Friends,

Before we discuss my last week in Washington, I want to let you know that applications are now open for high school students who want to apply for a nomination to a U.S. Service Academy. Choosing to serve our great nation in uniform is one of the most rewarding careers a person can pursue, and we are proud of the local young people we send to our service academies every year...! (Review, interview, and selection of VA-02 nomination applicants is conducted by an independent committee comprised of representatives from each branch of the military.) Click on the photo below to learn more about the nomination process.

Now...here's what happened during another busy week in Washington!

Standing Up For Our Navy

Virginia Beach is home to the Navy's East Coast Master Jet Base... a place near and dear to my heart as a former Navy pilot, married to a Navy pilot, and mom of a future Navy pilot. This past week during a hearing, I asked Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro about the naval aviation training pipeline and the Navy's investment in NAS Oceana. Our aviation family deserves the best resources out there, and I am proud to advocate for them every day!

You can see my full remarks here:

As the House Armed Services Committee finalizes the National Defense Authorization Act, I am focused on ensuring our Navy is equipped with the tools needed to not only protect our country but support our military families too...!

Advocating for Healthcare Providers

As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I have seen how our current healthcare provider shortage is impacting the daily lives of patients and their health outcomes. It was an honor to join the Hampton Roads Workforce Council and a group of health educators recently to discuss ways in which we can work to encourage more people to pursue successful careers in healthcare…!

We need to be investing in our healthcare providers and in the programs available to train and support them. I am excited to see efforts by the Hampton Roads Workforce Council to expand talent development efforts for those who take care of us and our families every day. I look forward to continuing to collaborate on projects to strengthen the healthcare workforce in Hampton Roads!

Secretary of Defense Austin Testifies Before House Armed Services Committee

Last week, Secretary of Defense Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Brown testified before the House Armed Services Committee about President Biden's proposed FY25 Defense Budget. During the hearing, I had the opportunity to question Secretary Austin and Chairman Brown about their priorities and how they have decided to spend taxpayer dollars in the FY25 Defense Budget.

You can listen to my full line of questioning below...

In my opinion, the defense budget continues to be inadequate, but I was encouraged to hear Secretary Austin and General Brown stress the importance of taking care of our military families and improving quality of life issues. As we work to ensure our military has superior warfighting capabilities, we must also prioritize taking care of the people who make our military great.

Meeting with Southeast Virginia Navy Spouses

Last week, I had the privilege of speaking with local Navy spouses at the 2024 Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic Spouse Symposium! The symposium was held by the Naval Air Station Oceana's Commanding Officer, CAPT Steve Djunaedi, and Rear Admiral Doug Verissimo and offered an opportunity for Navy spouses to discuss the challenges our Navy families face and to listen to an update from Washington DC...! Thank you for inviting me to speak!

As a former Navy helicopter pilot, Navy spouse, and now a Navy mom, I am laser focused on addressing quality of life issues facing our military community. I understand firsthand the incredible sacrifice that comes with dedicating your family to a life of service in the Navy. Thank you to our military spouses for your continued commitment to our nation’s military and your families...!

Keeping Our Community Connected

Last week the Affordable Connectivity Program expired leaving thousands in Coastal Virginia facing higher internet costs...that is unacceptable. I have signed onto three recent letters urging Congressional leadership to continue this valuable program.

I am proud to be one of the lawmakers leading the effort to renew this program. Virginia families need reliable, affordable internet access for essential healthcare services, education, and employment opportunities!

Virginia Maritime Banquet

The Hampton Roads maritime industry is a key component of our national security. I am thankful for their commitment to building and repairing some of the finest ships in the world, including our own US Navy. I was honored to join the Maritime Banquet-Newport News Propeller Club as the keynote speaker for their 2024 Maritime Banquet! I will continue to work to ensure Virginia’s Second District has the resources it needs to maintain our nation’s strong defense!

Weekly Poll

With over 950 votes last week, over 70% of you said that Congress should withhold federal funds from colleges that allow disruptive, pro-Hamas protests.

I have been shocked and saddened to see these protests emerge at colleges and universities across the country, especially those right here in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Know that members of Congress from both sides of the aisle are equally outraged. I look forward to working with my colleagues to hold these university administrations accountable and ensure that all students feel safe on campus regardless of their religion or beliefs.

And now on to this week's poll question! Please click one of the buttons below to share your opinion.

Medal of Honor Recipient of the Week

This week, I want to honor Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Ralph Puckett Jr. of the United States Army (Medal of Action Date November 25/26, 1950). 

Ralph Puckett Jr. was born on December 8, 1926 in Tifton, Georgia, spending his childhood in south Georgia until attending high school at a military academy known as the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After graduating from the academy, Puckett enrolled at Georgia Tech University in 1943, but decided to enlist in the United States Army shortly after in 1943. He joined the United States Army Air Corps with hopes of becoming a pilot and fighting in World War II however during this time in the war, the United States had too many soldiers enlisted to fly. It soon became clear toPuckett that he would be unable to receive flight training and serve in the World War as a pilot. As a result, he chose to be discharged, also obtaining an appointment to the United States Military Academy in July 1945. Puckett enjoyed his time at the Academy and displayed early signs of leadership as the Captain of the Army Boxing team. Upon graduating, Puckett was commissioned as an Infantry Second Lieutenant in the United States Army and deployed to Japan.

Soon after he volunteered to be assigned with the U.S. Army Rangers but was informed that there were no more lieutenant positions available in the Eighth Army Ranger Company. This did not dissuade Puckett however, instead he said that he would take any position, even if it was several grades lower. Colonel McGee, who was in charge of forming the company, was so impressed by Puckett's attitude that he gave him the company commander's position which was normally reserved for Captains. On October 11, 1950, the Eighth Army Ranger Company entered the Korean War where they were tasked with conducting raids during both day and night conditions. 

On November 25, 1950, Puckett and his company commenced a daylight attack on Hill 205, a strategic point overlooking the Chongchon River and one of the most intensely fought over positions during the Battle of the Ch'ongch'on River. During the siege, the enemy directed mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire against the advancing force. The enemy directed mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire against the advancing force. To obtain supporting fire, First Lieutenant Puckett mounted the closest tank, exposing himself to the deadly enemy fire. Leaping from the tank, he shouted words of encouragement to his men and began to lead the Rangers in the attack. When one platoon came under heavy enemy fire, First Lieutenant Puckett intentionally ran across an open area three times to draw the North Korean attention and allow the Rangers to destroy the enemy positions. They would go on to seize Hill 205. 

That night, the enemy launched a five part counterattack that lasted four hours. Over the course of the counterattack, the Rangers were inspired and motivated by the extraordinary leadership exhibited by First Lieutenant Puckett. During the first attack, First Lieutenant Puckett was wounded by a grenade, but refused evacuation and continued to direct artillery support that decimated the attacking forces. When the enemy launched a sixth attack, it became clear to First Lieutenant Puckett that the position was untenable due to the unavailability of supporting artillery fire. During this attack, two enemy mortar rounds landed in his foxhole and severely injured him. First Lieutenant Puckett commanded the Rangers to leave him behind and evacuate the area. 

Feeling a sense of duty to aid him, the Rangers refused the order and staged an effort to retrieve him from the foxhole while still under fire from the enemy. Ultimately, the Rangers succeeded in retrieving First Lieutenant Puckett and they moved to the bottom of the hill, where he called for devastating artillery fire on the top of the enemy controlled hill. 

Puckett retired in 1971 after 22 years of active duty in the United States Army at the rank of Colonel. Puckett was initially awarded a Distinguished Service Cross for the extraordinary heroism and selflessness which he displayed at Hill 205 on November 25, 1950. This award was upgraded to the congressional Medal of Honor which was presented to the Colonel at the White House on May 21, 2021 by President Joe Biden.

Ralph Puckett Jr. passed away on April 8, 2024 in Columbus, Georgia. He was 97 years old. This past Tuesday, April 29th, Colonel Puckett’s cremated remains were laid in honor in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol for our nation to mourn the loss of one of our great soldiers. 

Fun Fact of the Week!

The United States Capitol Rotunda is a significant location not only because of its immense size, detail, and beauty, but also, because it is the center point of all four quadrants in Washington D.C. It also divides the Capitol in half with the side to the South being where the U.S. House of Representatives meet and the north the U.S. Senate. 

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!

If you or your family are visiting Washington DC in the coming summer months, please stop by to say hello! If you are interested in a tour, please let us know!

Take care,

Jen A. Kiggans

Congresswoman, Virginia's Second District