Meet the Retired Officers – Lieut-Colonels Frank and Yvonne Daniels

35 minutes ago

2 min read

Retired officers play an integral role in the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army for many years after their active officership has ended. Most continue to be involved in meaningful ways in their local corps and community, drawing on experience gained over decades of service. Salvos Online today features retired Lieut-Colonels Frank and Yvonne Daniels.

Lieut-Colonels Frank and Yvonne Daniels retired from active officership in 2012.

1. Which corps do you both currently attend, and how are you involved?

After 20 years as soldiers of Melbourne 614, we returned to the Camberwell Corps at the beginning of 2026. We are involved in a Bible study group.

2. When did you both attend training college, and what was your sessional name? Did you like that name (why or why not)?

Frank: I was a member of the Witnesses to the Faith session – 1966-1968. The sessional name has become more special over the years as it has united the members of the session together.

Yvonne: I was a member of the Victorious session – 1970-1972. I’m very happy with the sessional name.

3. Looking back on your years as active officers, was there a particularly memorable appointment, and why?

Frank: This is a hard question as there were many.

Yvonne: Divisional Guard Organiser, South Australia – 1984-1987. A great era in South Australia, particularly in youth and children’s ministry. We attended the Unley Corps, which was very special for me and our children as Frank was visiting other corps throughout the division in his role as Divisional Youth Secretary. After over 30 years of varied appointments, I was able to regain my nursing registration, and from 2005 to 2012 was appointed as a home-based detox coordinator for people suffering drug and alcohol addiction.

4. Is there a specific Bible verse or passage, or even a song, that has anchored your spiritual lives over the years, and if so, why?

Frank: 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.’ I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me. I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” I have proved the truth of these words over and over again.

Yvonne: Song 25: ‘God’s love to me is wonderful’ – first song I heard when I first attended the Army as a teenager.