Representative Don Bacon: A Legacy of Service, Fitness, and Public Leadership

Introduction: A Life Rooted in Discipline and Service

Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska embodies the ethos of disciplined public service, balancing rigorous physical activity with steadfast dedication to his constituents. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, his daily commute in Washington, D.C. alone involves thousands of steps—ranging from 8,000 to 12,000—reflecting a lifelong commitment to health and accountability.

Early Life and Foundational Values

Born the eldest of nine children on a farm in Illinois, Bacon developed an early appreciation for hard work and resilience. Raised in the "Cornhusker State" (Nebraska), he initially pursued a career in accounting before pivoting to military service after discovering a passion for military history at age 10.

“I’ve been reading about military history since I was 10 years old,” he recalled. “There was a book that I got as a gift, and I still have it.” This curiosity led him to join the Air Force, where he would forge a distinguished career.

Military Career: Excellence Through Balance

Upon enlisting, Bacon excelled as a master navigator and rose through the ranks, achieving the rank of Brigadier General. Key milestones included commanding wing operations at Ramstein Air Base (Germany) and Offutt Air Force Base (Nebraska), and serving as an expeditionary squadron commander in Iraq.

Central to his success was a commitment to five core pillars: professional, spiritual, fitness, family, and intellectual growth.

“You can be strong in two or three and fail,” he advised. “You need to have a balance of them all to succeed.”

Recognized with honors including the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, two Legion of Merits, and two Bronze Star Medals, Bacon prioritized mentorship and camaraderie, describing his military colleagues as “99 percent of the people I worked with were in the top one percent of the country—selfless, servants, work hard.”

Political Leadership: Advocating for Wellness and National Security

After 30 years of military service, Bacon transitioned to public office, winning Nebraska’s 2nd District seat in 2017. In Congress, he chairs the Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation subcommittee and has championed legislation to support servicemembers and youth:

• Mental Health & Wellness: Co-sponsored the Community Mental Wellness & Resilience Act and introduced the Youth Lead Act, which supports organizations like 4-H and Scouts.

• Fitness & Recruitment: Advocated for reinstating the President’s Physical Fitness Award, citing alarming recruitment data: “77 percent of eligible Americans don’t qualify for military service—we need to reverse this.”

Bacon also pushed for safe sports fields, noting his grandchildren’s soccer participation: “I think sports are very important for our youth, and soccer is great to keep kids in shape.”

Future Plans and Wisdom for the Next Generation

Serving his final term, Bacon announced he will not seek reelection in 2026. His post-Congressional goals include spending more time with his wife Angie, four children, and eight grandchildren, while sharing lessons from his career.

“Trust your instincts and judgment. Treat people with respect, and people will do good stuff in return,” he advised. “Eternity is a long time. So, make sure you have a good relationship with God.”

Conclusion

Representative Don Bacon’s legacy is defined by service, resilience, and a commitment to holistic well-being. From military leadership to legislative advocacy, his life exemplifies the power of balance and purpose—lessons he urges young Americans to embrace:

“We need people of every generation leading and protecting it.”

For more information, visit his official House of Representatives page. Article contributed by M&F Military Editor Rob Wilkins.