NORFOLK, VA — Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02), co-chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus, hosted the 2026 Military Family Summit at Old Dominion University (ODU), bringing together military families, community organizations, and local leaders to discuss the challenges facing military families and highlight the resources available to support them. 

Congresswoman Kiggans was joined virtually by fellow Congressional Military Family Caucus co-chair, Congressman Sanford Bishop (GA-02). John Maxwell, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, delivered the keynote address. Throughout the summit, participants discussed the unique challenges associated with military life, shared perspectives from across the Hampton Roads military community, and connected servicemembers and their families with local, state, and federal resources.

Congresswoman Kiggans said, “The strength and resilience shown by our military families is an inspiration to us all. I know firsthand the sacrifices our military families make in service to our country. From expanding access to childcare and improving military housing conditions, supporting the quality of life of our servicemembers and their families at home is critical to the readiness of our force.”

“I’m proud to serve as co-chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus to ensure our military families know they have the resources and support behind them,” said Kiggans. “Thank you to my co-chair, Congressman Bishop, and the National Military Family Association for their partnership and bringing us together for this important conversation,” she concluded.

“America’s military families serve and sacrifice alongside our men and women in uniform, and we have a responsibility to ensure they have the support and resources they need to thrive. Access to quality housing, health care, childcare, education, employment opportunities for military spouses, and other essential services is not only a quality-of-life issue—it directly affects retention, morale, and the readiness of our Armed Forces,” said Bishop. “I want to thank my Congressional Military Family Caucus co-chair, Congresswoman Kiggans, for hosting this year’s Military Family Summit. We will continue working across the aisle in Congress to address the challenges military families face and ensure that our nation’s commitment to those who serve extends to the families who stand beside them.”

“Military families are the experts on their own lives, and we need to listen to them and work with them to make things better,” said Besa Pinchotti, CEO of the National Military Family Association. “We’re grateful to Representatives Kiggans and Bishop and the Congressional Military Family Caucus for bringing military families and the people who serve them together here in Norfolk. The best solutions come from getting the right people in the room, talking honestly about what families are experiencing, and figuring out together what we can do better.”

As a former Navy helicopter pilot, wife of a retired F/A-18 pilot, mother to a current F/A-18 pilot, and co-chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus, Congresswoman Kiggans is committed to advocating for service members, veterans, and their families and ensuring their concerns are represented in Congress.

Background and Rep. Kiggans’ Support for Military Families:

Founded in 2009, the Congressional Military Family Caucus advocates for policies and resources that support military families across the country. The caucus hosts an annual summit to bring together military families, local officials, and community leaders to address ongoing issues and connect families with the resources and support available to them. Congresswoman Kiggans joined the caucus at the start of the 119th Congress in January 2025.

In July 2026, Congresswoman Kiggans, member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted for the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. The bill included funding for several quality-of-life improvements, such as expanded access to child care, increased military spouse employment opportunities, strengthened housing and barracks oversight, improved TRICARE and dental care access, and enhanced support for servicemembers and military families. Read her press release here.

In March 2026, Congresswoman Kiggans sent a letter to Undersecretary of Undersecretary of War for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata expressing her concerns over the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA’s) decision to charge customers for single-use paper and plastic bags at commissaries across the country. Following her letter and conversation with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, DeCa reversed its decision. Read her press release here.

In July 2025, Rep. Kiggans introduced the Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act, which would allow TRICARE dependents to remain on their parents’ plan until age 26. Read her press release here.