In his heartfelt new memoir When I Wore S’s on My Collar: A Life Journal, Henry Arrowood brings readers into the vivid world of his youth, his family roots in Appalachia, and more than three decades of ministry with The Salvation Army. The book is now available to readers seeking inspiration, humor, and spiritual encouragement through the power of real-life storytelling.

Told through a tapestry of 63 short essays, the book follows Arrowood from his early days as a “junior soldier” in Johnson City, Tennessee, to his service as a commissioned officer and pastor in ten cities and two countries. From playful memories at the Red Shield Boys Club to poignant moments of pastoral care in The Bahamas, Arrowood’s recollections offer readers a rare glimpse into the deeply personal experiences behind the iconic blue uniform with the white “S” on the collar.

Structured in six parts—Young Soldier, Training, Corps Officer and Pastor, Suffering for Jesus in The Bahamas, International College for Officers, and Characters and Saints—the memoir celebrates people who lived lives of devotion, humility, and joy. Many stories highlight Arrowood’s parents, Theodore and Reecie Arrowood, who themselves served The Salvation Army in a remote Appalachian outpost. Others spotlight the eccentric characters, generous souls, and spiritual mentors who left an indelible mark on Arrowood’s life and ministry.
“This book is not a theological treatise or a formal autobiography,” says Arrowood. “It is a life journal—a patchwork of true stories meant to bless, challenge, and entertain. Some are humorous, some are heartbreaking, but all reflect the grace of God revealed through ordinary people and simple moments.” He adds, “It’s my way of honoring those who served the Lord not for glory or status, but because they loved Him—and they loved people.”

Arrowood’s stories also speak to universal themes—childhood innocence, faith under pressure, the redemptive power of service, and the enduring strength of family. With a mix of narrative storytelling, poetry, and scriptural reflection, When I Wore S’s on My Collar offers readers a warm, deeply human journey through decades of spiritual growth.

About the Author:
Henry Arrowood served over 31 years as an officer in The Salvation Army, impacting countless lives through his leadership, preaching, and pastoral care. Born and raised in Johnson City, Tennessee, Arrowood came from a family devoted to ministry and service. His parents, Theodore and Reecie Arrowood, were deeply involved in the mission work of The Salvation Army, laying a foundation of faith that would guide him throughout his life. With When I Wore S’s on My Collar, Arrowood preserves the voices, values, and lessons that shaped his journey—offering readers a legacy of faith, service, and heartfelt storytelling.

For more information about the book, please visit https://www.amazon.com/When-Wore-Ss-My-Collar/dp/B0DGWVR3WW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SA0FQN3ZV76T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ItEh8MwVloiDynAMq7RHhWHFw_-g4SN6WJ5BAwXzsh0.5JktVvf6UoQRu8iZO4zzVLzE02UOHybsov61fyYudKg&dib_tag=se&keywords=When+I+Wore+S%27s+on+My+Collar+A+Life+Journal+by+Henry+Arrowood&qid=1754333499&s=books&sprefix=yvonne+trapani%2Cstripbooks%2C262&sr=1-1