WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama’s Third Congressional District has been recognized with the General John W. “Jay” Raymond Award, an honor presented by the Air Force Historical Foundation (AFHF) to individuals who have made significant lifetime contributions to the history and development of the United States Space Force.
The award is named after retired Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond, who served as the first Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force from 2019 to 2022. Raymond, a career missile and space operations officer, also served as the first member of the Space Force and is widely credited with helping establish the military branch during its formative years.
In a statement, Rogers praised Raymond’s leadership during the creation of the Space Force.
“When the Space Force was first formed, it was critical to have strong leadership,” Rogers said. “There could not have been a better choice for the first Chief of Space Operations than General Jay Raymond. He has been a great leader and friend, and I am especially honored to have received the John W. ‘Jay’ Raymond Award from the AFHF.”
The General John W. “Jay” Raymond Award recognizes individuals whose contributions continue to influence the future development of the Space Force. Raymond’s military career spanned more than 35 years and included leadership positions with Air Force Space Command, U.S. Space Command, and multiple space operations units. He also served in support of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
As the first Chief of Space Operations, Raymond oversaw the establishment of Space Force organizations, the transfer of personnel from other military branches, the consolidation of space-related units, and the development of the service’s culture and mission. He retired from military service in 2023.
Rogers has represented Alabama’s Third Congressional District since 2003 and currently serves as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. He has been a leading advocate for strengthening U.S. military capabilities in space and played a key role in congressional efforts that led to the establishment of the Space Force in 2019.
According to information provided by Rogers’ office, he worked with bipartisan support in Congress to advance the creation of the Space Force, citing the growing importance of space as a national security domain and the need to address emerging threats from foreign adversaries.
The recognition highlights Rogers’ role in shaping the nation’s newest military branch and his continued involvement in defense and national security policy.
