HONORING THE SERVICE OF COLONEL MARK C. JOHNSON

On 2025-03-03, Representative Doris O. Matsui (D-CA-7) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE SERVICE OF COLONEL MARK C. JOHNSON" in the House. The speech addressed immigration and also covered defense.

HONORING THE SERVICE OF COLONEL MARK C. JOHNSON

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 40 (Monday, March 3, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 40 (Monday, March 3, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E176] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE SERVICE OF COLONEL MARK C. JOHNSON ______ HON. DORIS O. MATSUI of california in the house of representatives Monday, March 3, 2025 Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor Colonel Mark C. Johnson for his exemplary and distinguished 30 years of service to our Nation. A native of Sacramento, California, Colonel Johnson has represented the great state of California and the city of Sacramento with honor, dedication, and distinction throughout his remarkable military career. Colonel Johnson is a graduate of the United States Military Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering and commissioned as an Aviation Officer. He also holds advanced degrees in National Security from the United States Naval War College and the United States Army War College. Throughout his career, Colonel Johnson has served with unparalleled distinction in a variety of command and staff positions, demonstrating his expertise and leadership across the Joint, interagency, and special operations communities. His command assignments include leading the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division; the 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment (Assault); B Company, 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne); and B Company, 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment (Assault). Colonel Johnson's staff assignments are equally impressive, including serving as Chief of Staff for the Office of the Chief, Legislative Liaison; Director of Aviation for U.S. Army Forces Command; and as a Strategic Planner for U.S. Special Operations Command, among many others. Colonel Johnson has deployed in support of numerous national security and civil support operations, including Operation Joint Endeavour, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Atlantic Resolve, Operation Inherent Resolve, and Operation Freedom's Sentinel, His leadership extended to critical domestic operations, where he commanded aviation task forces supporting Defense Support to Civil Authorities for Hurricanes Florence and Michael, as well as southwest border security operations. For his service, Colonel Johnson has received numerous awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit (2), Bronze Star (2), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2), Meritorious Service Medal (5), Air Medal (3), and others. He also earned the Combat Action Badge, Master Aviator Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge. As a testament to his skill, he holds qualification ratings in the OH-58, UH-60, MH-60, CH-47, and MH- 47 helicopters. Mr. Speaker, I thank Colonel Johnson for his selfless dedication, unwavering leadership, and steadfast commitment to our country. As he concludes his 30 years of honorable service, I extend my deepest gratitude to him, his wife, Becky, and their children, Jake and Sarah, for their sacrifices and contributions to the strength and security of our Nation. I wish them all the best as they embark on the next chapter of their lives, and I know that Colonel Johnson will continue to be an inspiration and source of pride for California, Sacramento, and our entire Nation. ____________________