If you happen to had been to take a tour of the Capitol constructing in Washington, D.C., then you possibly can 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-after-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 might vary from 8,000 to 12,000 on any given day. Thankfully, 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.
“Typically I can go to Lincoln Park and get 3 miles in with intervals, however even after I don’t, I get virtually 1,000 steps every time I am going wherever round right here. I additionally stroll again to my condo.”
Basis in Farming and Battle 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 immediately, however he was initially raised because the oldest of 9 children on a farm in Illinois. The work ethic from that form of upbringing and having to remain lively 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 ebook 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 a licensed 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 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 ebook. 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 targets.
“You might be sturdy in two or three and fail,” Bacon suggested. “It’s worthwhile 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 had been centered on carrying out the identical missions helped promote a higher sense of dedication.
“After I labored within the army, I felt like 99 % of the individuals I labored with had been within the high one % of the nation. They had been selfless, servants, work arduous, 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 those who stood and served alongside him.
Bacon stated, “I favored working arduous and treating individuals nicely. I favored it when individuals really feel like they’re part of a group, and good groups win.”
Bacon labored to keep up excessive scores on his PT checks, noting that he might 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. Individuals cherished it.”
Led To Congress by Religion
After almost three a long time 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 someplace else,” Bacon shared. “I used to be in Afghanistan investigating the demise of 4 Airmen in an accident. After I was praying, I felt God saying, ‘Don, it’s time to do one thing else.’”
His first day post-retirement might have served as a touch of what was to return. 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 normal election. He would search election and win the seat he holds immediately.
“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 Army High quality-of-Life panel that has led to the creation of over 30 payments which have supported servicemembers, lots of which have grow to be 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 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 protected fields and locations to compete, noting that his grandchildren play soccer.
“I believe sports activities are essential for our youth, and soccer is nice to maintain children in form.”
Another excuse he emphasizes wellness and well being is due to recruitment considerations with younger Individuals. Current information from the Division of Battle reveals that 77 % of Individuals 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 after 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 needs to see Nebraska grow to be the second, and he isn’t solely saying that from the angle of a lawmaker.
“I nonetheless have my patch, and I’m pleased with that,” Bacon stated proudly. “I believe we have to carry again a way of pleasure that being in form was an excellent factor. We have to make that regulation. 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 ultimate 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 journey off into the sundown. Bacon has many choices in entrance of him, and he made it clear that he needs 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 needs 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 individuals with respect and folks will do good things in return,” Bacon stated. “Eternity is a very long time. So, be sure you have an excellent relationship with God.”
After two distinguished careers which have benefited generations of Individuals, Bacon’s story is one which younger individuals could learn and study the best way he examine these World Battle II heroes. He calls on younger Individuals that could be not sure of what to do sooner or later to think about service.
“I like this nice nation, however that doesn’t occur magically. We’d like individuals of each era main and defending it.”
For extra data on Rep. Bacon, you possibly can go to his Home of Representatives web page .
M&F Army Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this text.
