Gov Gordon & US Sen Barrasso Fire First Shots, Celebrating Wyo's Purple Cord Grads, ICYMIs





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April 30, 2026 | WSSR Wow Factor | Purple Cord Grads | ICYMIs

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“We wanted a wow factor.” 

"Rep. Art Washut, R-Casper, Co-Chair of the State Shooting Complex Oversight Task Force"

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*On Target: First Shots Mark Construction Start for World-Class Shooting Range  *

*Gov. Mark Gordon and Sen. John Barrasso fired the ceremonial first shots using a World War II-era M1 Garand rifle [ [link removed] ], symbolizing the start of construction on the 2,000-acre site south of Cody. Grand Opening is anticipated Mid-2027.*






Wyonming State Shooting Complex | 1

A world-class vision for a world-class state: Surveying the Wyoming State Shooting Complex site Governor Mark Gordon and U.S. Senator John Barrasso were complimentary of the public, industry, and community leaders who were the driving force behind the project.

Governor Mark Gordon and U.S. Senator John Barrasso officially broke ground on the Wyoming State Shooting Complex (WSSC) near Cody Saturday, April 25. The event marked the start of construction for the estimated $20M, world-class facility that will include dedicated outdoor ranges for extreme long-range, known-distance, and high-terrain rifle shooting, as well as trap, skeet, and sporting clays. Indoor ranges for archery, air rifle, and small-bore shooting will ensure year-round use. 

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"When you look at the view, and when you see the country that is there, you realize this is going to be world class."

"- Governor Mark Gordon, noting the complex location near Cody, April 25, 2026"

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More than 100 people turned out for the ceremony to celebrate the milestone. Both Gordon and Barrasso fired the inaugural ceremonial shots using a World War II-era M1 Garand rifle, a symbolic nod to a newly announced $10 million challenge grant from the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP).

WSSC 2

Groundbreaking: First shovels, first shots. Construction start of the complex commemorated by leaders and shooting sports enthusiasts last Saturday.






According to WSSC's website, the mission of the complex is the establishment of       “ … a destination for shooting sports that inspires youth participation, promotes responsible firearm use, and drives economic development across the state. 

Legislative Leadership Guided Release of State Funding Balance

The legislature invested $15 million for infrastructure needs including roads, utilities, and technology. Senator Larry Hicks (R-Baggs) and Rep; Art Washut (R-Casper), *co-chairs of the State Shooting Complex Oversight Task Force* [ [link removed] ], led the multi-year effort to secure funding and select the Park County site. The duo also drafted and navigated strategy to ensure *release of the balance ($5M) of funding from the State’s investment account. [ [link removed]. ]*

WSSC Logo

The use of state land significantly lowered initial costs while strengthening Wyoming’s asset portfolio. To supplement the $15M state investment, the WSSC Board is securing private donations and a Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) matching grant to fund construction and long-term operations. These efforts, combined with local support from Forward Cody [ [link removed] ] and key industry partners, remain essential to the project’s momentum.



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 "This isn't just about building a range; it’s about building a future where Wyoming is the undisputed national destination for the firearms industry and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The economic ripples of this world-class facility will be felt from the hotels and restaurants in Cody to the manufacturers looking to call our state home." 

- Governor Gordon

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Economic Impact Projections: By the Numbers

In addition to day use, the complex plans to host 12-15 regional or national events regionally, with proceeds to the local economy to balance tourism decline during the fall and spring shoulder seasons. The complex aims to attract 10,000-15,000 visitors annually; with an average visitor spend of $633/day benefiting local hotels, retailers, and restaurants.

WSSC 3

"We won’t argue about who shot it. We’ll just know." Governor Gordon makes it official, signing the target after his and Senator Barrasso’s inaugural bullseye at the WSSC site.

During the groundbreaking, the Governor touted the WSSC as the Cowboy State’s ultimate investment in the right to bear arms.

"“* … what an incredibly important thing the Second Amendment is for us. I don't care if you're on a ranch and you need to do something, or you're just out hunting, or you're enjoying shooting sports for the fun of it. It's not just a right. It’s something we use on a regular basis.”*"

*Read recent coverage here. [ [link removed] ]*

*Appropriations article here [ [link removed] ]*

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*Governor Gordon Proclaims April the Month of the Military Child; Lauds Purple Cord Graduating Seniors*

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Military Children | 2

Brig. Gen. Michelle Mulberry, director of the Joint Staff, Wyoming National Guard, speaks during a proclamation event recognizing the Month of the Military Child at the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne, Wyo., April 13, 2026. The event honored the strength and resilience of military-connected children across the state. (Wyoming National Guard photos by Joseph Coslett Jr.)






Governor Mark Gordon joined military leaders, members of the Wyoming National Guard Teen Panel, and several families from F.E. Warren Air Force Base and the Wyoming National Guard at the State Capitol this month to honor the resilience and sacrifices of the more than 2,000 military-connected children living in Wyoming. The Governor officially designated April the Month of the Military Child with his signature.

Purple | Military Chirldren 1

The proclamation ceremony highlighted the unique challenges faced by children of active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve members, including frequent relocations and long periods of parental deployment.

Military children face many challenges and unique experiences because of their parent’s service that are often not recognized by others. 

Blooming where Planted

Military families move on average every 2-3 years, and military children change schools an average of 6-9 times from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Military children also face frequent parental absences for training and deployments. Through all these transitions and separations, these students show amazing resilience and perseverance. Their unselfish and faithful support of their family has made possible the service and contribution of their parent(s) to the United States of America.

The proclamation is an official recognition that military children are unsung heroes of our armed forces although they do not choose the life they have developed “inspirational courage and resiliency.”


Group Shot

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon poses with Wyoming National Guard members, 90th Missile Wing personnel, military families and community members following a proclamation signing recognizing April as the Month of the Military Child at the State Capitol. (Wyoming National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)

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“They recognize that our freedom and way of life has a cost. I’m grateful to my children, and all military children, for supporting us on the homefront.

"Chaplain (Maj.) Matthew D. Sullivan, father of two."

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*Purple Star Program *

The Governor has a standing history of supporting Wyoming’s military personnel and their families. In addition to the proclamation, the Governor signed two pieces of legislation, authored and introduced by* State Rep. Landon Brown*, that created and codified Wyoming’s Purple Star Program. 

Building on the legislative framework established by Chairman Brown, the *Wyoming Department of Education continues to expand the Purple Star School Program [ [link removed] ]*.

This legally *mandated program [ [link removed] ] *ensures K-12 schools provide dedicated support systems, including specialized trained liaisons and student-led transition programs, to help military-connected students and their families navigate educational disruptions.

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Dandelions

The dandelion is the official flower of the military child—strong and able to bloom anywhere. Like dandelions, military children put down deep roots, adapt to change, and stand tall.

“Wyoming’s strength isn’t just in its mountains, but in the families who serve them,” Governor Gordon stated during the signing. “We are committed to being the most military-friendly state in the nation by supporting our youngest heroes.”

*Purple Cord Graduate Recognition*

*That commitment to Wyoming’s military-connected youth will be on display during high school graduation season*, when the Wyoming National Guard Child and Youth Program, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) and local school districts unite to honor the resilience and hardships these students overcome in order to graduate. 

"The Purple Cord Cerermony is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the resiliency of our military-connected seniors and celebrate their upcoming graduation," said Mary Jacobsen, Civ, DAF, School LIaison Program Manager.

Fifty-five graduating seniors from LCSD1's Central, East, and South High Schools will will receive their cords during a special ceremony in mid-May at the base. This is the fourth year for the ceremony; in years past home-school, charter-school and virtual school seniors also signed up to be recogized. 

*Students are encouraged to wear their cords when they walk for their high school graduation ceremonies.*

purple cord

*“These soon-to-be grads have demonstrated an extraordinary level of resilience*, often managing the stress of parental deployments and challenges of integrating into new communities mid-semester,” Governor Gordon said. “By wearing the purple cord, they remind us that Wyoming is not just a place where their parents serve, but a community that honors the academic and personal milestones of our youngest heroes."







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*ICYMI*

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Tensleep with Banners
*On Brand: Ten Sleep Sets Academic Gold Standard Two Years in a Row [ [link removed] ]*

"Ten Sleep graduates are uniquely prepared to 'Live Their Dreams' with a foundation of integrity and a growth mindset. Whether they are pursuing higher education at the University of Wyoming or entering the workforce with technical certifications, they do so with a commitment to doing the right thing and leaving a place better than they found it," Governor Gordon said.



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*Grants Management Office Hosts the Wyoming Funding Summit: June 22-25 *

"Sign-up today for this *FREE INTERACTIVE EVENT*: Beginner-Friendly and Advanced Grants Training Sessions, Interactive Panels, Fireside Chats and Networking Opportunities"
Grants Event

Learn the fundamentals of grant management and writing, including
how to identify funding opportunities, develop compelling project plans, and navigate the intricacies of compliance requirements and grant administration.

*READY TO REGISTER?  [ [link removed] ]*

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Somber Stride Gov Dubois

"*Mark Gordon* was elected Wyoming's 33rd Governor on November 6, 2018. He was sworn into office on January 7, 2019, and re-elected on November 8, 2022, garnering 74% of the vote. "

"*He is ranked the most popular governor in the nation (Morning Consult, April 2026).* As a conservative, Governor Gordon has worked tirelessly to set Wyoming on a sustainable fiscal path and has spearheaded efforts to diversify Wyoming's economy — from technology and finance to agriculture, energy, research, and tourism. "







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