[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E670-E671]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE HALL OF FAME INDUCTION OF COLONEL JAMES ``JIM'' 
                                CHALKLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. AARON BEAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 13, 2026

  Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel 
James ``Jim'' Chalkley, Retired, on his nomination and induction into 
the United States Army Transportation Corps Hall of Fame at Fort Lee, 
Virginia on July 27, 2026. The Transportation Corps Hall of Fame honors 
those whose careers exemplify the highest standards of service, 
leadership, and lasting contribution to Army operations. Few officers 
have had the breadth of impact, depth of experience, or the lasting 
influence that Colonel Chalkley has demonstrated throughout his career. 
Today, I'd like to honor his lifetime of service extending across 
several continents, conflicts and generations of soldiers.
  Colonel Jim Chalkley's decorated career reflects over two decades of 
exceptional leadership and dedication to the United States Army. A 
graduate of the esteemed Virginia Military Institute, Jim embodies a 
lifelong commitment to professional education. Among other schooling, 
he earned his master's degree in Logistics Systems Management at 
Florida Institute of Technology and studied National Security and 
Strategic Studies at the U.S. Navy War College.
  Over the course of his military service, Jim refined his expertise in 
transportation, deployment operations, personnel management and

[[Page E671]]

strategic planning. He commanded transportation battalions, served 
assignments at the Pentagon, and held senior leadership positions 
throughout the United States and Europe. Among his most impactful 
assignments, Jim served as Deputy Commander of the 7th Transportation 
Group during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, helping lead 
one of the largest transportation and logistics efforts in modern Army 
history. During Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, he commanded the 6th 
Transportation Battalion where he instituted vital humanitarian relief 
operations. These assignments, in addition to his position as the 
Deputy Chief of Staff of the United States Army Europe, offer just a 
glimpse of a career defined by his exceptional service to our nation. 
His many awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit Award 
and seven Meritorious Service Medals, reflect the high regard in which 
he is held. Jim was nominated for this honor by Colonel (Ret) Ed 
Fortunato, and he received endorsements from Major General (Ret) David 
A. Whaley and Lieutenant General (Ret) Dan Brown. But of course, he 
couldn't have achieved this success without the support of his wife of 
53 years, Sharon.
  As Colonel Chalkley is inducted into the United States Army Hall of 
Fame, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing his exemplary 
career and a legacy that will be felt throughout the United States Army 
for many years to come.

                          ____________________