At 74, Saul “Sal” Valencia has spent over 25 years serving communities across the country as a Salvation Army disaster volunteer. After a lifetime of selfless service, he now needs help securing a new trailer to continue supporting our community by helping him secure a proper four season trailer home.

Heroes are all around us. They serve quietly, year after year, answering calls that others cannot. Sal Valencia is one of those heroes. Now, he is the one in need of help. We can do this together. We have an opportunity to help everyone in our community to prove that we too can be as selfless as our dear friend and neighbor Sal. It's our turn to give back. It's a new year and it's freezing for some of us right here in Hunterdon County N.J.

Sal’s journey of service is not a story spoken in a single breath. In the aftermath of the devastating floods in Bound Brook, New Jersey, families were displaced and emergency workers were stretched thin. Sal stepped forward as a volunteer. What began as a response to one crisis became a lifelong commitment to helping others in their darkest hours.

Sal formalized his volunteer role by completing The Salvation Army’s Introduction to Disaster Emergency Services course as part of the National Disaster Training Program. As an officially recognized disaster emergency service volunteer, he spearheaded numerous services to those in need during some of the worst disasters in New Jersey as well as in other states. A few of his many responsibilities include providing essential provisions in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, first responder efforts during 9/11, many efforts assisting in many emergencies such as personally by driving all the way to New Orleans with essential provisions in aftermath of hurricane Katrina. His primary role became operating and supporting the Canteen Vehicle—a mobile food and hydration unit deployed to emergencies and disasters. Sal also not only drove the canteen, but he took responsibility for maintaining it mechanically, ensuring it was always ready to respond.

Sal voluntarily assisted with civil relief efforts in the following events:

In 2008, Independence Township was devastated by a severe snowstorm that caused a prolonged power outage during freezing temperatures. Sal responded, arriving with a truck filled with food and water. He distributed supplies to residents, helped establish a shelter at a local school, and stayed on site until power was restored and families could safely return home. Chief Riley formally recognized Sal’s tireless efforts, calling him ‘an invaluable source of help whose work would not be forgotten.’

As his experience grew, so did the scope of his service. Throughout 2000’s, Sal expanded his involvement beyond emergency response to include fundraising and community support initiatives. He placed tabletop coin collectors at local businesses throughout Hunterdon County, helping The Salvation Army raise funds for utility assistance and other programs that support families in need. In 2009, Captain Nataluk of The Salvation Army issued a letter praising Sal’s loyalty, faithfulness, and trustworthiness, describing him as a tremendous asset to the organization and the community.

In early 2010, Sal’s dedication was put to the test once again. He worked long hours during repeated flooding along the Delaware River, providing food service during house fires, and supporting search and rescue operations. He also assisted during sensitive security and law enforcement operations, providing logistical and humanitarian support alongside the FBI, DEA, New Jersey State Police, and local police departments. Sal became known to these agencies not simply as a volunteer, but as a dependable and trusted partner.

In March 2010, Fairfield Township suffered one of the worst floods in its history—second only to the most severe flooding in the past 100 years. More than 100 emergency workers depended on around-the-clock food and hydration. Chief Charles G. Voelker Jr. of the Fairfield Police Department formally acknowledged Sal by name, recognizing his essential role and tireless service during the state of emergency.

The vest Sal wears tells a powerful story of its own. It is not decorative—it is a living record of service. Each badge and pin represents a mission, a partnership, or a shared sacrifice. Among them are insignia recognizing collaboration with the FBI, national police organizations, and local police benevolent associations. He also wears memorial badges honoring fallen officers and responders, including commemorations of September 11, 2001, reflecting both the city’s response at Ground Zero and the memory of those who gave their lives.

Today, Sal continues to serve—(currently working as a volunteer with the Moose club in Flemington, N.J.) but time and wear have taken their toll. He is now in need of a new trailer, an essential piece of equipment that allows him to continue living in a safe and healthy home. After decades of giving his time, strength, and resources to others, this is a practical and urgent need that he cannot meet alone.

Sal Valencia has never asked for recognition. He has simply shown up—for floods, fires, storms, and long nights when help was needed most. Such a person should never be forgotten for the sacrifices they have made for others.

This GoFundMe is our opportunity to give back to a local hero who has spent more than 25 years serving without hesitation. By contributing, you are not only helping Sal obtain the equipment he needs—you are honoring a legacy of compassion, resilience, and community service. Together, we can ensure that a man who has always been there for others knows that his community is here for him now.

In the spirit of following by example, each of us has an opportunity to become an ordinary hero by upholding the highest virtues of our community just as Sal has quietly done countless times for others. Thank you all for taking the time to reflect on a man who has given his time to others without question or hesitation in their time of need. We can do this together and that’s what it takes.

Sincerely,

Mr. Scott Reamer

Organizer