Rep. Don Bacon, a U.S. Congressman representing Nebraska’s 2nd district since 2017, posted a series of messages on April 5, 2026, regarding the rescue of a second U.S. Air Force aircrew member and the efforts of military personnel involved in the operation.
In his first post at 01:22 UTC, Bacon wrote, “Reports of the second USAF aircrew member rescued is an answer to all our prayers. I honor the bravery of our search and rescue teams and our special forces. I hope no casualties. And, I salute the F-15E Weapon Systems Officer who put their survival skills to work in a very”.
Later that morning at 06:17 UTC, he added, “A toast to our outstanding search and rescue warriors and elite special forces… they combined with good old fashioned and precise combat air support pulled off an incredible rescue mission. I salute their professionalism, dedication and bravery. And… I admire our downed airman”.
At 06:26 UTC, Bacon reflected on his own military training experiences: “I remember survival school vividly. I did basic and advanced “SERE” training. I lost 7 pounds living in the mountains near Spokane WA and learned I DO NOT want to ever be captured by the enemy. POW training made that clear. I dreamed about it every night for two weeks afterwards.”
Bacon’s comments come as part of his ongoing engagement with military affairs, drawing from his background as both a legislator and former servicemember. Born in Momence, Illinois in 1963, Bacon currently resides in Papillion and has held his Congressional seat since succeeding Brad Ashford in 2017. He graduated from Northern Illinois University with a BA in 1984 and also attended the University of Phoenix.
