By DONNA KENNY KIRWAN

PAWTUCKET — For the past four years, Major Eduardo Suarez and his wife, Capt. Keila Suarez, have been fixtures at the Salvation Army headquarters on High Street in downtown Pawtucket. However, the hardworking and dedicated couple will soon be returning to their native Puerto Rico to take on a new assignment within the faith-based organization.

As of Aug. 1, the Suarezes will be the commanding officers at a new Salvation Army post in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. They say they are excited about the assignment, because it presents new opportunities to help those less fortunate in a country they are both familiar with.
Yet, both Eduardo and Keila made it clear that they are sad about leaving Pawtucket, where they have made so many friends from all walks of life within the community. “We love Pawtucket and Rhode Island,” said Eduardo, a 35-year veteran of the Salvation Army Corps.  “We had even thought about returning to Rhode Island when I retire.”
Keila Suarez, who has been an officer in the Salvation Army Corps for five years, said that Pawtucket  has extra special meaning for her because it was her first official assignment.  “I will miss Pawtucket. The experience was very wonderful, and the people were very nice,” she said.
Although she grew up in Puerto Rico, Keila said that she actually likes the changeable New England weather, and joked that she “will miss even the snow.”
Eduardo Suarez said that among the positive changes that he feels came about under the couple's leadership are improved food pantry services and expanded community outreach to those in need of assistance. He said that efforts have also been made to handle case management more effectively.
In addition, Eduardo  said he thinks the fact that he and his wife have been highly visible and involved in the community through their appearances at numerous public events has helped spread the word about the Salvation Army and its programs. “The Salvation Army has been in Pawtucket for 125 years,” noted Eduardo, proudly.
Among the things he would like to see happen in the future are more programs to improve educational opportunities for immigrants. Of particular importance, Eduardo said, are programs that would help immigrants to not only learn to speak the English language, but also to provide them with insight about  American culture, so they can better assimilate themselves. “You know, the 'apple pie, Chevrolet and baseball,” said Eduardo, smiling.
He added that the Salvation Army Corps is planning to offer one such program, geared at helping those newly arrived in the U.S. to understand the culture. “This can be important when someone is looking for a job,” he added.
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico has residents at both the high and low end of the economic spectrum, said Eduardo. It is a college town, but the major employer, a Star Kist tuna fish factory, was shut down, causing high unemployment.
However, on a positive note, the Salvation Army Corps there has a relationship with the college, C.A.A.M., which provides opportunities for joint child care programs as well as educational training. This relationship is something that the Suarez' are hoping to continue and expand upon in their new assignment.
The Pawtucket Salvation Army Corps. will be getting another husband and wife team as commanding officers to replace the Suarez'. Capt. Leonardo and Mrs. Persida Sanclemente, currently assigned in Holyoke, Mass., are scheduled to arrive on July 1.
In the meantime, the Suarez' are busy saying goodbye to their many friends in Pawtucket. On Saturday,  Eduardo, who loves baseball, will be throwing out the first pitch at the Pawtucket Red Sox game. “We want to say thank-you to the community for all of the support,” Eduardo stated.