Douglas McClure, the new commander of Rome’s Salvation Army, has been getting to know the community since he has been in Rome.

“One of the hardest parts of my job is getting to know people,” McClure said.

McClure came to Rome four months ago, after serving in Albany for five years. He also served in Cartersville for four years so he was a little bit familiar with the Rome community.

“I think it’s a really great community,”

McClure said. “It’s a close-knit community that does a lot for others.”

McClure is a third-generation Salvation Army employee, following his father and grandfather.

He traveled all over the country, living in several states including South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Florida and Kentucky.

Following in his family’s footsteps wasn’t his first career choice.

“I wanted to be a professional musician,” McClure said. “God called me to a different kind of ministry.”

McClure and his wife, Storm, have managed to incorporate music into their job here. They teach a beginner band class and lead a singing group and a drama class.

He and Storm have four sons — one is 8, one is 7 and they have 4-year-old twins.

Last week, McClure led a disaster training class, something he hopes to have every three months.