the Staff when he was elected General in 2006, however, he knew the commissioner was ideally suited for the role. He believed her wide range of leadership service, her deep commitment to God in the Army, her strength and determination 'in the right ways', and that she would always be open and honest with the General, were essential qualities for a Chief of the Staff.

Prior to presenting Commissioner Dunster with her retirement certificate the General outlined many of her outstanding characteristics including: her love and understanding of the Army while not being blind to its weaknesses, her belief that God still uses the Army to fulfil his purposes, her loyalty, ability to bring out the talents in others, fascination with the cultural variety that is the modern Army and wide knowledge of Army personalities and officers.

The General said the commissioner 'is astute and gifted intellectually. She has a clear mind that thinks consequentially on matters.' General Clifton also stated that he has been grateful for Commissioner Dunster's close and capable attention to the business matters of the Army.

He has been especially pleased to have her support in advancing women leaders within the Army and thankful for her excellent role-modelling of female ministry.

During his prayer following the presentation of the retirement certificate General Clifton thanked God for having his hand on Commissioner Dunster and 'for the day as a child when she gave her life to you. Thank you for your gifting of her, guiding her from country to country and for these senior years of service.' He also prayed that there would be many years of service to come for the commissioner.

The Chief opened her response by saying: 'I wish everyone here really knew everyone here. If you did you would know stories of great fortitude amidst political strife, lootings, liberation struggles and wars; real determination in times of personal and family crises; beautiful courage in the face of grief and loss and the confronting and overcoming failures and disappointments.

'You would also know stories of faithful service in every corner of The Salvation Army world; compassionate ministry at home and abroad; amazing endeavours of unsung heroes and extraordinary exploits never reported.'

The commissioner said she was grateful for the trust in her that led the General to appoint her as Chief of the Staff.

She especially thanked her support officer, Lieut-Colonel Edna Williams, for her friendship, loyalty and encouragement.

Commissioner Dunster said she was grateful to all who had influenced her life and specifically mentioned her godly officer parents, 'whose spirit of creativity and adventure mixed with good practical sense and sacrifice prepared me for a lifetime of service'.

She continued: 'I am grateful for the insights gained through these years of service; the beautiful and inspiring people that I have met, in many parts of the Army world, who are serving without pretension in all manner of circumstances and are living their lives to the glory of God; the growing appreciation for this Army that God “raised up” for his own good purposes and lessons learned through difficult experiences and even my mistakes.

'All of these influences prepared me to forever bear the name of our training session – Victorious.'

At this point, in a moving and celebratory moment, a session mate stood and commenced singing the sessional song. She was soon joined by 21 others from Commissioner Dunster's training days at the International Training College, Denmark Hill, London.

In her Bible message (translated into French by Lieut-Colonel Williams) based on Romans 8 the Chief urged all present to be conquerors in Christ. 'In every situation we know that nothing can separate us from the risen Christ who intercedes for us.'

The commissioner spoke powerfully about the Christian's connection to God, 'who motivates us in every aspect of living'. She then invited anyone who had not experienced the love of Jesus or who wanted to go deeper with him to come forward to pray. Two men accepted the invitation.

A feature near the beginning of the retirement salute was the recognition of Lieut-Colonel Williams' extended service. Commissioner John Swinfen, who has known Lieut-Colonel Williams for many years stretching back to her early years in Africa, said she had remarkably influenced the Army in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaïre) where she served from 1964 until 2002. 'Her contribution to that territory is unparalleled,' he affirmed.

He complimented Salvation Army leadership on creatively using retired officers in active roles and said that in her supporting role to Commissioner Dunster, Lieut-Colonel Williams had also significantly influenced The Salvation Army in The Philippines.

'She has created positive programmes and attitudes wherever she has been. In her final four years she has not only supported the Chief of the Staff but has expanded her personal ministry and has made God's presence felt through encouragement and generosity. She has the versatility of a true missionary.'

In responding, Lieut-Colonel Williams said she has received much more than she has given. Drawing on the harmony of early creation as outlined in Genesis the colonel said she longed for this harmony to be present now.

The presence of virtually all her biological family overwhelmed Lieut-Colonel Williams as it was the first occasion in her officership that any family members had attended a Salvation Army event where she was involved.

The colonel said she was grateful to all who had made it possible for her to be an officer and to 'our God of infinite goodness who is always with us. We cannot surpass God in any way.'

Another significant portion of the salute was the music contributions from parts of the world where Commissioner Dunster has served – Africa, The Philippines, United Kingdom and Australia.

In colourful African Salvation Army clothing, matching the vibrancy of their singing and movement, Congolese Salvationists from Boulogne-Billancourt Corps in France passionately brought the message of victory in Jesus through their singing in Kikongo.

And in national dress the Salcedo family with Filipino friends transported the congregation to The Philippines while singing about being hand in hand with God.

Australian Salvationist Errol Duck-Chong superbly played a medley of Army songs on the piano while photos covering the years of service of the commissioner and colonel were shown.

Regent Hall Band (UK) provided excellent support to songs as well as being featured in the playing of 'Lightwalk', composed by an Australian, and Staines Young People's Singing Company delightfully sang two songs.

When commencing the salute Commissioner William Cochrane (International Secretary to the Chief of the Staff) introduced the official party and prayed for the family of Colonel Keith Burridge who had recently been promoted to Glory while on active service in Singapore.

In her prayer to conclude the event Commissioner Helen Clifton (World President of Women's Ministries) thanked God for the lives of Commissioner Dunster and Lieut-Colonel Williams and for the influence they have had in the lives of many people. She asked that more and more people would give themselves totally to God.