Location: The Heritage Foundation's Allison Auditorium

General John Craddock became the Supreme Allied Commander Europe and the Commander of United States European Command on December 7, 2006.  He is a graduate of West Virginia University and was commissioned as an Armor Officer.

Highlights among a varied military career include command of the 4th Bn, 64th Armor Regt 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized) deploying to Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.  General Craddock commanded the 194th Separate Armored Brigade.  In 1998 he undertook a tour in Germany as the Assistant Divisional Commander for Maneuver of 1st Infantry Division (Mechanized); during this time he was designated Commander U.S. forces for the initial phase of operations in Kosovo.  After a tour as the Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, General Craddock assumed the post of Combatant Commander U.S. Southern Command from 2004 until 2006.