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WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) – a U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) graduate, retired Air Force Colonel, and Chairman of the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors – welcomed three new members to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors. Mr. Jon Hotaling was appointed to the Board by President Trump, and Senators Chris Coons and Jacky Rosen were appointed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

"Earlier this year, the Board delivered its comprehensive review of the Academy to Secretary Hegseth, outlining a clear roadmap to strengthen the institution and prepare the next generation of warfighters. As Congress takes up this year's NDAA, we must ensure those priorities are reflected in the legislation. And with the next class of Air and Space Force leaders set to graduate next week, there could not be a more fitting moment to welcome Senator Coons, Senator Rosen, and Mr. Hotaling to the Board of Visitors. I look forward to continuing our mission-focused work alongside them to ensure the United States Air Force Academy remains the premier institution for developing America's future military leaders," said Chairman Pfluger.

The new Board members released the following statements in response to their appointments:

“American freedom rests on a bedrock of service and sacrifice by our service members and their families,” said Senator Coons. “I come from a military family, and it is an incredible honor to join the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors. The United States’ military is the greatest in the world – and I will proudly work to uphold and continue that legacy. Our warfighters are the best of us and deserve the best in return. I look forward to working with my colleagues, along with Air Force and Space Force leadership to ensure they get it here at the academy and after they graduate.”

“The U.S. Air Force Academy plays a critical role in growing the next generation of Air and Space leadership, ensuring that our armed services remain at the forefront of innovation and military capability,” said Senator Rosen. “I am honored to be named as a member of the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, and am committed to ensuring our Air Force and Space Force has all the support it needs to train the Cadets who will lead Airmen and Guardians well into the future.”

"I'm greatly honored to serve the American people and President Donald J. Trump to help our future military leaders protect our lives and uphold the laws and values that have made our country the greatest civilization for good in the history of mankind," said Jon Hotaling.

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 advisory 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.

Chairman Pfluger formally sent the Board's report of recommendations for the Academy to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in February of this year. This report fulfills one of the Board's key statutory responsibilities and delivers a strategic roadmap to strengthen institutional effectiveness at the United States Air Force Academy. It centers on increasing cadet end strength, modernizing infrastructure, and reinforcing warfighting preparedness across the institution.