It's easy to focus on the governor of the great state of Wyoming when he attends an event.

After all, as master of ceremonies Bob Price noted, "he's the most popular governor in the United States."

Still, there was much more to Thursday night's Salvation Army dinner honoring Dr. Tom Walsh than Gov. Freudenthal's funny, touching comments.

Hank Reifke was honored as the Salvation Army volunteer of the year. He helps at the Hope Center every Thursday morning, feeding breakfast to any number of people, ranging from 50 to close to 200, who show up grateful for a hot meal to begin their day.

It was the first large public gathering in Casper for Salvation Army Majors Alfred and Stella Parker, who accepted the Casper command just two months ago.

They worked in Sheridan 22 years ago and, with their boss, Major Victor Doughty, sitting at their side, they said they "hope we're here a very long time."

Board president Phil Hinds presented Shelley Tryon Campbell with the President's Award. She is the business administrator and has degrees in accounting and drug and alcohol counseling.

"Obviously, this is the source of much of her compassion," Hinds said. "Good works are what she does, because that is what we are supposed to do -- like eating and breathing. But grace makes her journey and her helping possible."

In a bit of a society page scoop, Hinds announced that Tryon recently married board member Don Campbell and they now "journey side by side."

The Parkers are at ease together at the microphone, Alfred providing the narrative and Stella providing the reality.

During the month of August, Alfred said almost 7,400 people were served at the Goodstein Center for Hope, 441 S. Center.

"We have turned that building into a refuge, into a true center of hope for folks who need a touch of hope," he said.

Before the school year began, 472 children got backpacks and a full set of school supplies.

"Stella and Shelley made sure every child had everything on that list," he said.

Alfred says his wife grew up in abject poverty and had not one new pencil to begin the school year.

Last Thanksgiving, 172 meals were served at the Salvation Army community dinner. More than 1,900 children received toys, clothing and books at Christmas time. The Salvation Army prepared 437 Christmas baskets which were shared by many more people.

"My mother was a waitress," Stella said. "The only time I ever got anything nice was when the janitor at church turned our name in to the Salvation Army."

During her whole childhood, she said she had three toys -- a bear, a monkey and one doll.

"I'm really into dolls now," she laughed. "I have close to 100."

The Parkers urged the 133 people in attendance to consider volunteering time to the community.

"You can touch the lives of others by volunteering like Hank," Alfred said.

Doughty delighted the crowd with a quick history of the Salvation Army, calling upon a few of founder William Booth's best lines:

"My best men are women."

"Why should the devil have all the best music?"

"The only problem with tainted money is there t'ain't enough."

"Those who see the invisible accomplish the impossible."

Price concluded his master of ceremonies duties by dedicating a reading of Robert Frost's famed "The Road Not Taken," to Walsh.

Marine veteran Kenn Gilchrist opened and closed the evening with his powerful singing of "The National Anthem," and the "Marine Corps Cadence," which he wrote. The large, restless crowd fell absolutely still as he performed the lengthy piece.

It was the perfect ending to an evening honoring one of Casper's most beloved citizens.

Community News editor Sally Ann Shurmur can be reached at (307) 266-0520 or sallyann.shurmur@trib.com. Read Sal's blog at tribtown.trib.com/Sal/blog and follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/WYOSAS