Lt. General John “Jack” Costello passed away at age 63 after a long struggle with pancreatic cancer. Costello was the commander of Texas’ Fort Bliss during a time of great transition and member of the USGLC’s National Security Advisory Council (NSAC).

His illustrious military career included four years as Commanding General of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command and U.S. Space Command. However, he may be best known for his leadership of Fort Bliss near El Paso, Texas, as the military shifted from its Cold War days into a effective force against global terrorism.

In 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) recommended a massive shift of resources toward Fort Bliss. Costello worked with military, community, and Congressional leaders to improve the base and ready it for modern warfare.

Lt. General Costello served in the United States Army for 32 years and joined NSAC in 2008. We extend our condolences to his wife and family.