HONORING COLONEL JOHN WILCOX UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE U.S. ARMY

On 2026-08-03, Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC-9) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING COLONEL JOHN WILCOX UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE U.S. ARMY" in the House.

HONORING COLONEL JOHN WILCOX UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE U.S. ARMY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 126 (Monday, August 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 126 (Monday, August 3, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E765-E766] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING COLONEL JOHN WILCOX UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE U.S. ARMY ______ HON. RICHARD HUDSON of north carolina in the house of representatives Monday, August 3, 2026 Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel John Wilcox upon his retirement from the United States Army and to thank him for nearly three decades of extraordinary service to our Nation. Colonel Wilcox graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and received his commission in the Military Police Corps in 1999. He served in numerous leadership positions, including Platoon Leader, Company Commander, and Military Police Advisor during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2007, he volunteered to join Army Special Operations Civil Affairs, beginning a distinguished chapter of service that would take him throughout the United States and around the world. Colonel Wilcox deployed twice to the southern Philippines in support of Operation Enduring Freedom--Philippines and later deployed to Afghanistan as Director of the Afghan Local Police Special Operations Advisory Cell. He also commanded the 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne) and served as Deputy Chief of Staff G-5 for the United States Army Special Operations Command. From 2022 to 2024, Colonel Wilcox served as Garrison Commander of Fort Bragg, leading the Nation's largest military installation through significant infrastructure and resourcing challenges. During his tenure, he strengthened relationships with local leaders, improved installation services, and demonstrated a genuine commitment to the soldiers, families, and communities who depend upon Fort Bragg. I was fortunate to work closely with Colonel Wilcox throughout his command, and I came to value not only his leadership but also his friendship. Our work together addressed challenges facing the installation and advanced the priorities of soldiers and their families. In his final military assignment, Colonel Wilcox served as J39 for the United States Special Operations Command. In this role, he was responsible for synchronizing information, [[Page E766]] influence, Psychological Operations, and Civil Affairs activities across five Theater Special Operations Commands and more than 80 countries. His storied career reflects an unwavering commitment to soldiers, military families, and the defense of our Nation. Because of his service, the United States, our allies, and communities around the world are safer and more secure. I am grateful for Colonel Wilcox's service to Fort Bragg and to the United States Army. I also extend my sincere appreciation to his wife, Nellie, and their three children, Hannah, Aiden, and Lukas, for their support throughout his distinguished career. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring Colonel John Wilcox upon his retirement from the United States Army and wishing him and his family continued success as they move on to their next great adventure. ____________________