Celebrate Women's History Month with Major Sandra Line
Major Sandra (Sandy) Line is technically a retired officer for the past 18 years, but you can’t stop her passion for The Salvation Army with retirement. She currently works as the Women’s Ministries Assistant at the Divisional Headquarters. She assists with events that the Women’s
Department hosts and focuses on Community Care ministry and service to the Milwaukee VA Medical Center.
She has helped The Salvation Army serve our veterans during the spring and winter months. During Christmas, employees at The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County and the Divisional Headquarters deliver gifts and play Christmas music for the veterans that are admitted to the hospital. She and her fellow officers deliver gifts during Easter as well. She also serves as a member of the vigil team at the VA that sits with dying veterans so that no veteran dies alone.
When she was an active officer, Major Sandy was appointed to 16 different locations throughout her 32 years of service. She served as the corps officer, along with her husband Tom, for nine different worship and community centers and has experience working in Divisional Headquarters of five of 11 divisions, and at the Territorial Headquarters. During her 32-year tenure, she also was a staff member at the College for Officer Training.
Major Sandy grew up in The Salvation Army. When she was a young girl, she participated in the Girl Guards. On a hot July day in 1967, she attended Girl Guard Camp in Iowa where she first heard her calling to become a Salvation Army officer.
During her experience as an officer, Major Sandy appreciated the encouragement and freedom to express who she is in her day to day job, along with the flexibility of ministry that can change as your life demands change.
“When my kids were little I could be a mom and still be a part of the pastorate with my husband,” she said.
When Major Sandy was asked, what is one thing you believe the world should know about The Salvation Army she said, “I wish the world today knew both sides of our old motto ‘Heart to God and Hand to Man’; when there is a need to be met, just call The Salvation Army. They [the world] don't always understand that the motivation comes from our heart that is the dwelling place of God, the One who loves them, too.”
Psalms 34:8 is Sandy’s current favorite scripture. The verse states, "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him." She explains that when people face the challenge to step out in faith to try God’s way, there is a promise of blessings.
Each week, during March, we want to share the women who help spread the word of our Savior and help those during their darkest times. Look for more stories featuring our female officers coming next week!