[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S3934]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL THOMAS O'CONNOR

 Mrs. BRITT. Mr. President, I am honored to recognize the 
extraordinary service of MG Thomas O'Connor on his retirement from the 
U.S. Army after more than three decades of distinguished service to our 
Nation.
  Major General O'Connor has devoted his life to the defense of our 
country and has served with integrity, professionalism, and bravery. 
Since he commissioned from the U.S. Military Academy in 1994, Major 
General O'Connor has led a multitude of operational assignments, from 
commanding cavalry troops during the height of the Global War on Terror 
to being a key driver of modernization in Army aviation. Alabama, our 
Nation, and our entire globe are safer and more secure thanks to the 
discipline, dedication, and heroism of Major General O'Connor.
  Over the course of his exceptional career, Major General O'Connor has 
held key leadership positions at every level of command, including 
company command at Fort Hood, command of the 2d Squadron, 6th Cavalry 
in Afghanistan, and leadership of the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st 
Armored Division at Fort Bliss. He has served abroad on numerous 
deployments with the 101st Airborne Division and the 25th Infantry 
Division, including historic Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation 
Enduring Freedom, and Operation Atlantic Resolve. He has earned an 
exemplary reputation as a steadfast and skilled combat leader, and his 
experiences have provided him with a profound understanding of the 
needs of the American warfighter. His extensive tactical leadership, 
unwavering devotion to his fellow soldiers, and unique gift for combat 
strategy represent the absolute best that the U.S. Army has to offer.
  While Major General O'Connor has played a pivotal role in 
strengthening military readiness, maximizing operational effectiveness, 
and prioritizing modernization abroad, his leadership at home is 
equally impressive. As commanding general of the U.S. Army Aviation and 
Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL, he played a 
pivotal role in strengthening our aviation and missile lethality around 
the globe. Additionally, as deputy commander of the U.S. Army Aviation 
Center of Excellence, located at Fort Rucker, Major General O'Connor 
further strengthened the future of Army aviation. Most recently, in his 
role as the Director of Force Development for the Office of the Deputy 
Chief of Staff, Major General O'Connor has transformed the Army's 
modernization efforts. His leadership has directly ensured that 
American forces remained prepared, capable, and ready to respond to 
emerging global threats.
  Major General O'Connor's career exemplifies the highest standards and 
values of the U.S. Army: courage, vision, rigor, and a commitment to 
duty. His service has strengthened our military, safeguarded our 
national security, and inspired countless soldiers who served alongside 
him.
  I wish to extend my deep gratitude to MG Thomas O'Connor for his 
lifetime of highly respected and faithful service to the U.S. Army. On 
behalf of a grateful nation, I thank him and his entire family for 
their sacrifices and wish them the best as they enter into this new 
season of life. His legacy of courage and commitment will endure for 
generations to come.

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