[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 72 (Monday, May 2, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2242-S2243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO COLONEL SCOTT WILKINSON

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. President, today I honor a superb leader, 
liaison, and soldier. After a year of service with the Army Office of 
the Chief, legislative liaison, as the chief, Army Senate Liaison 
Division, COL Scott Wilkinson was selected to serve as the deputy 
commanding officer for Support with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort 
Campbell. On this occasion, I believe it is fitting to recognize 
Colonel Wilkinson's distinguished service and dedication to fostering 
the relationship between the U.S. Army and this Chamber.
  Colonel Wilkinson grew up in an Army family. He received his 
commission in 1994 as the Distinguished Military Graduate of the 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology ROTC program and his 
undergraduate degree from Harvard University. An aviation officer by 
designation, Colonel Wilkinson has led our Nation's young men and women 
at home and abroad, most prominently as the chief of staff for the U.S. 
Army Special Operations Command, located at Fort Bragg, NC, and 
commander of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, located at 
Fort Campbell, KY. Colonel Wilkinson has also served in multiple 
command and staff positions within the 160th Special Operations 
Aviation Regiment. Known as the Night Stalkers, soldiers of the 160th 
Special Operations Aviation Regiment are highly trained and have been 
actively and continuously engaged in the combat operations since 
October 2001.
  The Army has consistently relied upon Colonel Wilkinson for his 
exceptional leadership and unparalleled

[[Page S2243]]

work ethic. He has deployed widely for training across Europe, the 
Middle East, and Africa; operationally in support of Operations JOINT 
ENDEAVOR and JOINT GUARD in Bosnia-Herzegovina; and to combat in 
support of multiple contingencies and named operations including 
ENDURING FREEDOM, FREEDOM SENTINEL, IRAQI FREEDOM, INHERENT RESOLVE, 
and YUKON SCEPTER.
  Colonel Wilkinson has excelled in numerous other leadership positions 
in the Army, most recently as the chief, Army Senate Liaison. In the 
Russell Senate Office Building and around the globe, Colonel Wilkinson 
continued the tradition of strengthening Army relationships with 
Members of Congress and their staffs.
  Over the course of the last year, Colonel Wilkinson provided support 
to multiple congressional delegations to locations within the United 
States and to various countries around the world. He became a trusted 
adviser and friend to many of us. He distinguished himself by going 
above and beyond the call of duty to facilitate and successfully 
execute each and every trip, despite any number of weather, aircraft, 
and diplomatic complications.
  This June, Colonel Wilkinson departs Washington, DC. This Chamber 
will feel his absence. I join many past and present Members of Congress 
in my gratitude and appreciation to Colonel Wilkinson for his 
outstanding leadership and unwavering support of the missions of the 
U.S. Army. I especially recognize his patient and supportive family, 
Mrs. Mindy Wilkinson, and his two daughters, Blakely and Parker. I wish 
this Army family the best as they move to Fort Campbell.

                          ____________________