Friends,

I can't believe that February is almost over...! We are gearing up for a big week in Washington, but I am grateful that I was able to be home in the district for a few days. I am excited to share what I've been up to this past week with you!

Visiting the Coast Guard

I want to give a big thank you to U.S. Coast Guard Station Little Creek for hosting me for a tour of their station and an aerial tour of Hampton Roads! It felt awesome to be back in a flight suit – even if it was orange…! 

I am proud to advocate for the men and women in the Coast Guard. Last year, I cosponsored H.R. 5641, the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act, which would ensure that U.S. Coast Guardsmen and women are compensated for their work performed during any lapse in government funding. This would apply to active duty, civilian employees, and contractors of the U.S. Coast Guard in addition to providing funding for various programs pertaining to the death of a member of the Coast Guard. 

When I flew helicopters in the Navy, I flew search and rescue missions right here in Hampton Roads at Naval Air Station Oceana. I am thankful for our Coast Guardsmen and women who have taken on the role of flying search and rescue for our region and for all those stationed here. They are doing an excellent job protecting our Coastal Virginia waterways. Keep up the great work!

Introducing the FORCE Act

This week I introduced the Foreign Overseas Residence Conditions Enhancement (FORCE) Act! My bipartisan bill will require the Department of Defense (DoD) to examine the conditions of outside continental U.S. (OCONUS) unaccompanied housing. 

Throughout my first term in Congress, I have become increasingly concerned about the conditions of military housing. As you may know, last September, the Government Accountability Office released a report (23-107038) which outlined the unacceptable housing conditions at 31 domestic military installations. This includes sewage overflow, mold and mildew, and broken windows and locks. We have to do better for our men and women in uniform… including those serving overseas.  

The FORCE Act will help establish uniform housing standards within the DoD and determine what improvements are needed in overseas housing for our military. This will allow Congress to direct funding needed for updating and repairing overseas housing. Stay tuned for more information as this legislation works its way through the House…! 

Advocating for American Strength

On Friday I spoke at the Reagan Institute Strategy Group's Winter Meeting to discuss the need for strong American leadership on the world stage. We had a thoughtful discussion on America's role in securing peace through strength, and how we can improve our current military infrastructure.

During this discussion, I had the opportunity to emphasize the importance of deterrence and discuss ways to maintain world peace through strength.

Our nation continues to face growing threats from every corner of the globe, and it is our responsibility to ensure our military is able to meet the challenges they might face. Thank you to the Reagan Institute for inviting me! It is always an honor to be a voice for those serving our great nation!

Supporting Our Local Shipbuilding Industry

I was honored to spend a day last week meeting with members and businesses from our local shipbuilding community. I spoke at the Virginia Ship Repair Association at their monthly lunch and reviewed the vital role that shipyards, subcontractors, and small businesses play in the industry's essential workforce and supply chain. It is imperative for national security that we maintain a capable ship repair industry here in Hampton Roads.

I also visited QED Systems' Fabrication Shop and Training Facility to learn more about the engineering solutions they provide our Navy. Their important work keeps our ships at sea, allowing servicemembers to focus on their mission. I am proud that QED Systems Inc. provides training for so many active duty sailors and civilians who maintain our fleet.

Our Navy remains the best in the world because of the strong ship repair community right here in Hampton Roads. Thank you to the Virginia Ship Repair Association and to QED Systems Inc. for all you do to keep our Navy and maritime fleet at sea...!

Visitors to the Capitol

On Wednesday, my Washington D.C. office hosted Men of Faith from Virginia Beach for a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building…! These young men are the next generation of leaders in our community and it was awesome to host them at our nation’s capitol.

One of my favorite parts about being your member of Congress is showing visitors from back home around their capitol! If you are interested in coming up to visit Washington, you can request a tour from my office here. We can help arrange tours for the U.S. Capitol, White House, Library of Congress, Supreme Court and the FBI Headquarters. Hope to see you soon!!

Weekly Poll

With over 500 votes last week, the vast majority of you said that the House should vote to provide military support for our nation's allies. I agree... Our world is becoming less safe by the day, and America must stand with our allies.

And now on to this week's poll question!

Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week I want to honor Medal of Honor recipient, Watertender First Class Elmer Charles Bigelow of the U.S. Navy. (Medal of Honor action date: February 14, 1945).

Elmer Bigelow was born in Hebron, Illinois on July 12, 1920. Like many men his age during the war, Elmer Bigelow made the courageous decision to enlist in the Naval Reserves in September of 1942. After being trained at U.S. Naval Station Great Lakes, Bigelow was assigned to the USS Fletcher in June of 1943 as a Fireman Third Class.

Bigelow deployed to the Pacific, quickly serving in several battles aboard the USS Fletcher. He was quickly promoted from Fireman Third Class to Watertender First Class. On February 14, 1945, the USS Fletcher came under fire by Japanese forces off Corregidor Island in the Philippines. Early in the conflict, the ship was hit by a shell which ignited several powder cases aboard. 

Bigelow acted quickly without regard for his own life as he took a pair of fire extinguishers and rushed below in an attempt to quell the raging flames. Refusing to waste the precious time required to grab a rescue-breathing apparatus, he plunged through the blinding smoke billowing out of the magazine hatch and dropped into the blazing compartment. Despite the burning powder smoke which seared his lungs with every breath, he succeeded in quickly extinguishing the fires and in cooling the cases and bulkheads. 

These valiant efforts on behalf of Bigelow were essential in preventing further damage to the USS Fletcher. Although he succumbed to his injuries on the following day, Bigelow’s prompt actions prevented a magazine explosion which undoubtedly saved the ship and her crew. His heroic spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death enhanced and sustained the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Elmer Bigelow gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. For his sacrifice he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on February 15th, 1946 in a ceremony at Naval Station Great Lakes, where he underwent basic training. He is buried in his hometown of Hebron, Illinois at Linn Hebron Cemetery. The destroyer USS Bigelow, was named in honor of Water Tender Second Class Elmer Charles Bigelow.

Five Fast Facts!

1. Every year, Chincoteague Island hosts its annual Pony Swim, where herds of wild horses swim the Assateague Channel to be auctioned in Chincoteague. It is widely claimed that the horses descended from Spanish horses who swam to the island from a shipwreck off the Virginia coast in the 16th century. The first written account of the Pony Swim appeared in 1835 and has continued ever since! 
2. Did you know that Isle of Wight was originally called Warrosquyoake, after the native tribe who inhabited the area prior to the colonists arrival in 1607? In 1637 it was renamed after the British, Isle of Wight. 
3. The rural Virginia Beach community of Pungo also gained its name as a result of our region's rich Native American history. The name Pungo is derived from the Machipungo tribe, which inhabited the area. 
4. The military has played a vital role in Hampton Roads for nearly its entire existence. During World War II, Cape Charles became an essential defense outpost due to its strategic location. Many servicemembers were stationed in the town and chose to stay even after the war. 
5. The Battle of the Capes, was a Naval Battle fought between the French and British Navies at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay in 1781. This battle prevented the British from reinforcing Yorktown, ultimately leading to America's victory in the Revolutionary War!

I'll be headed back to Washington this week on Wednesday to work on passing our appropriations bills and preventing a partial government shutdown before the March 1st deadline.

As always, please don't hesitate to contact my DC Office at (202) 225-4215 or my Virginia Beach District Office at (757) 364-7650 with questions, concerns, or if you require assistance with a federal agency. And don't forget - if you’d like to stay up to date with what I’m working on, check out my website and follow my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages (linked below) to stay up to date!

Take care,

Jen A. Kiggans

Congresswoman, Virginia's Second District