Sondra Hernandez Staff writer July 3, 2024

New Conroe Salvation Army commanding officers Lt. Cody Johns and Lt. Amanda Johns are getting straight to work on potential emergency preparations for an active hurricane season. 

The couple came from the Irving Salvation Army unit and June 24 was their first official day as Conroe commanding officers. They fill the role of Lt. James Guzman and Lt. Claudia Guzman who had the Conroe command since 2020. 

The Guzmans were transferred to the Beaumont command in June to fill the role of retiring leaders. 

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New to Conroe

“We’re grateful for the overall welcoming atmosphere of the community. I have not been anywhere in Conroe that people weren’t smiling, helpful and welcoming,” Amanda Johns said. 

She’s most looking forward to being able to meet people where they are at and hear their stories.

“Coming to Montgomery County, I see that there’s a lot of people who need love and support and resources,” she said. 

About the Conroe Salvation Army

The Conroe Salvation Army is under the umbrella of the Salvation Army Greater Houston Area Command but all local funds and services are based in Conroe with support from local resources. 

Its year-round mission is to help those in need by offering emergency shelter, lunch and dinner meals, church services, Bible studies, youth programs and assistance getting homeless individuals and families back into a stable living situation. During the holiday season, it provides toys to hundreds of children through the Angel Tree program and its Red Kettle campaign is a sure sign of the holidays. 

The Salvation Army has had a presence in Conroe dating back to the 1970s when the group operated out of several houses the organization purchased. The organization is at 304 Avenue E in Conroe. 

A personal journey of support

While both are Texas natives, this is the Johns first time in this part of Texas and they said love the beauty and natural resources of Montgomery County. They’re still adjusting to the Gulf Coast heat.

Amanda’s service is personal. 

Her great-grandmother struggled when her husband became ill and she supported their children with assistance from the Salvation Army. Her grandmother also experienced a crisis when her young husband suffered a severe work-related back injury that left him unable to provide for the family. 

“She remembered the Salvation Army and all they had done for her and they helped her when she was the breadwinner and my grandfather was recovering and she was taking care of four young children,” she said. 

As a single mother Amanda’s mother too benefited from the support of the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army has also been Amanda’s home church for most of her life. 

“The love of people and the fact that it’s come as you are is what led me to the Salvation Army,” she said. 

Cody did not grow up in a religious setting but he met Amanda at age 17 and she invited him to the Salvation Army church. 

“I saw everyone in uniforms and I wondered ‘What is this? Is this really a church?’ But the love that was there, I was hugged by people I didn’t even know and brought into this family and that’s what sparked my love for the Salvation Army,” he said. 

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Emergency response

While in Irving they participated with a rapid response unit that can hold up to 1,200 meals. They participated in disaster and storm recovery in North Texas and surrounding states. 

Earlier this spring, the Conroe unit was the recipient of a mobile unit to assist in disaster recovery. This week they spent time restocking and prepping the mobile kitchen while monitoring Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean. 

“If we’re called, then we’ll be ready and able to take it out wherever we need to go,” he said. 

During the summer they are in need of donations of bottled water to give out. They need dry goods and canned goods donations for their food pantry. They are also in need of donations of socks, hygiene products and undergarments for men and women. 

The Johns have four children that range in age from 12 to 18. 

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