In the event you have been to take a tour of the Capitol constructing in Washington, D.C., then you possibly can anticipate to take hundreds of steps over the course of that occasion. Now think about being a member of Congress or their employees having to take that many steps each day going backwards and forwards from their numerous workplaces to one of many chambers to conduct the nation’s enterprise.
Consultant Don Bacon of Nebraska has taken these steps many instances over since he assumed workplace in 2017. He shared that it may vary from 8,000 to 12,000 on any given day. Fortuitously, the retired Air Power Brigadier Basic is used to it. He even shared that he walks almost in all places he goes when he’s within the nation’s capital to serve his constituents.
“Generally 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 wherever round right here. I additionally stroll again to my house.”
Basis in Farming and Battle Historical past
As a member of the US Home of Representatives, Bacon serves Nebraska’s 2nd district, which incorporates Omaha. He calls the Cornhusker State residence right now, however he was initially raised because the oldest of 9 youngsters on a farm in Illinois. The work ethic from that sort of upbringing and having to remain energetic served him nicely all through his childhood. It was additionally throughout that point when he found a love for battle historical past.
“I’ve been studying about army historical past since I used to be 10 years previous,” he recalled. “There was a e-book that I obtained 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 Power, 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 Power 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, religious, health, household, and mental objectives.
“You could be robust in two or three and fail,” Bacon suggested. “It’s good to have a stability of all of them to succeed.”
He additionally thrived and loved being surrounded by like-minded people. Working alongside others that have been centered on engaging in the identical missions helped promote a higher sense of dedication.
“Once I labored within the army, I felt like 99 % of the folks I labored with have been within the high one % of the nation. They have 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 Power Distinguished Service Medal, two Legion of Deserves and two Bronze Star Medals, amongst others. Bacon was additionally chosen as Europe’s high Air Power wing commander in 2009. When he appears again at his service, he doesn’t suppose 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 folks nicely. I favored it when folks really feel like they’re part of a crew, and good groups win.”
Bacon labored to take care of excessive scores on his PT assessments, 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 happy with it, and it’s nonetheless there. Individuals beloved it.”
Led To Congress by Religion
After almost three many years within the Air Power, 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 at all times had a plan, however God at all times put me elsewhere,” Bacon shared. “I used to be in Afghanistan investigating the demise 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 basic election. He would search election and win the seat he holds right now.
“I used to be approached and requested, ‘Have you ever ever considered working for Congress, Don?’ That was how I obtained in.”
Why Wellness and Health Issues
Bacon at present serves on the Home Armed Providers 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, lots of which have develop into legislation. 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 youngsters 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 Neighborhood Psychological Wellness & Resilience Act. He’s additionally an advocate for sports activities and including extra secure fields and locations to compete, noting that his grandchildren play soccer.
“I feel sports activities are crucial for our youth, and soccer is nice to maintain youngsters in form.”
One more reason he emphasizes wellness and well being is due to recruitment issues with younger People. Latest information from the Division of Battle exhibits that 77 % of People that will often be eligible for service wouldn’t qualify.
“That’s scary. I used to be in good condition in highschool, and I see these youngsters 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 govt order for it, and Virginia was the primary state to make it legislation. Bacon desires to see Nebraska develop into the second, and he isn’t solely saying that from the attitude of a lawmaker.
“I nonetheless have my patch, and I’m happy with that,” Bacon mentioned proudly. “I feel we have to convey again a way of satisfaction that being in form was a great factor. We have to make that legislation. Somebody beat me to introducing it, however I jumped on as a co-sponsor. We have to cross it and fund it.”
What’s Subsequent
Bacon is serving his remaining 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 trip 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 along with his spouse Angie, their 4 kids, and eight grandchildren. He additionally desires to share knowledge from his expertise, together with recommendation he would share along with his youthful self if given the possibility.
“Belief your instincts and judgement. Deal with folks with respect and other people will do good things in return,” Bacon mentioned. “Eternity is a very long time. So, be sure you have a great relationship with God.”
After two distinguished careers which have benefited generations of People, Bacon’s story is one which younger folks might learn and find out about the best way he examine these World Battle II heroes. He calls on younger People that could be uncertain of what to do sooner or later to contemplate service.
“I like this nice nation, however that doesn’t occur magically. We’d like folks of each era main and defending it.”
For extra info on Rep. Bacon, you possibly can go to his Home of Representatives web page .
M&F Navy Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this text.
