[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CHANGING OF COMMAND OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL CRAIG A. BONHAM, II, USA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ANALILIA MEJIA-

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 20, 2026

  Ms. MEJIA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the leadership of 
Lieutenant Colonel Craig A. Bonham, II. Lieutenant Colonel Bonham has 
served as Garrison Commander of Picatinny Arsenal since June 2024. 
Today, he ends his service with Picatinny as he transfers leadership to 
Lieutenant Colonel John A. Meier. I am proud to honor a dedicated Army 
officer whose service has strengthened New Jersey's llth Congressional 
District, the State of New Jersey, and the United States as a whole.
  As Garrison Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Bonham led with excellence 
as he and his team supported the installation's more than 6,000 
Soldiers, civilians, and contractors. The Picatinny community benefited 
from his responsibly executed commitment to their mission and to their 
morale, welfare, and professional development. Under his supervision of 
Garrison operations, Picatinny Arsenal continued to serve as a 
cornerstone of defense innovation and an engine of economic strength 
for the region.
  A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, 
Lieutenant Colonel Bonham's first assignments were as an Assistant 
Battalion Logistics Officer and Launcher Platoon Leader for the 4th 
Battalion, 5th Air and Missile Defense Regiment at Fort Hood. He was 
selected for the Civil Affairs Corps in 2009. His career includes 
numerous roles in Civil Affairs Leadership in and support of U.S. 
Special Operations Command Europe and Africa, including two deployments 
to Africa. He has acted in key leadership roles, including as a 
Military Planner for NATO Allied Land Command and most recently as 
Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart.
  Lieutenant Colonel Bonham's many awards and decorations include the 
Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Meritorious 
Service Medal and Army Achievement Medal. These awards reflect a career 
of excellence and selfless service to his country. Above all, he is 
supported by his wife Tutku and their two daughters, whose sacrifice 
and commitment have been essential to his success.
  I extend my deepest gratitude to Lieutenant Colonel Bonham and his 
family for their service to our country. I wish him best of luck and 
continued success in his next role for our military.

                          ____________________