The Air Force Historical Foundation honored U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) with its top space award for his role in creating the U.S. Space Force.
Rogers received the General John W. “Jay” Raymond Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the making of Space Force history. The award is named after the service’s first chief of space operations, a career missile and space officer who has been called the “father of the Space Force.”
Raymond oversaw the standup of new organizations, the transfer of personnel from other military branches, and the service’s early culture before retiring in 2023.
When the Space Force was first formed, it was critical to have strong leadership. 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… pic.twitter.com/uIZEwvVM02
— Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) June 8, 2026
Rogers, who chairs the House Armed Services Committee, spearheaded the creation of the Space Force through the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act alongside then-U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN).
The Space Force became the first new branch of the U.S. military since 1947. President Trump later directed U.S. Space Command’s permanent headquarters to Huntsville, a fight Rogers led from his Armed Services perch for years.
In March, it was announced that Space Command HQ would break ground next year and be operational by 2031.
Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for 256 Today andYellowhammer News.
