[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 6, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4435-S4436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO BRAD HOPKINS

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of Brad 
Hopkins, recipient of the 2022 Mick and Susie McMurry Cowboy Code Try 
Award.
  Brad will receive the award in front of over a thousand attendees at 
the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming's 24th Annual Awards and 
Recognition Breakfast in Casper.
  The Try Award recognizes people in our community who live the Cowboy 
Code to its fullest. ``The Try'' is described as ``that special 
characteristic which contributes to success in life--along with 
perseverance, hard work, and loyalty. It's that quality within

[[Page S4436]]

oneself that allows a person to overcome obstacles with courage and 
tenacity.'' It is a remarkable distinction.
  Each year, a bronze sculpture crafted by acclaimed artist Chris 
Navarro is given to the Try Award honoree. The sculpture is titled 
``Cowboy Code'' and depicts a cowboy on his horse, with the phrases, 
``Always Finish What You Start'' and ``Protect and Help The Weak''.
  Brad Hopkins has served as executive director of the Wyoming Rescue 
Mission since 2012. Born in Dallas, TX, Brad is an ordained minister 
and earned his master of theology from the Dallas Theological Seminary. 
He completed postgraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin and 
the University of Colorado-Denver.
  While in Colorado, Brad was a contributor to Denver's Road Home, the 
Denver Commission to End Homelessness, and the Denver Mayor's Clergy 
Council. He served as an advisor to the Colorado Governor's Interagency 
Council on Homelessness.
  Brad was a founding board member of the Wyoming Governor's Homeless 
Collaborative. He is also a member of the Casper Homeless Collaborative 
and a board member for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.
  Brad's spiritual leadership is as strong as his organizational 
leadership. Under his direction, the Wyoming Rescue Mission raised 
funds to triple their space to allow adequate housing for their guests. 
Brad and the mission oversee the restoration work of 2,500 homeless 
individuals and families. They serve 70,000 hot meals and 42,000 nights 
of stay each year. Under Brad's leadership, the mission opened two 
thrift stores, which provide revenue and job placement opportunities 
for their guests.
  Participants in their Discipleship Recovery Program progress through 
a yearlong, Bible-based, addiction recovery model. This program offers 
them an opportunity to transition to independent living as healthy, 
productive men and women. Their program advancement and graduation 
ceremonies are an inspirational experience.
  Brad's passion and compassion for those less fortunate comes from a 
shared experience with vulnerability. He described an early failed 
career move that left him and his wife homeless for a time. 
Consistently an example of the ``Try'' mentality, he continues to give 
his time and talents to help others. He and his wife Christine have 
been married for 29 years. They have lived in Casper since 2012.
  Brad, like the Try Award's namesakes Mick and Susie McMurry, 
epitomizes the Code of the West. The Cowboy Code teaches us to live 
each day with courage and to take pride in our work. Brad's dedication 
and spiritual guidance empower others to find their own courage, 
leading them to a more fulfilled and productive life. Casper and 
Wyoming are fortunate to have him as a member of our community.
  It is with great honor that I recognize this outstanding member of 
our Wyoming family. My wife, Bobbi, joins me in extending our 
congratulations to Brad Hopkins upon his selection for this special 
award.

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