TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL WILKINSON

On 2026-06-08, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL WILKINSON" in the Senate.

TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL WILKINSON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S2662] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL WILKINSON Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor an exemplary leader, dedicated public servant, and distinguished soldier: Brigadier General Scott D. Wilkinson. Since 2024, General Wilkinson has served as both military deputy chief of legislative liaison and as chief of legislative liaison. In these roles, he has helped maintain strong relations between military and congressional leaders, ensuring that Congress is well informed of our Armed Forces' critical missions. He brought a wealth of experience to these positions, having previously served as chief of the Senate liaison division. Throughout his time working with Congress, he has demonstrated a commitment to our national security that has remained constant throughout his more than 30 years of military service. He deployed in support of Operations JOINT ENDEAVOR and JOINT GUARD in Bosnia- Herzegovina; to Operation ATLANTIC RESOLVE in Eastern Europe; and to combat in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, FREEDOM SENTINEL, IRAQI FREEDOM, INHERENT RESOLVE, and YUKON SCEPTER. His awards include the Legion of Merit with three bronze oakleaf clusters, the Bronze Star Medal with four bronze oakleaf clusters, and the Meritorious Service Medal with silver oakleaf cluster, among numerous other decorations. Tennessee is lucky to call General Wilkinson one of our own. He served for many years at Fort Campbell, ultimately assuming the positions of commander of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and deputy commander for Support of the 101st Airborne Division. Prior to his service in the legislative liaison office, he most recently served as commanding general of the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command. Throughout his assignments, his exemplary leadership has set a standard worthy of recognition and emulation by the soldiers he led and mentored. As General Wilkinson's time at the Office of the Chief Legislative Liaison comes to a close, I extend my deepest thanks to General Wilkinson, his wife Mindy, and their family for their extraordinary service and sacrifice to our Nation. ____________________