[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 124 (Wednesday, July 29, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S4331]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF CASPER ORTHOPEDICS

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 50th 
anniversary of Casper Orthopedics. This remarkable milestone reflects 
five decades of excellence providing comprehensive, compassionate, and 
trusted healthcare to thousands of patients across the Cowboy State.
  Casper Orthopedics was founded on September 1, 1976, by decorated 
Vietnam veteran and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jerry Behrens. It is 
Wyoming's great fortune that Jerry moved his family to Casper to start 
his own orthopedic practice. Shortly after opening its doors, Jerry was 
joined by Dr. John Bailey and then Dr. Tom Landon. Thus began Casper 
Orthopedics' 50-year journey providing the highest standard of patient 
care.
  Everyone at Casper Orthopedics, from the physicians, nurses, 
therapists, technicians, and support staff, strives every day to put 
their patients first. They dedicate their time, talent, and treasure to 
helping people regain mobility, restore independence, and improve 
overall quality of life. Over the past 50 years, the practice has 
earned a reputation for specializing in a wide range of orthopedic 
care, ranging from trauma, spine, upper extremity, foot and ankle, 
joint replacement, and sports medicine to physical medicine and 
rehabilitation.
  Casper Orthopedics is where I spent my 24-year career as a board-
certified orthopedic surgeon. I joined the practice in 1983. Dr. Craig 
Smith and Dr. Clay Turner also brought their incredible surgical gifts 
to the practice during those first 25 years.
  It was my honor to learn from these dedicated healthcare leaders as 
we worked every day to keep the practice at the forefront of orthopedic 
medicine. We embraced advances in surgical techniques, rehabilitation, 
and patient-centered care. It was this commitment to innovation that 
enabled people from all walks of life to return to the activities they 
enjoy with confidence.
  In 2001, Casper Orthopedics opened its state-of-the-art medical 
facility at 4140 Centennial Hills Blvd. This new location included an 
ambulatory surgical center, physical and occupational therapy, and an 
imaging department. The practice continued to grow, and in 2003, Dr. 
Steven Orcutt joined the team. Shortly after that, Casper Orthopedics 
expanded further and added Dr. Matt Mitchell, Dr. Matthew Gorman, Dr. 
Robert Allaire, Dr. Eric Linford, Dr. Daniel White, Dr. Trevor Gessel, 
Dr. Jay Arthur, Dr. Marko Tomov, Dr. Ari Amitai, Dr. Taylor Harris, and 
Dr. Paul Hannon.
  This golden anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the vision and 
dedication of the founders, the leadership that has guided the practice 
through decades of growth, and the generations of healthcare 
professionals whose unparalleled skills have made this achievement 
possible. Their work not only serves the healthcare needs of the 
region, but Casper Orthopedics also strives to be an active part of the 
Casper community. The practice regularly supports local organizations 
and has partnered with the Wyoming Symphony, Jason's Friends 
Foundation, and the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center.
  Congratulations to the entire Casper Orthopedics team, past and 
present, on 50 years of healthcare excellence. May the practice 
continue its proud tradition of excellence, innovation, compassionate 
care, and public service for decades to come. I wish them continued 
success and know they will continue to provide high-quality care that 
supports the well-being of patients across Wyoming and the Rocky 
Mountain West.

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