Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-07-20

CHANGING OF COMMAND OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL CRAIG A. BONHAM, II, USA

TaxesForeign PolicyDefense

Context

On 2026-07-20, Representative Analilia Mejia (D-NJ-11) delivered a floor speech titled "CHANGING OF COMMAND OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL CRAIG A. BONHAM, II, USA" in the House.

Full Text

CHANGING OF COMMAND OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL CRAIG A. BONHAM, II, USA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E705] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CHANGING OF COMMAND OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL CRAIG A. BONHAM, II, USA ______ HON. ANALILIA MEJIA- of new jersey in the house of representatives Monday, July 20, 2026 Ms. MEJIA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Craig A. Bonham, II. Lieutenant Colonel Bonham has served as Garrison Commander of Picatinny Arsenal since June 2024. Today, he ends his service with Picatinny as he transfers leadership to Lieutenant Colonel John A. Meier. I am proud to honor a dedicated Army officer whose service has strengthened New Jersey's llth Congressional District, the State of New Jersey, and the United States as a whole. As Garrison Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Bonham led with excellence as he and his team supported the installation's more than 6,000 Soldiers, civilians, and contractors. The Picatinny community benefited from his responsibly executed commitment to their mission and to their morale, welfare, and professional development. Under his supervision of Garrison operations, Picatinny Arsenal continued to serve as a cornerstone of defense innovation and an engine of economic strength for the region. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Lieutenant Colonel Bonham's first assignments were as an Assistant Battalion Logistics Officer and Launcher Platoon Leader for the 4th Battalion, 5th Air and Missile Defense Regiment at Fort Hood. He was selected for the Civil Affairs Corps in 2009. His career includes numerous roles in Civil Affairs Leadership in and support of U.S. Special Operations Command Europe and Africa, including two deployments to Africa. He has acted in key leadership roles, including as a Military Planner for NATO Allied Land Command and most recently as Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart. Lieutenant Colonel Bonham's many awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal and Army Achievement Medal. These awards reflect a career of excellence and selfless service to his country. Above all, he is supported by his wife Tutku and their two daughters, whose sacrifice and commitment have been essential to his success. I extend my deepest gratitude to Lieutenant Colonel Bonham and his family for their service to our country. I wish him best of luck and continued success in his next role for our military. ____________________

View original source →

CHANGING OF COMMAND OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL CRAIG A. BONHAM, II, USA Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E705] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CHANGING OF COMMAND OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL CRAIG A. BONHAM, II, USA ______ HON. ANALILIA MEJIA- of new jersey in the house of representatives Monday, July 20, 2026 Ms. MEJIA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Craig A. Bonham, II. Lieutenant Colonel Bonham has served as Garrison Commander of Picatinny Arsenal since June 2024. Today, he ends his service with Picatinny as he transfers leadership to Lieutenant Colonel John A. Meier. I am proud to honor a dedicated Army officer whose service has strengthened New Jersey's llth Congressional District, the State of New Jersey, and the United States as a whole. As Garrison Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Bonham led with excellence as he and his team supported the installation's more than 6,000 Soldiers, civilians, and contractors. The Picatinny community benefited from his responsibly executed commitment to their mission and to their morale, welfare, and professional development. Under his supervision of Garrison operations, Picatinny Arsenal continued to serve as a cornerstone of defense innovation and an engine of economic strength for the region. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Lieutenant Colonel Bonham's first assignments were as an Assistant Battalion Logistics Officer and Launcher Platoon Leader for the 4th Battalion, 5th Air and Missile Defense Regiment at Fort Hood. He was selected for the Civil Affairs Corps in 2009. His career includes numerous roles in Civil Affairs Leadership in and support of U.S. Special Operations Command Europe and Africa, including two deployments to Africa. He has acted in key leadership roles, including as a Military Planner for NATO Allied Land Command and most recently as Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart. Lieutenant Colonel Bonham's many awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal and Army Achievement Medal. These awards reflect a career of excellence and selfless service to his country. Above all, he is supported by his wife Tutku and their two daughters, whose sacrifice and commitment have been essential to his success. I extend my deepest gratitude to Lieutenant Colonel Bonham and his family for their service to our country. I wish him best of luck and continued success in his next role for our military. ____________________