[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 77 (Wednesday, May 21, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S3230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DR. JERRY BEHRENS

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, on June 6, 2014, the Wyoming Medical 
Center in Casper will dedicate its new Orthopedic, Spine and Surgery 
Center to an American patriot, Jerry Behrens, M.D.
  For years, patients in Wyoming have known Jerry to be a 
compassionate, thorough, and trusted surgeon. He has cared for 
thousands of patients in Casper and around the State. What they may not 
know is that his character was shaped by the courage and determination 
he displayed half a world away in Vietnam.
  Dr. Behrens always knew he wanted to help others. For that reason, he 
completed his medical degree and internship at the University of 
Wisconsin-Madison. Although he was excited about beginning a family and 
a new career, he felt a calling to serve a higher cause. It was this 
desire which pushed him to volunteer as a medical doctor in the U.S. 
Navy during the Vietnam Conflict.
  Attached to the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Dr. Behrens 
performed surgery in very dangerous and difficult conditions. Jerry was 
assigned to Delta Med, a forward casualty receiving facility in Dong 
Ha. Soldiers with fragment wounds, lost limbs, and severe blood loss 
were triaged, treated, and transported to hospital ships for additional 
care. It was not unusual for incoming rounds of fire to interrupt 
surgeries. Yet amidst the chaos and confusion, Jerry kept a level head 
and performed his duties with precision and professionalism.
  Jerry later became the battalion surgeon for the Rockpile, Ca Lu and 
Khe Sanh Combat Bases. During this time, his courage was tested when 
his convoy was ambushed as they were making their way to Ca Lu. Of the 
200 men in his unit, 70 were wounded, and 18 were killed. Jerry 
stabilized the injured while waiting for reinforcements. It was a 
harrowing experience, but it would not be the last time he risked his 
life to serve his battalion. Just a month later, his bunker at the 
Rockpile took a direct hit. Though he was uninjured, ten of his 
corpsmen were lost. Jerry was ultimately awarded the Bronze Star Medal 
with a V for Valor for his bravery and devotion to duty.
  Upon the completion of his distinguished service to our Nation, Jerry 
returned home and completed his orthopedic residency at the University 
of Wisconsin-Madison. It was Wyoming's great fortune that Jerry decided 
to move his family to Casper to begin his orthopedic practice. I was 
lucky enough to be invited to join Jerry in his growing practice in 
Casper, WY, where his family and career thrived.
  In 1991, Jerry's son Michael deployed with the U.S. Marine Corps as 
part of Operation Desert Storm. Jerry once again showed his patriotism 
and desire to serve. He contacted Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney and 
asked to be reactivated so he could provide medical attention to 
Americans serving overseas. Jerry was commissioned as a lieutenant 
commander in January 1991, after a 4-day whirlwind of paperwork, 
physicals, and phone calls. He put his practice aside to once again 
wear the uniform. He was deployed within 3 weeks to Saudi Arabia and 
went through the breech with the Marines into Kuwait.
  Certainly his experiences, both in Vietnam and Desert Storm, shaped 
his character--and his career. As a fellow in the American Academy of 
Orthopedic Surgeons and a board certified physician, he has devoted his 
life to providing high quality care and service to his patients. With 
every surgery he performs, he demonstrates integrity and precision. In 
addition to his contributions to the medical community, Jerry also 
volunteers his free time to serve as a teacher, mentor, and friend to 
our servicemen and women. He is actively involved with veterans' 
organizations around the country and continues to stay in touch with 
the Marines who served with him in Desert Storm.
  Jerry is particularly proud of his work with Semper Fi Odyssey. This 
is a week-long transition assistance program which helps prepare 
individuals for life after military service. Participants work in teams 
and learn valuable skills that help them achieve their personal and 
professional goals. Jerry has served as a team leader for Semper Fi 
Odyssey on eight separate occasions and continues to mentor the former 
servicemembers he met through this work. Needless to say, Jerry is a 
positive force within the community and we are fortunate for his 
remarkable contributions.
  After practicing in Casper for 41 years, the community is honoring 
this patriot by unveiling the Jerry Behrens, M.D. Orthopedic, Spine, 
and Surgery Center at the Wyoming Medical Center. Hundreds will gather 
to pay their respects to this accomplished surgeon. At his side will be 
his wife Mary, his children Kelly, Mike, and Ingrid, and his two 
grandchildren Erik and Jasper. Bobbi and I will be honored to stand 
with him on this special occasion. I invite my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Dr. Jerry Behrens and thanking him for a life and career 
devoted to service and the care of others.

                          ____________________