[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S2124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT GENERAL THOMAS L. JAMES

 Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, today I recognize the distinguished 
career and extraordinary service of LTG Thomas L. James, U.S. Army. A 
native of Petal, MS, Lieutenant General James served in uniform for 
more than four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the security of 
our Nation.
  In 1982, Lieutenant General James took the first step in his military 
journey by enlisting in the Mississippi National Guard. He served first 
as a medic and operating room technician with the 114th Support Group. 
Later, he joined the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
  From the beginning, Lieutenant General James was committed to soldier 
care, unit readiness, and high standards of service--values that would 
define his entire career. In 1988, after completing his education at 
the University of Southern Mississippi and earning his commission 
through ROTC, he entered Active Duty as an Army aviator.
  Lieutenant General James would go on to command at every level from 
platoon to brigade. In July 2014, he assumed leadership of the 1st 
Space Brigade. Under his charge, the Army's only brigade dedicated to 
space operations became more adept at missile warning, satellite 
communications, and space situational awareness. Combatant commanders 
across the globe benefit from these enhanced capabilities.
  At the Joint Functional Component Command--Space and the Joint Force 
Space Component Command, Lieutenant General James held a number of 
senior roles. Among his responsibilities, he handled global operations, 
planning, and exercises in support of joint and allied forces.
  When U.S. Space Command was reestablished in 2019, Lieutenant General 
James was selected to command Joint Task Force-Space Defense. He 
oversaw the defense of critical space assets and the integration of 
space capabilities into the joint force. He became the Deputy Commander 
of Combined Joint Task Force-Space Operations. Then, in December 2023, 
he was confirmed as Deputy Commander of U.S. Space Command. His 
promotion to lieutenant general took place at the armory in 
Hattiesburg, MS. It was the site where he took his oath of enlistment 
more than 40 years earlier, creating a fitting symbol of a life 
dedicated to service.
  General James' career spanned work in the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and 
the war in Afghanistan. He is a decorated veteran. His most notable 
awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense 
Superior Service Medal, two awards of the Legion of Merit, and two 
Bronze Star Medals. Notably, he is the first Army space operations 
officer to advance beyond the rank of brigadier general, a testament to 
his pioneering role in elevating space as a warfighting domain.
  While I recognize Lieutenant General James, it is important to honor 
the sacrifice and support of his family. His wife Nicole and his 
daughter Rachel have stood beside him these many years. They have 
shared in the hardships of military life and contributed immeasurably 
to his success. Their strength, patience, and devotion exemplify the 
resilience of military families who give so much in service to the 
Nation.
  I speak on behalf of a thankful State when I express my gratitude to 
LTG Thomas L. James. We are grateful for his faithful service to the 
United States. His career reflects honor upon his character, his 
family, the people of Mississippi, the Army, U.S. Space Command, and 
the Nation he has so ably defended.

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