[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 126 (Monday, August 3, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E765-E766]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING COLONEL JOHN WILCOX UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE U.S. ARMY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, August 3, 2026

  Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel John Wilcox 
upon his retirement from the United States Army and to thank him for 
nearly three decades of extraordinary service to our Nation.
  Colonel Wilcox graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and 
received his commission in the Military Police Corps in 1999. He served 
in numerous leadership positions, including Platoon Leader, Company 
Commander, and Military Police Advisor during Operation Iraqi Freedom. 
In 2007, he volunteered to join Army Special Operations Civil Affairs, 
beginning a distinguished chapter of service that would take him 
throughout the United States and around the world.
  Colonel Wilcox deployed twice to the southern Philippines in support 
of Operation Enduring Freedom--Philippines and later deployed to 
Afghanistan as Director of the Afghan Local Police Special Operations 
Advisory Cell. He also commanded the 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Warfare 
Training Group (Airborne) and served as Deputy Chief of Staff G-5 for 
the United States Army Special Operations Command.
  From 2022 to 2024, Colonel Wilcox served as Garrison Commander of 
Fort Bragg, leading the Nation's largest military installation through 
significant infrastructure and resourcing challenges. During his 
tenure, he strengthened relationships with local leaders, improved 
installation services, and demonstrated a genuine commitment to the 
soldiers, families, and communities who depend upon Fort Bragg. I was 
fortunate to work closely with Colonel Wilcox throughout his command, 
and I came to value not only his leadership but also his friendship. 
Our work together addressed challenges facing the installation and 
advanced the priorities of soldiers and their families.
  In his final military assignment, Colonel Wilcox served as J39 for 
the United States Special Operations Command. In this role, he was 
responsible for synchronizing information,

[[Page E766]]

 influence, Psychological Operations, and Civil Affairs activities 
across five Theater Special Operations Commands and more than 80 
countries. His storied career reflects an unwavering commitment to 
soldiers, military families, and the defense of our Nation. Because of 
his service, the United States, our allies, and communities around the 
world are safer and more secure.
  I am grateful for Colonel Wilcox's service to Fort Bragg and to the 
United States Army. I also extend my sincere appreciation to his wife, 
Nellie, and their three children, Hannah, Aiden, and Lukas, for their 
support throughout his distinguished career.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring Colonel John Wilcox 
upon his retirement from the United States Army and wishing him and his 
family continued success as they move on to their next great adventure.

                          ____________________