At The Salvation Army’s 125th Anniversary Annual Dinner, Advisory Board Chair Jennie Montgomery and Major Charles Powell, the Georgia Divisional Commander, presented the fourth annual Doing The Most Good award to Ed Zeigler.  Joining Ed on stage was the international leader of The Salvation Army General Andre’ Cox and Southern Territorial Commander, Commissioner Donald Bell.

How many of you remember Captains John & Betty Polansky, Salvation Army officers who served here in Augusta in 1959? How many of you even remember 1959? It was in 1959 when Ed Zeigler joined The Salvation Army of Augusta’s Advisory Board. The recipient of the fourth annual Doing the Most Good award has served on the Advisory Board for 57 consecutive years.

For 57 years Ed has faithfully been a part of The Salvation Army Advisory Board. Served as Chairman, rung the bell in six decades, and last summer, now in his nighties, he still headed up the Christmas in July stocking program for needy children with energy and zeal.

A lifetime member of the Advisory Board, he made friends with the late General Eva Burrow, and would call her every year on her birthday, up until she was “Promoted to Glory” as they say in The Salvation Army when an officer or solider passes away. Since General Burrow she lived in Australia, with the time difference, it was often in the middle of the night for her. And Ed would smile with that wonderful smile of his and say “I was the first one to wish happy birthday that year.”

It’s not just about the years of service; it’s was his enthusiasm, cheerfulness and compassion that have made him a faithful member of the Board in Augusta.

A long-time member of the North Augusta community, Ed Zeigler, his wife Dot and their children, all attended the Annual Dinner, where he received a standing ovation at the presentation. Ed is the longest serving Advisory Board member in Augusta’s Salvation Army history. Sadly, this was Ed's last Board meeting as he and Dot are moving to Clemson.