Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) has announced the successful replacement of defective body armor for Air Force Reserve Defenders. The update follows a letter from Lieutenant General John P. Healy, Chief of Air Force Reserve, confirming that new protective equipment has been provided to affected personnel.
In July, Hamadeh and Congressman Eli Crane (AZ-02) raised concerns with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth about the Eagle Industries ballistic vests after reports from the 943rd Security Forces Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base indicated problems with the equipment.
Lieutenant General Healy detailed actions taken in response:
“Once this issue was identified, AFRC ceased purchasing the vest and worked with the company to provide resolution. Discussions with the vendor immediately took place, however, resolution was not achieved. We have since filed a formal complaint to address this failed resolution.
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.
After the initial purchase and distribution of the Eagle Industries PPE, there were reports from the 943d Security Forces Squadron (943 SFS), located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (AFB), Arizona, that the PPE was malfunctioning. Once this issue was identified, AFRC ceased purchasing the vest and worked with the company to provide resolution. Discussions with the vendor immediately took place, however, resolution was not achieved. We have since filed a formal complaint to address this failed resolution.
I am happy to report that the 355th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Davis-Monthan AFB provided all 943 SFS members currently scheduled for mobilization with new, fully compliant, PPE to replace any defective equipment. Furthermore, you have my full commitment that no Air Force Reserve Security Forces member will deploy without first being equipped with verified, functional protective gear that is mission-ready.
While we are prioritizing PPE for our deployers, we are actively working to permanently replace any defective PPE across all AFRC Security Forces Units. Programmatic discussions with Air Force Material Command are ongoing to ensure Air Force Reserve Defenders are equipped with the same PPE as their active-duty counterparts.”
Hamadeh emphasized his commitment as both a former U.S. Army Reserve Intelligence officer and as Arizona’s only Member on the House Armed Services Committee:
“I want to thank Congressman Crane for joining me in this fight to protect those who protect us,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “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 Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee are committed to changing the acquisitions process so that our Armed Forces have the best available gear.”
Hamadeh secured his seat in Congress by defeating Gregory Whitten in 2024’s general election by earning 56.5% of votes compared to Whitten’s 43.5%.
