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WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) – a U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) graduate, former fighter pilot, Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, and Chairman of the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors – today announced the appointment of three U.S. Senators to the Board at a pivotal moment.

Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Ted Budd (R-NC) have officially joined the Board as it prepares to deliver its comprehensive report to the Secretary of War in the coming weeks. These three Senators will add invaluable experience and insight to the mission of the Board.

“As the Board prepares to deliver one of its most consequential reports, adding three proven leaders strengthens our ability to produce a foundational product that will serve both the Academy and, more importantly, our cadets. My mission as Chairman of the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors is to restore America's Fighting Force and ensure the Air Force Academy is preparing cadets to become the next generation of warfighting leaders our nation needs,” said Chairman Pfluger. “While we will never be able to know when or where the next conflict will occur, we do get to decide how prepared our fighting force will be. Senators Mullin, Cramer, and Budd bring the grit and leadership needed to help us meet and exceed that mission. I am proud to welcome them aboard.”

The new Board members echoed the importance of the role:

“It’s an honor to be appointed as a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors. Our nation’s service academies train future officers to operate in any environment, and their commitment to excellence is what ensures the U.S. Air Force remains the greatest fighting force in the world. I look forward to working with fellow Board members to train and educate leaders who are prepared to meet today’s threats and excited to tackle tomorrow’s challenges,” said Senator Cramer.

"It is both an honor and a privilege to join the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors. As our nation faces unprecedented challenges from our adversaries, it is critically important that our Airmen have the utmost elite training and tools needed to meet those threats head-on," said Senator Mullin. "I am looking forward to working with the board to ensure our Air Force Academy Cadets are prepared to enter the most lethal and #1 fighting force in the world."

“I am honored to join the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors to help ensure our cadets receive a world-class education and rigorous leadership development as they prepare to serve as officers in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. As recent operations have proven, maintaining American air superiority is critical to the success of our modern military operations, and it is our responsibility to ensure the next generation of warfighters are prepared to operate and lead under the most demanding conditions. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this board to uphold the highest standards of education and training to ensure the continued strength, readiness, and lethality of the Air Force and Space Force,” said Senator Budd.

Background:

Established by law in 1956, the U.S. Air Force Academy Board provides independent advice and recommendations on matters relating to the Academy, including morale, discipline, social climate, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods, and any other matters relating to the Academy that the Board decides to consider.

Under Chairman Pfluger's leadership, the Board has taken a clear-eyed, mission-focused approach to carrying out its oversight role. The members have worked diligently to ensure the Academy remains a merit-based institution that continues to develop the world’s finest officers who are prepared to lead and defend our nation in both the Air Force and Space Force.

As part of the President's directive to restore America’s Fighting Force, the Board has continued its comprehensive review of the U.S. Air Force Academy's academic curriculum, military training philosophy, and athletic programs.

With the addition of these three Senators, the Board of Visitors is moving full throttle to ensure the U.S. Air Force Academy remains the gold standard for officer development, and the upcoming report is a critical step in that effort.