Pfluger Reflects on Air Force Retirement, Outlines Vision for American Airpower

Congressman discusses op-ed, bipartisan legislation, and upcoming opportunities for students in Texas's 11th District

Mar. 14, 2026 at 7:19pm

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Congressman August Pfluger, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, reflects on his 26-year military career and outlines his vision for strengthening American airpower in a recent op-ed. He also introduces bipartisan legislation to support state and local law enforcement partnering with the U.S. Secret Service, and announces upcoming events and opportunities for students in Texas's 11th Congressional District, including a Service Academy Night and the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.

Why it matters

As a veteran and member of Congress, Pfluger's insights on the state of the U.S. Air Force and his efforts to support law enforcement and inspire the next generation of service members are important for understanding the challenges facing national security and the steps being taken to address them. The events and opportunities he highlights also demonstrate his commitment to engaging with and supporting his constituents.

The details

In his op-ed in the Washington Post, Pfluger warns that while the U.S. Air Force remains unmatched in capability, decades of underinvestment have stretched it dangerously thin at a critical geopolitical moment. He offers four solutions for how the U.S. must triage and refocus investments in American airpower. Pfluger also introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the partnership between the U.S. Secret Service and state and local law enforcement, ensuring officers who support protective missions are fairly reimbursed. Additionally, Pfluger announced upcoming events and opportunities for students in his district, including a Service Academy Night in Llano and the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.

  • Pfluger officially retired as a Colonel from the U.S. Air Force on February 1, 2026, after nearly 26 years of service.
  • Pfluger's op-ed in the Washington Post was published this week.
  • Pfluger introduced the bipartisan Secret Service-Local Law Enforcement Partnership Act of 2025 this week.
  • Pfluger's Service Academy Night in Llano will be held on March 31, 2026.
  • The 2026 Congressional Art Competition submission deadline is April 13, 2026.

The players

August Pfluger

A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and current member of Congress representing Texas's 11th Congressional District.

Camille Pfluger

Congressman Pfluger's wife, whose love and sacrifice made his military service possible.

Erika Kirk

Newly appointed member of the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors.

Scott Bessent

U.S. Treasury Secretary.

Usha Vance

Second Lady of the United States, who announced the Bookmark Design Challenge: Celebrating America's 250th.

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What they’re saying

“We must triage and refocus investments in American Airpower.”

— August Pfluger, Congressman (Washington Post)

“This commonsense legislation strengthens public safety, protects local taxpayer dollars, and reinforces the essential partnership between local, state, and federal law enforcement.”

— August Pfluger, Congressman (CBS7)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

As a veteran and member of Congress, Pfluger's insights on the state of the U.S. Air Force and his efforts to support law enforcement and inspire the next generation of service members are important for understanding the challenges facing national security and the steps being taken to address them.