Dent, McSally, Noem praise Wilson’s nomination to lead Air Force

Heather Wilson

U.S. Reps. Charlie Dent (R-PA), Martha McSally (R-AZ) and Kristi Noem (R-SD) praised President Donald Trump’s selection of Heather Wilson to serve as Air Force secretary.

Wilson was a Rhodes Scholar and a graduate of the Air Force Academy. After leaving the Air Force in 1989, Wilson served on the National Security Council and as a member of Congress representing New Mexico. Most recently, Wilson served as president of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

“During my time in Congress, I had the opportunity to work with my friend, Heather Wilson, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy,” Dent said. “Her résumé is extensive, including serving on the White House National Security Council under President George H.W. Bush and on the Armed Forces Committee while in Congress. She has made it her life’s work to strengthen and advocate for our national air and space defense. Most importantly, she is a woman of integrity and great character. As a retired Air Force captain, she is uniquely and exceptionally qualified to act as Air Force secretary.”

McSally, a retired Air Force colonel, said she’s known Wilson for years and has sought her guidance and advice many times.

“She is a principled, servant-leader who has demonstrated her intellect, integrity and talent in the military, in Congress, and in the private sector,” McSally said. “She is immensely qualified to serve as Secretary of the Air Force and I commend her nomination.”

Noem, meanwhile, said Wilson has answered the country’s call and inspired those around her to aim higher.

“I am confident her diversified experience, continually forward-looking vision and bold leadership will enable our Air Force and the service men and women within it to fly, fight, win,” Noem said.