The Salvation Army of Bowling Green announces incoming captains
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Salvation Army of Bowling Green is announcing a transition in leadership as Captains Johnny and Monica Horton prepare to conclude five years of service in the community.
Johnny and Monica Horton are accepting new appointments as area commanders in Chattanooga, Tennessee, according to the nonprofit.
Effective Monday, June 22, Capt. Josh Keaton and Capt. Amanda Keaton will assume leadership of The Salvation Army’s corps and social service operations in Bowling Green.
According to the nonprofit, Capt. Johnny Horton and Capt. Monica Horton have “faithfully served the Bowling Green community since 2021, strengthening and expanding The Salvation Army’s ministry and mission. During their tenure, they worked closely with local officials and nonprofit partners to establish the Life Navigation Center on The Salvation Army campus, an innovative collaborative effort with organizations including Room in the Inn, LifeSkills, Hotel Inc., and Goodwill Industries.”
The center provides critical services for those in need including laundry and shower facilities, mail services, mental health assessments, case management, life coaching, counseling, computer access for job searching and a variety of supportive classes.
The Hortons were recently recognized for their impact during the Champions of Hope Luncheon on June 2, where they were honored alongside longtime advisory board member Joe Davis.
Capt. Johnny Horton said, “It has been an incredible privilege to serve alongside this community over the past five years. We are deeply grateful to our Advisory Board, donors, volunteers, and community partners whose support made this ministry possible. Together, we’ve seen lives changed and hope restored. While we are excited for what lies ahead, Bowling Green will always hold a special place in our hearts. We leave knowing the work here is in excellent hands and have full confidence that Captains Keaton will continue to build on this strong foundation.”
Most recently, the incoming captains served for two years as Divisional Youth Secretaries for The Salvation Army across Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, where they oversaw youth programming throughout the three-state region, including leadership of the summer camp program at Camp Hidden Lake in Lexington, Mississippi, according to the nonprofit. The Keatons have also served in Greenville, South Carolina, and Hendersonville, North Carolina.
Captain Josh Keaton says, “As we step into this next season, we do so with gratitude and anticipation. We are excited to serve as Corps Officers in Bowling Green. While this transition brings change, it also carries the same mission—to serve, to lead, and to love God’s people wholeheartedly.”
The community is invited to participate in two special upcoming services at The Salvation Army of Bowling Green Corps located at 400 W. Main Ave. A Farewell Sunday service honoring the Hortons will take place on Sunday, June 21 at 11 a.m. A Welcome Sunday service for Captains Keaton will follow the next week on Sunday, June 28 at 11 a.m.
For more information about The Salvation Army of Bowling Green, visit www.SalvationArmyBowlingGreen.org or call 270-843-3485.
