Behind the Shield: Captain Leta Marin

how did you first learn about the salvation army?

I knew about the thrift stores growing up and would shop there from time to time when I was in college, but I didn't know much until my sister started attending The Salvation Army church. A few years later, I moved to Kansas City, and my apartment was close to the Westport Temple Corps. I decided to check it out one Sunday, and the rest is history.

What made you want to become an officer?

Throughout my twenties, I was trying to figure out what to do with my life. I taught middle school, I worked for a nonprofit, and I studied literature, Spanish, and nonprofit management. But, in all those different roles, I felt like something was missing, that I wasn't quite where I was supposed to be. When I started attending The Salvation Army and saw the work the corps officers were doing, it clicked. I realized that this was the role that God had been preparing me for.

What is your favorite part about being an officer at tsa?

I love the variety of ways I get to serve. In the different roles I held throughout my twenties, I kept feeling like I wasn't fully using my gifts and passions. But as an officer, I get to serve people in difficult circumstances, to teach, to sing (come check out our music classes and Sunday morning worship!), to do administrative work, etc. Most importantly, I get to share God's love with people in really tangible ways.

what has been your favorite experience with tsa?

Getting to see people's lives change. As an officer, I get to work with people and cheer them on as they choose to make changes in their lives.

What is one thing you believe the world should know about tsa?

We try to serve the whole person. We don't want to just give someone food or a coat and send them on their way, when there are still other things missing in their lives. We want to help them as a whole.

What are three words you'd use to describe tsa?

Mission, service, love.