Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after U.S. Representative August Pfluger (R-Texas-11), Chairman of the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) Board of Visitors, announced his appointment to serve on the board. Senator Budd was appointed by U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, to the USAFA Board of Visitors.

“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.

“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.”

BACKGROUND

Established by law in 1956, the U.S. Air Force Academy Board provides independent advice and recommendations on matters relating to USAFA, 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.

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