Official Retirment Service

4 August 2014

Official Retirement Service for Majors Rod & Denice Strong

was on held on Sunday 3 August at Bundamba Corps.  Over 300 people packed the Citadel to honour them.  People came from various appointments where the Strongs had been posted.  The service was led by Captains Ed & Yvonne Henderson (Captain Ed Henderson is Majors Rod & Denice Strong's Silver Star son. 

The morning started with a march by the Band.  ACSM David Wilson welcomed the special guests and visitors including Commissioners James & Jan Condon, Territiorial Commanders of Australian Eastern Territory, members of Ipswich Rotary Club, Bundamba ANZAC Observance Committee, 3RAR Corporation and Redbank RSL Sub-Branch to the meeting.  Then Major Rod Strong told the congregation how Ed Henderson was their Silver Service son.     

During the service Brian Mole sang 'Royal Telephone' and the songsters sang 'Your Grace still amazes me.'  Captain Ed Henderson presented the Retirement Certificates, then Commissioner James Condon spoke a few words.  Commissioner Lee Johnson from the Qld Fire and Emergency Services was to attend and speak, but was unable to come at the last minute due to an emergency.  Councillor Bruce Casos presented the Strongs with a copy of the plaque which is being placed in the Rod & Denice Strong Park in Riverview.  Lady Mayoress Pisasale presented Majors Rod & Denice with certificates from Ipswich City Council.  Brad Strong paid tribute to his parents.  While the band played 'Gabriels Oboe' the theme music from The Mission, we were taken down memory lane with a power point presentation. 

The Male Quartet came out of retirement to sing ' That's the difference' and 'Lean on me.'  Captain Ed Henderson's message was entitled 'A call to service.'  The meeting finished with Major Denice Strong's favourite song - the Founders song, 'O Boundless Salvation.'  The meeting went for nearly 2 hours, it was such a good meeting that people were unaware of the time. 

Morning Tea was held following the service and it was a good time of fellowship following a 'good old Army meeting and great ministry.'