JACKSONVILLE, FLA. – Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow Soldiers, Maj. Matthew Westcott promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel during a ceremony held Nov. 13, 2025, at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District Headquarters, in the Prudential Building on the South Bank.
Col. Brandon Bowman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District Commander, presided over the ceremony. In his opening remarks, Bowman praised Miller’s leadership and thanked him for his dedication and continued service to his country.
Bowman delivered remarks centered on Westcott’s achievements, including presently leading one of the largest regional construction programs in USACE, as well as strengthening relationships with key stakeholders/partners around the country and Florida, and Westcott's leadership with USACE Emergency Management and Emergency Response.
“This is a great day and we are here to celebrate this major event in Matt's life," said Bowman. "This has been a very, very long time coming for him and it is well deserved. "When it comes to Emergency Management, 'referring to Westcott's response in helping with the Francis Scott Key deployment and Hurricanes Helene and Milton,' "I don't think anyone does it better and this promotion to Lieutenant Colonel is an opportunity for him to celebrate with family, friends, and his Jacksonville team.”
Westcott’s wife, Louise, and Bowman pinned the Lieutenant Colonel rank on his epaulets.
Westcott thanked his friends and fellow soldiers, but he began remarks with a tribute to his wife.
“Let me start by saying thank you to Louise and two children, Max and Hunter,” said Westcott. “I know the simple words, ‘thank you’ and ‘I love you’ are not enough to express the depth of my gratitude and admiration for you. Your sacrifices have allowed me to purse my career and dedicate myself to service our country, and for that, I am eternally grateful.”
During his remarks, Westcott reflected on his professional experiences and those who’ve made a difference in his journey, especially his family and those who have supported them along his career. He specifically referenced several people, including Army officers and non-commissioned officers, civilians and close friends who have shaped him as a leader.
Later, speaking on his career, Westcott said, “I am incredibly grateful to men like Col. Bennett, his first engineer officer mentor and Cmd. Sgt. Maj. R. Jose Munoz, who made a valuable impact on my life. I benefitted from watching your inspirational leadership, first-hand and watching how you interacted with soldiers and other leaders.”
An Army major is promoted to Lieutenant Colonel after achieving a minimum of 16 years of service and meeting competitive criteria, such as completing advanced education and receiving positive performance evaluations. Promotion boards evaluate officers for their leadership, strategic potential, and overall performance, with about 70% of eligible majors being promoted.
Westcott hails from Columbus, GA. He graduated from North Georgia College and State University in December of 2008, and holds an M.S. from The Georgia Institute of Technology. He commissioned from ROTC into the Corps of Engineers upon graduation from North Georgia and was immediately placed on active duty.
Upon completion of the Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Leonard Wood, MO he served as a Route Clearance Platoon Leader in 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, then transitioned to become an Armored Company Executive Officer for the same battalion. Upon completion of service at the 3rd Infantry Division, he attended the Engineer Captains Career Course, with a follow-on assignment to the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) in Vicenza, Italy where he served as an assistant operations officer and company commander.
Following command, Lt. Col. Westcott was selected for the Advanced Civil Schooling program, attending Georgia Tech. His utilization duty was to the Fort Worth District’s Resident Engineer Field Office in Fort Johnson, LA where he worked as a Project Engineer in Construction Division. He was then selected to attend the Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Upon arrival to the 101st, he served as a battalion operations officer and executive officer in 2nd Brigade.
Lt. Col. Westcott was then re-assigned to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he served as the Chief of Current Operations in its Headquarters in Washington D.C. and was transferred to the Jacksonville District where he currently serves as the Deputy Commander.
His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal, the Combat Action Badge, Ranger Tab, Senior Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge. He is also a recipient of the Bronze de Fleury Medal.
Closing his remarks, Westcott reflected on his ongoing commitment to service and the privilege of wearing the uniform.
“As I take on the responsibilities that come with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, I am acutely aware of the challenges and demands that lie ahead, “said Westcott. “Louise and I are excited about our future, and we are looking forward to continued service to the Nation, Soldiers, and Army civilians.”
Westcott assumed responsibility as the Deputy District Commander of the Jacksonville District, U.S Army Corps of Engineers in July 2024.
For more news, updates and information visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District district’s website at www.saj.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Jacksonvilledistrict, and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/JaxStrong.