CAPT. ELMER TRAPP

Cape Girardeau soon will say goodbye to a familiar friend.

Capt. Elmer Trapp took over as head of the local Salvation Army in 1988. Since then, he has endeared himself to the community with his tireless and selfless work through two historic floods and numerous other exercises in Christian compassion

During his tenure, Capt. Trapp has presided over the expansion of the Tree of Lights campaign from a goal of $65,000 to more than $125,000 in charitable giving from Cape Girardeau-area residents. He also spearheaded a building campaign that culminated in the construction of a new $1 million Salvation Army facility in south-central Cape Girardeau, where the need for Christian philanthropy is great.

Capt. Trapp's last day in Cape Girardeau is June 27. Although he says he will miss Cape Girardeau, there is no hesitation in his acceptance of a new position in Jefferson City. "My wife and I know we're doing what God wants us to do, and that brings satisfaction even though the work might be difficult and the hours long," Trapp said in a recent interview.

Best wishes to one of God's faithful servants in Cape Girardeau as he moves on. And a warm welcome to Robert Gauthier of Ohio, his replacement, who has some large shoes to fill.