The Salvation Army of the Virginia Peninsula is celebrating 125 years of “doing the most good” across the region in 2023. During an anniversary celebration on Friday, The Salvation Army recognized Newport News Shipbuilding for the company’s long-standing support.

NNS and The Salvation Army of the Virginia Peninsula have shared a close relationship for the past 125 years. In fact, The Salvation Army arrived in Newport News in 1898 to assist in feeding and housing the large numbers of people who had come to the community looking for work at NNS.

“There was a need, and the Army showed up,” said Lt. Antiono Willis, commanding officer of The Salvation Army Virginia Peninsula Corps.

NNS and shipbuilders have given generously in the years that followed, including providing 50% of the funding for The Salvation Army’s facility on Big Bethel Road in Hampton. Just last year, more than 55,000 individuals on the Peninsula were assisted by The Salvation Army.

During Friday’s event, Willis presented NNS with the Legacy Impact Award. David Horne, senior director of Trades, accepted the award for the shipyard.

“Being able to serve our community with The Salvation Army has been an incredible blessing to me personally,” Horne said. “I am honored to represent NNS in celebrating the 125 years of community service with The Salvation Army of the Virginia Peninsula.”

Julie Lane, an NNS superintendent and Salvation Army Advisory Board member, also was on hand for the event.

“The Salvation Army was here serving at NNS during World War II, when my grandmother worked at NNS. In the later more prosperous years, she made it her mission to serve her community through the Salvation Army. Today, I make it my mission to serve our community the same way.”

Shipbuilders who are interested in volunteering and supporting The Salvation Army of the Virginia Peninsula should contact Julie Lane or David Horne.