In case you had been to take a tour of the Capitol constructing in Washington, D.C., then you may count on to take hundreds of steps over the course of that occasion. Now think about being a member of Congress or their workers having to take that many steps day by day going backwards and forwards from their varied workplaces to one of many chambers to conduct the nation’s enterprise.
Consultant Don Bacon of Nebraska has taken these steps many occasions over since he assumed workplace in 2017. He shared that it may vary from 8,000 to 12,000 on any given day. Thankfully, the retired Air Drive Brigadier Basic is used to it. He even shared that he walks almost in every single place he goes when he’s within the nation’s capital to serve his constituents.
“Typically I can go to Lincoln Park and get 3 miles in with intervals, however even once I don’t, I get nearly 1,000 steps every time I’m going anyplace round right here. I additionally stroll again to my condo.”
Basis in Farming and Warfare Historical past
As a member of the USA Home of Representatives, Bacon serves Nebraska’s 2nd district, which incorporates Omaha. He calls the Cornhusker State dwelling at the moment, however he was initially raised because the oldest of 9 children on a farm in Illinois. The work ethic from that sort of upbringing and having to remain energetic served him properly all through his childhood. It was additionally throughout that point when he found a love for warfare historical past.
“I’ve been studying about army historical past since I used to be 10 years outdated,” he recalled. “There was a e book that I acquired as a present, and I nonetheless have it.”
Younger Don initially thought that he would comply with in his father’s footsteps and work as an authorized public accountant. After graduating school and dealing for a Congressman, he noticed one other path for himself, a profession within the army.
“It simply dawned on me that I like studying army stuff. I ought to be a part of the army.”
He Grew to become a Embellished Hero Himself
Upon becoming a member of the Air Drive, Bacon was forging his personal path in service like these he examine in that e book. He admitted that he struggled initially throughout Officer Coaching Faculty however later excelled in different coaching and roles, even qualifying as a grasp navigator. He turned wing commander at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, then at at Offutt Air Drive Base in Nebraska. He would even be stationed in Arizona and labored as an expeditionary squadron commander in Iraq earlier than ending out his service whereas stationed on the Pentagon. No matter the place he served, he discovered success by specializing in 5 areas; skilled, non secular, health, household, and mental targets.
“You could be robust in two or three and fail,” Bacon suggested. “You must have a steadiness of all of them to succeed.”
He additionally thrived and loved being surrounded by like-minded people. Working alongside others that had been targeted on undertaking the identical missions helped promote a larger sense of dedication.
“Once I labored within the army, I felt like 99 p.c of the individuals I labored with had been within the prime one p.c of the nation. They had been selfless, servants, work exhausting, and I felt like I used to be in a fraternity for 30 years.”
Brigadier Basic Bacon was acknowledged with honors all through his profession, together with the Air Drive Distinguished Service Medal, two Legion of Deserves and two Bronze Star Medals, amongst others. Bacon was additionally chosen as Europe’s prime Air Drive wing commander in 2009. When he seems to be again at his service, he doesn’t assume as a lot concerning the awards as he does how he stored himself in form and the way he handled people who stood and served alongside him.
Bacon mentioned, “I favored working exhausting and treating individuals properly. I favored it when individuals really feel like they’re part of a group, and good groups win.”
Bacon labored to take care of excessive scores on his PT checks, noting that he may run 5 miles in 35 minutes. He additionally labored to assist others discover paths to improved health. A technique he did that was by actually making a path, a six-mile path within the woods close to Ramstein Air Base.
“We referred to as it the Hercules Path. I used to be actually pleased with it, and it’s nonetheless there. Folks cherished it.”
Led To Congress by Religion
After almost three a long time within the Air Drive, Bacon felt it was time to maneuver on. As he described it, the choice wasn’t solely his. His religion in God is what serves as his compass professionally and personally.
“I all the time had a plan, however God all the time put me some other place,” Bacon shared. “I used to be in Afghanistan investigating the dying of 4 Airmen in an accident. Once I was praying, I felt God saying, ‘Don, it’s time to do one thing else.’”
His first day post-retirement may have served as a touch of what was to come back. He attended and spoke at a rally in Omaha that was additionally attended by Nebraska’s Governor, Senator, and future Speaker of the Home. Shortly after, he was additionally working for somebody campaigning for workplace, however he was defeated within the common election. He would search election and win the seat he holds at the moment.
“I used to be approached and requested, ‘Have you ever ever considered operating for Congress, Don?’ That was how I acquired in.”
Why Wellness and Health Issues
Bacon at present serves on the Home Armed Companies Committee and was Chairman of the Navy High quality-of-Life panel that has led to the creation of over 30 payments which have supported servicemembers, a lot of which have develop into regulation. He at present serves because the Chairman of the Cyber, Data Applied sciences, and Innovation subcommittee. He has additionally co-sponsored payments that emphasize well being and wellness for kids and veterans alike, such because the Youth Lead Act, which helps teams like 4-H and the Scouts.
Bacon additionally co-sponsored and launched the Group Psychological Wellness & Resilience Act. He’s additionally an advocate for sports activities and including extra protected fields and locations to compete, noting that his grandchildren play soccer.
“I believe sports activities are crucial for our youth, and soccer is nice to maintain children in form.”
One more reason he emphasizes wellness and well being is due to recruitment issues with younger People. Current knowledge from the Division of Warfare reveals that 77 p.c of People that may normally be eligible for service wouldn’t qualify.
“That’s scary. I used to be in good condition in highschool, and I see these children that aren’t once I go to talk. That makes for a tough begin to maturity.”
A technique he noticed to enhance these numbers was the reinstatement of the President’s Bodily Health Award. President Donald Trump issued an government order for it, and Virginia was the primary state to make it regulation. Bacon desires to see Nebraska develop into the second, and he’s not solely saying that from the attitude of a lawmaker.
“I nonetheless have my patch, and I’m pleased with that,” Bacon mentioned proudly. “I believe we have to carry again a way of satisfaction that being in form was a superb factor. We have to make that regulation. Somebody beat me to introducing it, however I jumped on as a co-sponsor. We have to move it and fund it.”
What’s Subsequent
Bacon is serving his last time period within the Home of Representatives. He introduced that he wouldn’t search reelection in 2026. His profession in Congress could also be coming to an finish, however that doesn’t imply he plans to experience off into the sundown. Bacon has many choices in entrance of him, and he made it clear that he desires to do one thing that enables him to proceed serving others whereas spending extra time together with his spouse Angie, their 4 youngsters, and eight grandchildren. He additionally desires to share knowledge from his expertise, together with recommendation he would share together with his youthful self if given the prospect.
“Belief your instincts and judgement. Deal with individuals with respect and folks will do great things in return,” Bacon mentioned. “Eternity is a very long time. So, ensure you have a superb relationship with God.”
After two distinguished careers which have benefited generations of People, Bacon’s story is one which younger individuals might learn and study the way in which he examine these World Warfare II heroes. He calls on younger People which may be not sure of what to do sooner or later to contemplate service.
“I like this nice nation, however that doesn’t occur magically. We’d like individuals of each technology main and defending it.”
For extra info on Rep. Bacon, you may go to his Home of Representatives web page .
M&F Navy Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this text.
