Friends, Associates Honor Charlie Courtney, CPO

A group of friends, business associates, and neighbors in Silver Spring, Maryland, gathered April 7 to honor Charles Courtney, CPO, director, Universal Artificial Limb Company. Courtney has practiced O&P in the community for over 30 years. His peers decided to honor him with a party to show thanks for the many contributions he has made.

"P&O is only a small part of Courtney's life; he is a generous and civic-minded philanthropist," according to Tom Valenti, CPO, BOCP, president of The Ortho Remedy, Cliffside Park, New Jersey. "Charlie has given much time educating students about our industry, hoping to increase interest in this great profession," Valenti continued. "On Wayne Avenue, he has been the one to go to for help, whether it is shelter for a homeless person or a job, advice, or even a meal."

"Somehow P&O has a way of making you see the world with a more understanding and compassionate eye," said Courtney. "Our field makes you realize how valuable and delicate humanity is and how to respect everyone equally."

Being near Washington, DC, Courtney hobnobs with a variety of personalities from the top of the political arena to the dregs of the dark side, always leaving them with things to think and laugh about. His fast wit and intelligence, described by many in attendance, is a joy to experience, Valenti said. "Carl, who owns the thrift shop next door, commented on how Charlie's favorite finds were always in Carl's dumpster. Somehow he would turn garbage into gold, then give it to someone who he knew needed or liked it."

Courtney's wife Kathryn talked about their wedding day in Las Vegas, Nevada. It went something like this: " I now pronounce you man and wife; he kissed me, and we hit the casino. Our honeymoon was at a P&O conference in New Orleans."

Some of Courtney's best friends from the P&O industry also attended. Valenti told how Courtney taught him to develop confidence in his career. "He told me if you do the best you can in your mind and heart to help people, do not fear anyone. For example, if a doctor asks you why you charge so much for a prosthesis, turn it around on him and tell him. 'It's because I want to live in your neighborhood, Doc." Or, if a therapist asks the same question, you respond, 'How much do you charge to throw somebody in a bucket of water?'"

Valenti jokingly announced to the audience how Charlie inspired him to start a supply business and how he will never forgive him for it.

Jerome Voisin, CP, owner of Acadian Prosthetics and Orthopedic Aids Inc., Houma, Louisiana, informed the audience of the contributions Courtney has made to P&O. He is one of the founders of The New Generation Inc. in Silver Spring; a marketing firm which helps inventors develop and market ideas and products for the advancement of orthotics and prosthetics. He is also the person who introduced Kelly James of the University of Alberta, Canada, the inventor of the C-Leg ® , to Otto Bock in 1991. "Their collaboration has brought our industry to new heights and media attention never before attained," Voisin said.

Voisin described to the crowd how Courtney likes to sit in the back row when he attends conferences so that he can not only watch the show, but the behavior of the people in attendance as well. "After so many of the same conferences, it makes the event much more interesting," Voisin said.

"Charlie Courtney will always be one of my best 'rent to own relatives.'" Voisin said, adding, "Thank you, Charlie Courtney, for so much."

Friends, Associates Honor Charlie Courtney, CPO

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Friends, Associates Honor Charlie Courtney, CPO

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O&P JOBS

HH Manager, Orthotics & Prosthetics

Orthotics and Prosthetics Assistant

Certified Orthotist — Full-Time or Part-Time, Pediatric Practice

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