[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 67 (Thursday, April 16, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO MAJOR BENJAMIN ``BEN'' COHEN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM COLE

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 16, 2026

  Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and pay a special thank 
you to a truly exceptional American, and U.S. Army officer, Major 
Benjamin ``Ben'' Cohen.
  Major Cohen served with distinction as a Defense Fellow in my office 
from January 2023 to December 2023 in which his professionalism, 
expertise, candor, and team-centric attitude was paramount to my 
staff's success in the FY24 Appropriations Cycle. His contributions 
during this time were instrumental in shaping budget and policy related 
discussions and advancing legislative priorities.
  Following his tenure in my office, Ben served as a Congressional 
Budget Liaison in the Secretary of the Army's Financial Management and 
Comptroller's Budget Liaison (SAFMI-BUL) office, representing the 
Missile Procurement, Army (MiPA). Procurement of Army Ammunition (PAA), 
and Procurement of Wheeled Tracked Combat Vehicles (WTCV) 
appropriations portfolios. As a Liaison, Ben supported 25 staff 
delegation trips and 5 congressional delegation trips and expertly 
worked with the appropriations staff to ensure the United States Army's 
priorities were supported, cared for, and realized. His 
professionalism, dedication, and expertise have greatly benefited 
Members of Congress and their staff, leaving a lasting impression on 
all who have had the privilege of working with him.
  Born and raised in Barnstable, Massachusetts, Major Cohen graduated 
from Norwich University in 2014 with a bachelor's in criminal justice 
and was commissioned Active Duty as a Field Artillery Officer.
  Major Cohen began his military career with the 1st Stryker Brigade 
Combat Team, where he served as a Company Fire Support Officer, 
Maintenance Control Officer, Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, and 
Brigade Adjutant. After completing his Captains Career Course in 2018. 
Ben returned to Alaska--Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Anchorage, 
Alaska, where he served as a Battalion Fire Support Officer for 3-509th 
Infantry (Airborne), Commander for HHC, 3-509th Infantry (Airborne), 
and Commander for B Battery, 2-377th PFAR. Upon completing his command 
time at JBER, Ben was accepted into the Army's Congressional Fellowship 
Program.
  Major Cohen's academic achievements include earning a Master of 
Professional Studies in Legislative Affairs from George Washington 
University in 2023, and a Master of Public Administration from Norwich 
University. Additionally, Ben is a graduate of United States Army's 
Ranger School, Jumpmaster Course, Basic Airborne Course, Air Assault 
School, and the Army's Cold Weather Leaders Course.
  In addition to his military duties, Major Cohen volunteers his time 
as a Coach for youth sports (hockey) in the local area, providing 
development and mentorship opportunities to local youth athletes. This 
year, Ben's St. James Hockey Team won the Atlantic Hockey Federation's 
(AHF) 16U Lemieux Division in dominant fashion, culminating a massively 
successful season with an overall record of 34-18-5.
  Major Cohen's exceptional career is a testament to his unwavering 
dedication, leadership, and commitment to selfless service and 
excellence. His contributions to the Army and our Nation are truly 
commendable.
  On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and a grateful Nation, 
I join my colleagues today in recognizing and commending my good 
friend, Major Benjamin ``Ben'' Cohen for his service and sacrifice.

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