New Salvation Army Leaders Look To Help New London

There are a couple of new faces at the New London office of the Salvation Army, and they’re looking to continue the organization’s mission of helping those in need.

Jose and Melissa Borrero, captains in the organization, became the commanding officers in New London on July 1. They replace outgoing commander Mark Hanover.

The Borreros, who are from Puerto Rico, became members of the Salvation Army in 1996 while living in Buffalo, N.Y. Jose graduated from the University of Buffalo as a radiation therapist in 2002. The couple entered a training school for Salvation Army commanders in 2004, and two years later they were commissioned as ministers and officers.

Commanding officers are typically rotated every five years or so, and New London marks the third assignment for the Borreros. They formerly served in Buffalo as well as Vineland, N.J.

“We’re trying to get used to it, setting everything up, meeting the people,” said Melissa.

The commanding officers oversee the Salvation Army’s community programs such as emergency assistance, the food pantry, and rent assistance. They also lead religious services and Bible studies based in the Salvation Army office.

Melissa said they hope to bolster the connections between the Salvation Army and nearby Navy and Coast Guard installations.

“It has a small city feel with the advantages of a big city,” Jose said of New London. “The location is incredible.”

Jose said one of the goals he and Melissa have is the establishment of educational and family programs. These could include after-school programs, homework assistance, and family fitness.

“We notice that there’s a lot of need in the education part of New London, so we want to support the public education here,” said Jose.

The Borreros have four children. Their oldest son is currently on a mission trip in South Africa to help children who were born with AIDS.

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