Fighting the war against world's woes.

Byline: Profile by The Register-Guard

Name: C. Joe Murray, 52, Eugene

Claim to fame: Head of the Salvation Army of Eugene and Lane County.

Background: Before coming to Eugene, Murray and his wife, Florence, lived in Anchorage, where they were on staff at the Alaska Division Headquarters of the Salvation Army. Murray was the divisional secretary responsible for business operations; his wife was in charge of the League of Mercy work, Order Adult Ministries and coordinating volunteers.

Before their Anchorage appointment, the couple served at the Salvation Army College for officer training in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. They also served as corps officers in southeast Alaska communities for more than 20 years.

A need knows no season: Mention the Salvation Army and people immediately think of people ringing bells over a kettle asking for donations during Christmas, or the organization's thrift stores. But the Salvation Army is that and so much more, Murray says.

"We assist people year round, not just at Christmastime. We strive to meet the needs of the total person, whether its spiritually, mentally or socially."

Why I do what I do: Murray said the decision to work for the Salvation Army came naturally - he describes it as a calling from God.

"As a boy attending a Salvation Army convention in southeast Alaska in 1970, I just felt the Salvation Army was where I was meant to serve."

Why the military designation?: To people around the office Murray is referred to as "Major Murray" or "Major Joe." Murray, who has been a commissioned officer with the Salvation Army for 28 years, says the rank indicates seniority. The Salvation Army also is an army in the sense that it is waging a war against the woes and sins of the world, Murray said. "There is a battle going on and we are a part of it," he said.

- Jim Feehan

If you know someone who would make a great subject for a Register-Guard Profile, send it to Jim Murez at [e-mail] or P.O. Box 10188, Eugene, OR 97440.

CAPTION(S):

Maj. C. Joe Murray is head of the Salvation Army of Eugene and Lane County, where he works with his wife, Maj. Florence Murray. He describes his work helping people as a Salvation Army officer as a calling from God.