United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Board of Visitors Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11) led the first meeting of 2026 in Washington, DC, with Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink attending to discuss the Academy’s direction and its preparedness to train future officers.
Chairman Pfluger stated, “We had a phenomenal first Board meeting of 2026. I’m grateful to my fellow Board members for their continued commitment to ensuring the U.S. Air Force Academy has the support it needs to produce the warfighters and leaders our nation needs for future conflict. Our role as Board members to fulfil this mission comes at a critical time, as recent military operations around the globe have underscored the importance of Airpower. From academics to athletics to military training, all Academy efforts must be focused on developing the officers needed to lead complex and multi-domain operations. The report we have compiled supports this mission, and I look forward to working with Secretary Hegseth and Secretary Meink on implementing its recommendations.”
Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Ted Budd (R-NC) attended their first meeting as new members. Secretary Meink gave an update on the Academy’s current status and long-term plans, emphasizing the Board’s influence in strengthening America’s military capabilities.
The Board prepared a report for Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, recommending steps such as increasing Cadet Wing end strength, auditing faculty composition through the Air Force Manpower Analysis Agency, establishing a Military Service Academy Commission within the Department of War, reviewing disciplinary procedures, and collaborating with Armed Services Committees on dedicated sections in future defense legislation.
Looking ahead, focus groups will address topics including Accreditation, Admissions, AI, Athletics, and Infrastructure. The session concluded with discussions about priorities for 2026 and resource planning.
The Board includes Presidential appointees and Members of Congress: Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), James Cramer (R-ND), Tedd Budd (R-NC), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Representatives Jeff Crank (CO-05), Don Davis (NC-01), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), and Don Bacon (NE-02).
Senator Tuberville commented: “Under President Trump and Secretary Hegseth, we are returning to peace through strength. That starts in our U.S. Service Academies. It’s an honor to serve on the Board of Visitors for the U.S. Air Force to help support this important mission, and I’m encouraged by the progress being made to return our military from a woke HR department into a lethal killing machine.”
Senator Mullin said: “It is an honor to be a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors. As our nation faces unprecedented challenges, the board remains committed to ensuring our Airmen have the training and resources needed to face whatever comes their way.” He also expressed appreciation for Chairman Pfluger’s leadership.
Senator Cramer added: “It was an honor to attend the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors’ reception recognizing the Academy’s commitment to excellence and visiting with U.S. Air Force leadership. I look forward to working with fellow Board members to support an academy which trains and develops leaders who are prepared to meet today’s threats and excited to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.”
Senator Budd stated: “I am honored to join the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, and I look forward to advocating on behalf of our young cadets at the Academy. As the board continues its work to advance the goals of the USAFA 2050 initiative, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Chairman Pfluger and my fellow Board members to ensure the Academy develops leaders of character equipped to lead and defend our country.”
Representative Crank remarked: “Last week’s U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors meeting provided a great discussion on the future of the Academy. I’m excited to work to get the Cadet Wing back to 4,400 strong, to advance the Air, Space, and Cyber Warfighter Center, and to be Chairing the Infrastructure Working Group, where we will support a major recapitalization investment into the Academy.”
Representative Bacon noted: “The USAFA Board of Visitors meeting this week underscored our shared commitment to ensuring the Academy remains the premier institution for developing the next generation of Air and Space Force leaders,” adding his support for maintaining rigorous admissions standards.
August Pfluger has served in Congress representing Texas’s 11th District since 2021 after replacing Mike Conaway that year; he was born in Houston in 1978 and currently lives in San Angelo.
Pictures from this meeting are available online.