In the event you had been to take a tour of the Capitol constructing in Washington, D.C., then you may anticipate to take 1000’s 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 on daily basis going forwards and backwards from their varied places of work 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. Fortuitously, the retired Air Power Brigadier Common is used to it. He even shared that he walks practically all over the 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 virtually 1,000 steps every time I’m going wherever round right here. I additionally stroll again to my residence.”
Basis in Farming and Struggle Historical past
As a member of america Home of Representatives, Bacon serves Nebraska’s 2nd district, which incorporates Omaha. He calls the Cornhusker State residence at this time, however he was initially raised because the oldest of 9 children on a farm in Illinois. The work ethic from that type of upbringing and having to remain energetic served him effectively all through his childhood. It was additionally throughout that point when he found a love for conflict 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 bought as a present, and I nonetheless have it.”
Younger Don initially thought that he would observe in his father’s footsteps and work as an authorized public accountant. After graduating faculty 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 Adorned 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 may be robust in two or three and fail,” Bacon suggested. “You should 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 undertaking the identical missions helped promote a higher sense of dedication.
“After I labored within the army, I felt like 99 p.c of the individuals I labored with had been within the high one p.c of the nation. They had been selfless, servants, work laborious, and I felt like I used to be in a fraternity for 30 years.”
Brigadier Common 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 seems to be again at his service, he doesn’t suppose as a lot concerning the awards as he does how he saved himself in form and the way he handled people who stood and served alongside him.
Bacon mentioned, “I preferred working laborious and treating individuals effectively. I preferred it when individuals really feel like they’re part of a staff, and good groups win.”
Bacon labored to take care of excessive scores on his PT exams, noting that he may run 5 miles in 35 minutes. He additionally labored to assist others discover paths to improved health. A method 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. Folks liked it.”
Led To Congress by Religion
After practically 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 some place else,” Bacon shared. “I used to be in Afghanistan investigating the loss of life 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 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 normal election. He would search election and win the seat he holds at this time.
“I used to be approached and requested, ‘Have you ever ever considered operating for Congress, Don?’ That was how I bought 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 change 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 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 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 knowledge from the Division of Struggle reveals that 77 p.c of Individuals 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 children that aren’t once I go to talk. That makes for a tough begin to maturity.”
A method 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 needs to see Nebraska change into the second, and he isn’t solely saying that from the angle of a lawmaker.
“I nonetheless have my patch, and I’m happy with that,” Bacon mentioned proudly. “I believe we have to convey again a way of pleasure that being in form was a superb 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 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 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 permits 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 prospect.
“Belief your instincts and judgement. Deal with individuals 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 superb relationship with God.”
After two distinguished careers which have benefited generations of Individuals, Bacon’s story is one which younger individuals could learn and find out about the best way he examine these World Struggle II heroes. He calls on younger Individuals which may be not sure of what to do sooner or later to think about service.
“I really like this nice nation, however that doesn’t occur magically. We want individuals of each era main and defending it.”
For extra data on Rep. Bacon, you may go to his Home of Representatives web page .
M&F Navy Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this text.