Lieutenants Vatthana and Donna Thammavongsa were recently installed as the new officers at the Wausau chapter of the Salvation Army. They replace Lieutenants Jacob and Melinda Tripp who were reassigned to the Madison, Wis. corps.

Vatthana Thammavongsa immigrated to the United States from Laos in 1989. He grew up in the Rockford area and received a degree in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University. He held a full-time ministry position in the Salvation Army Tabernacle Corps in Rockford, Ill., and most recently worked as an elementary school teacher. Donna also immigrated from Laos in 1986 and is a teacher. She holds a degree in general science from Rhode Island College. The Thammavongsas have two children, Isabella and Alester, and look forward to making Wausau their home.

“We have been blessed to be called to such a great ministry and look forward to making an impact through our service in the Wausau community,” said Vatthana Thammavongsa.

The Salvation Army is a religious and social services organization that is active worldwide and locally in the Wausau area. Since 1912, the Salvation Army has provided basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, medical and rent assistance, and emergency disaster services, without discrimination, to individuals and families.