[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.

                          ____________________