Congressman Don Bacon grew up on a farm in Illinois, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Northern Illinois University in 1984, and then joined the U.S. Air Force one year later. He served nearly 30 years retiring as a Brigadier General, earning two Masters Degrees from the University of Phoenix and the National War College.

During his Air Force career, Congressman Bacon specialized in electronic warfare, intelligence, reconnaissance, and public affairs. He is a highly decorated aviator, having flown most of his career on the EC-130H Compass Call. His career included two assignments as a Wing Commander in Germany and Nebraska, Group command in Arizona, Squadron command in Arizona, and Expeditionary Squadron command in Iraq.

Congressman Bacon is a combat veteran having served four deployments in the Middle East, most notably in 2007 to 2008 in Iraq during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. His military decorations include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, two Bronze Stars, two Legion of Merits, and five Meritorious Service Medals. He was named Europe’s top Air Force Wing Commander and was a three-time distinguished graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, Navigator-Electronic Warfare School, and Officer Intelligence School.

Following his retirement from the Air Force in 2014, Congressman Bacon served as the Military Advisor to Congressman Jeff Fortenberry and was an Assistant Professor at Bellevue University, teaching Undergraduate Leadership and American Vision and Values. Congressman Bacon was elected to represent Nebraska’s Second Congressional District in November of 2016. He is married to his high school sweetheart Angie and they have four children and three grandchildren.