As a friend, fan and colleague of Capt. Jim Brickson of the Albert Lea Salvation Army, I want to say thank you to all who lent their support to this very great individual. I have served in ministry for a good many years, and I have never seen anyone serve better, with more passion, excellence and commitment than Cappy Jim, his lovely wife, Lee, Lori Miles, and their corps of volunteers and staff. These folks really do so much for our community, way beyond the walls of their local church.

I wish to commend Capt. Brickson on setting the new world record of 105 hours of continuous bell-ringing. What an accomplishment! This was such an impressive endeavor from start to finish.

There were so many people who came out of the woodwork to support, encourage, cheer on and give in so many ways to see to the success of this endeavor. Thank you to our community that fully embraced Cappy’s vision with open arms. Thanks to the Northbridge mall staff and merchants who were there day in and day out cheering him on. Thank you to Power 96, Albert Lea Tribune and other media sources that did a fantastic job with their coverage. Thank you to each and every person who came by and gave him a word of encouragement, teased him, rubbed his back and legs and for all of your kindness and generosity. There were so many that were a part of Team Brickson, and your work was absolutely over the top.

Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to my great friends, Dr. John and Liz Enger from the Community Foot Clinic in Albert Lea, and to pharmacist Dan Mayer from Hy-Vee. These particular folks went above and beyond the call of duty. On Saturday evening nearing the end of the bell-ringing marathon, Cappy’s feet had really taken a beating, and he needed some immediate attention.

Dr. John and Liz Enger were out of town in the Cities celebrating his birthday and doing Christmas shopping, but they dropped all of that, came home, opened their office and brought medical

supplies to the mall and took care of Capt. Brickson. Medication was needed and pharmacies were closed, but Dan Mayer from Hy-Vee pharmacy came to the rescue and opened the pharmacy to fill the prescriptions to take care of Cappy. Wow! Where else in the world could you receive such excellent care but in Albert Lea, Minnesota?

Never have I been more proud and grateful to be a part of such a wonderful, loving and generous community. Thank you, Cappy Brickson, for making us proud and representing us all very well! Thank you to our wonderful community. Merry Christmas to all, and may God bless us everyone!

 

George Marin
reverend
Grace Christian Church
Albert Lea