CHEYENNE – Volunteers of American Northern Rockies (VOANR) and Peak Wellness celebrated the merging of the two companies on Wednesday, Sept. 8 at Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne.

The organizations merged in July and made it official with the merger celebration.

VOANR Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Holsinger welcomed members of the two organizations to the celebration along with the Wyoming Department of Health, Department of Corrections, and Department of Family Services. 

“We’re excited to celebrate the accomplishment of this merger and what it means to those who will be served,” Holsinger said. 

Holsinger said the mission of VOA is to plant ministries with a number of core service areas. A video was presented to further explain what VOA is. 

After the video, Holsinger introduced Del Acker, who was the former chairman of the VOANR board.

Acker said he felt privileged to participate in the event and it was a milestone for the two organizations. 

“It took a lot of courage, hard work, and unwavering dedication to those we serve,” Acker said. 

According to Acker, the best interest of those served were always in the forefront of every decision made and the merger will allow for VOANR to reach more people.  

John Muecke, the current board chair, spoke next. Muecke first recognized the board members from Peak Wellness and VOA along with the staff and volunteers from Peak. He said their work is very much appreciated, and also thanked Holsinger for his leadership during the merger. 

CEO of VOA Mike King also spoke to the audience. King likened the merger as a wedding. 

“All of you should relish this day,” King said. 

King welcomed the staff of Peak Wellness to be part of the 60,000 members at VOA. 

“We support you we need you and we love you,” King said.  

Holsinger introduced Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon as the last speaker of the event. Gordon said he has known Holsinge for a while and has been impressed with the work VOANR has done. Gordon said he once talked to a mother at a VOA facility whom he knew before because their daughters were friends. She told him their program turned her life around. 

“I’m proud to say it has changed her life because it was important for her daughter,” Gordon said. 

Gordon also talked about small bunk beds in VOA’s Sheridan building which is for veteran’s families who they need to thank and take care of. It is part of the vision Gordon has for the nation. 

“What is in this room is the America that I grew up in and what I believe in,” Gordon said. 

With the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attack in New York City coming up, Gordon said it is important to remember how the country became united and to strive to do the same at VOA. 

After Gordon spoke, Holsinger let him cut the red ribbon to symbolize the beginning of the merger.