[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 136 (Friday, August 8, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING AND HONORING BRIGADIER GENERAL DAVID M. JENKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 8, 2025

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
extraordinary service of Brigadier General David M. Jenkins, a 
trailblazing leader in the South Carolina National Guard who will soon 
retire after 35 years of distinguished military service. Brigadier 
General Jenkins' career is one defined by excellence, integrity, and 
selfless service--qualities that have left a lasting impact on the 
armed forces of our state and Nation. As he prepares to conclude his 
remarkable military service, he does so with the respect and admiration 
of those who served with him. He leaves so that the next generation of 
leaders can make their mark. This act of mentorship and setting the 
right example speaks volumes about his character.
  A proud native of South Carolina, Brigadier General Jenkins began his 
military journey as an ROTC cadet at South Carolina State University, 
where he earned his commission on May 24, 1990. Over the next three 
decades, he would rise through the ranks, holding a series of critical 
command and staff positions--from Platoon Leader to Brigade Commander, 
and ultimately, Assistant Adjutant General-Army and Land Component 
Commander for South Carolina. In this final post, he held individual 
accountability for the training, manning, and equipping of all Army 
National Guard forces within the state.
  His career was shaped by both operational experience and strategic 
leadership. In 2004, he deployed to Afghanistan, where he served as the 
Strategic Plans Communication Officer for the Joint Coordination 
Center--Afghanistan. At home, he played a key role in the Guard's 
responses to hurricanes, floods, winter storms, and other emergencies 
that tested the strength and resilience of South Carolina communities.
  Brigadier General Jenkins' academic achievements reflect the same 
discipline and dedication that marked his military service. He holds a 
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from South Carolina State 
University, a Master of International Business from Xavier University, 
and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. His 
military education includes a long list of advanced training programs, 
from the Signal Officer courses to the Advanced Joint Staff College and 
the U.S. Army War College.
  His contributions have been recognized with some of our Nation's 
highest military honors, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze 
Star, the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, and the 
Army Achievement Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters--a reflection of his 
exceptional leadership, courage, and commitment.
  Outside of uniform, Brigadier General Jenkins serves as Senior 
Director of Strategic Operations and Technical Delivery at Lexmark 
International. He is also a devoted husband to Dionne, his wife of 21 
years, and a proud father to three children--Dillon, Sydney, and 
Aubrey.
  The Army's seven core values--Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless 
Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage--are deeply embedded in 
every service member, Brigadier General Jenkins embodies all of these 
values, with Selfless Service particularly prominent. His steadfast 
dedication to mentorship has shaped leaders both within and beyond the 
military. His commitment--to his country, state, community, those he 
leads, their families, and his colleagues--has been unwavering.
  Brigadier General Jenkins' acts of selfless service reflect his 
upbringing, the love and support from his family, the lessons he 
learned at South Carolina State University, and the people who have 
influenced his life. I thank him for embodying the Army Values, 
extending the legacy of the South Carolina State University Bulldog 
Battalion, exemplifying the pillars of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., 
and letting selfless service speak for him.
  Brigadier General Jenkins and his family have devoted over 35 years 
to steadfast service. Through mission after mission--missing birthdays, 
holidays, and countless special moments--they have made tremendous 
sacrifices. On behalf of a grateful Nation, and the many men and women 
he's mentored and continue to inspire, we thank him for a job well 
done.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring 
Brigadier General David M. Jenkins--not only for his exemplary service, 
but for the legacy of opportunity he leaves behind. He is a soldier, a 
leader, a mentor, and a role model--and South Carolina is stronger 
because of him. May the next chapter of his life bring he and his 
family as much fulfillment as he's given to our great state, I have no 
doubt Brigadier General Jenkins will continue to make us proud.

                          ____________________