Hamadeh Secures Replacement Armor for Airmen After Reports of Malfunction

Representative Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ) has announced that new personal protective equipment (PPE) for Air Force Reserve Defenders has been secured after reports suggested previously-purchased gear was found defective.

In July, Reps. Hamadeh and Eli Crane (R-AZ), joined by Lieutenant General John P. Healy, wrote to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressing concerns about the purchase of ballistic vests from a company called Eagle Industries.

The 943rd Security Forces Squadron, which is stationed at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base outside Tucson, received the vests, only to find them defective.

"Once this issue was identified, AFRC ceased purchasing the vest and worked with the company to provide resolution," the Congressmen wrote, adding, "Discussions with the vendor immediately took place, however, resolution was not achieved. We have since filed a formal complaint to address this failed resolution."

Healy added, "The safety and readiness of our Citizen Airmen is my highest priority. For our Air Force Reserve Defenders, proper PPE is not only essential to their individual safety, it also directly enables mission effectiveness in high-risk operational environments."

With new vests secured, Rep. Hamadeh said in his press release, "I want to thank Congressman Crane for joining me in this fight to protect those who protect us."

"For too long our service members have been at the mercy of a flawed system that provides shoddy and unnecessary equipment at great cost to our taxpayers," the Arizona Congressman continued. "The Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee are committed to changing the acquisitions process so that our Armed Forces have the best available gear."

At the end of July, Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) wrote to Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, arguing that Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista is an optimal site for the Space Force's new mission of enhancing space domain awareness and early threat detection.

"Unlike other locations, the Fort already has the supporting infrastructure, quality of life, with the opportunity for joint operations," Rep. Ciscomani suggested, adding, "We respectfully urge your full consideration as the Department moves forward with its basing process."