Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska has taken these steps many times since taking office in 2017. He said the number on any given day could range from 8,000 to 12,000. Fortunately, the retired Air Force Brigadier General is used to it. In fact, he said he walks almost everywhere when he’s in the nation’s capital to serve his constituents.
“Sometimes I can go to Lincoln Park and walk three miles at intervals, but even if not, I take almost a thousand steps every time I come near here. I also walk back to my apartment.”
Foundation in agricultural and war history
As a member of the United States House of Representatives, Bacon serves Nebraska’s 2nd District, which includes Omaha. Today he calls the Cornhusker State home, but he originally grew up as the eldest of nine children on a farm in Illinois. The work ethic that came from that kind of upbringing and the need to stay active served him well throughout his childhood. It was also at this time that he discovered a love for war history.
“I’ve been reading about military history since I was 10 years old,” he recalls. “There was a book that I got as a gift, and I still have it.”
Young Don originally thought he would follow in his father’s footsteps and work as a certified public accountant. After graduating college and working for a congressman, he saw another path for himself: a career in the military.
“It just dawned on me that I like reading military stuff. I should join the military.”
He became a decorated hero himself
When he joined the Air Force, Bacon forged his own path in the service, like the one he read about in that book. He admitted that he initially struggled during officer training, but later excelled in other training and roles, even qualifying as a master navigator. He became a wing commander at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany and then at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. He would also be stationed in Arizona and serve as an expeditionary squadron commander in Iraq before ending his service while stationed at the Pentagon. Wherever he served, he found success by focusing on five areas; professional, spiritual, fitness, family and intellectual goals.
“You can be strong in two or three and fail,” Bacon advised. “You have to balance them all to succeed.”
He also thrived and enjoyed being surrounded by like-minded individuals. Working with others who were focused on accomplishing the same missions fostered a greater sense of belonging.
“When I was in the military, I felt like 99 percent of the people I worked with were in the top one percent in the country. They were selfless, white collar, hard working, and I felt like I was in a brotherhood for 30 years.”
Brigadier General Bacon was recognized with honors throughout his career, including the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, two Legion of Merits and two Bronze Star Medals, among others. Bacon was also elected the highest-ranking Wing Commander of the Air Force of Europe in 2009. When he looks back on his time in service, he thinks less about the accolades than about the way he kept himself in shape and how he treated those who stood and served alongside him.
Bacon said, “I liked working hard and treating people well. I liked when people feel like they are part of a team, and good teams win.”
Bacon tried to maintain high scores on his PT tests and noted that he could run 5 miles in 35 minutes. He also worked to help others find paths to better fitness. One way he did that was by literally building a trail, a six-mile trail in the woods near Ramstein Air Force Base.
“We called it the Hercules Trail. I was really proud of it, and it still exists. People loved it.”
Led to Congress by faith
After nearly three decades in the Air Force, Bacon felt it was time to move on. As he described it, the decision was not his alone. His faith in God is what is his compass both professionally and personally.
“I always had a plan, but God always put me somewhere else,” Bacon said. “I was in Afghanistan investigating the deaths of four airmen in an accident. As I was praying, I felt God saying, ‘Don, it’s time to do something different.'”
His first day after retirement could have been a harbinger of things to come. He attended and spoke at a meeting in Omaha, which was also attended by the governor, senator and future Speaker of the Nebraska House of Representatives. Soon after, he also worked for someone campaigning for office, but was defeated in the general election. He would seek election and win the seat he holds today.
“I was approached and asked, ‘Have you ever thought about running for Congress, Don?’ That’s how I got in.”
Why wellness and fitness matter
Bacon currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee and chaired the Military Quality-of-Life Panel, which led to the creation of more than 30 military support bills, many of which have become law. He currently chairs the Cyber, Information Technology and Innovation subcommittee. He also co-sponsors bills that emphasize the health and well-being of both children and veterans, such as the Youth Lead Act, which supports groups like 4-H and the Scouts.
Bacon also co-sponsored and introduced the Community Mental Wellness & Resilience Act. He is also a proponent of sports and adding more safe fields and places to compete, noting that his grandchildren play soccer.
“I think sports are very important for our youth, and football is great for keeping kids in shape.”
Another reason he emphasizes wellness and health is because of recruitment problems among young Americans. Recent data from the War Department shows that 77 percent of Americans who would normally be eligible for the draft would not be eligible.
“That’s scary. I was in good shape in high school, and I see these kids who aren’t when I go to speak. That makes for a rough start to adulthood.”
One way he was able to improve these numbers was by reinstating the President’s Physical Fitness Award. President Donald Trump issued an executive order for it, and Virginia was the first state to make it law. Bacon wants Nebraska to be second, and he’s not just saying that from a lawmaker’s perspective.
“I still have my patch, and I’m proud of it,” Bacon said proudly. “I think we need to bring back the sense of pride that being in shape is a good thing. We need to make that law. Someone beat me to it when I introduced it, but I continued as a co-sponsor. We need to pass it and fund it.”
What’s next
Bacon is serving his final term in the House of Representatives. He announced that he would not seek re-election in 2026. His career in Congress may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean he plans to ride off into the sunset. Bacon has many options in front of him, and he made it clear he wants to do something that will allow him to continue serving others while spending more time with his wife Angie, their four children and eight grandchildren. He also wants to share wisdom from his experience, including advice he would share with his younger self if given the chance.
“Trust your instincts and judgment. Treat people with respect and people will do good things in return,” Bacon said. “Eternity is long. So make sure you have a good relationship with God.”
After two distinguished careers that benefited generations of Americans, Bacon’s story is one that young people can read and learn about the way he read about the heroes of World War II. He urges young Americans who may be unsure of what to do in the future to consider serving.
“I love this great country, but it doesn’t magically happen. We need people from every generation to lead and protect it.”
For more information about Rep. Bacon can be found on his House of Representatives page.
M&F Military Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this article.
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