Experiences and Impressions from Cuba

A Beautiful Country, Kind People, TSA Ready to Help as Needed

Revolution Square, Havana

Representatives from The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory including Commissioners Barry and Sue Swanson, Eastern Territorial Leaders; Lt. Col. Stephen Banfield, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army of Eastern PA & DE; Major A. Philip Ferreira, Director of Operations, The Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia, among several other TSA USA officers and representatives, have arrived in Cuba for a historical visit and they are already having quite a memorable experience.

The trip is the first time TSA USA officers from the contiguous US have traveled to the island nation in nearly 60 years. Our group will meet with officials of the Salvation Army of Cuba and government leaders to learn more about the country and the needs of its people. The trip is a way for The Salvation Army USA to bring its goodwill to Cuba and its gift of music from the renowned Salvation Army New York Staff Band.

These are some of their impressions and experiences relayed to our offices in Philadelphia so far, ranging from the travel itself to life in Cuba:

Local Salvation Army Members Embark on Historic Trip to Cuba

Trip Signifies First Visit by Salvation Army USA Reps to Island Nation in nearly 60 Years

A group of Salvation Army representatives from the Eastern Territory, USA will travel to Cuba on February 18 through February 22.  They will meet with officers of The Salvation Army of Cuba and government leaders to learn more about the country and the needs of its people, as well as, to share the gift of music to the people of Cuba.  It is the first time Salvation Army leadership from the United States will visit Cuba in nearly 60 years.

Representing The Salvation Army Eastern Territory, USA are:  The Salvation Army Eastern Territorial leaders, Commissioners Barry and Sue Swanson, along with The Salvation Army New York Staff Band;  Lt. Colonel Stephen Banfield, Divisional Commander and Reverend Bonnie Camarda, Director of Partnerships from The Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware; Major A. Philip Ferreira, Director of Operations and Aaron Cohen, Advisory Board Chair from The Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia.

Lt. Colonel Stephen Banfield, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army of Eastern PA & DE

“It is our hope that through this visit we will find out how we can lend more support to our Salvation Army colleagues and the impoverished people of Cuba,” said Lt. Colonel Stephen Banfield, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware. “We are proud to represent The Salvation Army USA in this effort.”