Leadership demands grit, clarity and conviction.
On Long Blue Leadership, Congressman August Pfluger ’00 reflects on these qualities through his experiences at the U.S. Air Force Academy, in the cockpit and as part of the U.S. House of Representatives. His story challenges every leader to ask where courage is calling them to go next.

1. Courageous career leaps require conviction, timing and faith.
   Pfluger left active duty at 19 years and four months — a highly unconventional choice — demonstrating that major pivots sometimes require stepping into uncertainty.

2. Work ethic is a lifelong differentiator.
   He emphasizes that he has never been “the best,” but has always been willing to outwork anyone. Hard work + grit consistently opened doors.

3. Failure and setbacks shape long-term success.
   Missed opportunities at USAFA and earlier career disappointments taught him timing, resilience and long-term perspective.

4. Leadership is transferable across domains.
   His fighter pilot and command experience directly enabled his political success — planning, debrief culture and thick skin all mapped over perfectly.

5. Credibility requires deep study and prioritization.
   You cannot master everything; leaders must choose focus areas and know them cold so others trust their expertise.

6. Humility, credibility and approachability are foundational leadership traits.
   These principles translate powerfully to Congress and team leadership.

7. Family and faith must anchor leadership.
   His family’s summer crisis reframed his priorities: “None of this matters if you don’t take care of your family.”

8. The nation needs more military and Academy graduates in public leadership.
   He stresses that only four USAFA grads have ever served in Congress — and more are needed to restore civility and mission-focused service.

9. The U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force are under-resourced relative to global threats.
   Pfluger advocates vigorously for rebalancing defense spending to meet modern challenges.

10. Self-reflection is critical to growth.
    Leaders must ask: How do I see myself? How do others see me? If those don’t align, adjust the work ethic, mindset or behaviors accordingly.

00:00 — Introduction & Biography
01:44 — Opening Remarks
01:47 — Leaving Active Duty at 19 Years and 4 Months
04:06 — Why Run for Office?
05:40 — Family, Faith & Influences
07:14 — Representing His Hometown District
08:29 — Learning to Represent a District
11:07 — Work Ethic and USAFA Foundations
12:22 — Failure, Setbacks & Long-Term Rewards
15:10 — Unexpected Assignments Becoming Career High Points
17:24 — Pentagon, Fellowship & NSC
19:49 — USAFA Grads in Congress
21:03 — Role of the Board of Visitors
23:24 — Key Focus Areas for the Board of Visitors
25:11 — Top National Security Challenges
27:13 — Balancing Congress, Leadership, and Family
29:01 — Leadership Style & Decision-Making
30:40 — Humble, Credible, Approachable
33:38 — Building Credibility as a Younger Leader
34:43 — What’s Next: A More United Country
37:29 — Daily Habits for Growth
39:37 — Advice for Emerging Leaders
41:24 — Final Reflections & Call to Action
43:45 — Closing Thoughts & Outro

U.S. Rep. August Pfluger ’00 is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He represents 20 counties in Texas’ 11th Congressional District. After graduating from the U.S Air Force Academy, he served in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve for 25 years as an F-22 and F-15 pilot with over 300 combat hours. In Congress, he is chairman of the Republican Study Committee, the largest caucus on Capitol Hill. He is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.