Hots&Cots made it to Congress! Last night, I had the incredible honor of traveling to DC for an event hosted by Better Homes 4 Heroes, where I spoke alongside members of the Quality of Life Panel. In my remarks (timed perfectly at 4:56!), I shared how Hots&Cots is improving barracks living conditions and the quality of life for service members. One of the highlights? Having one of our team members and a soldier we helped through a review join me. It was a full-circle moment showing the real impact we’re making. In the audience were @RepDonBacon, @RepHoulahan, @RepJenKiggans & @RepRichHudson. After my speech, a teammate and I had a chance to chat briefly with them about key concerns, including women’s safety in the barracks. It’s surreal to reflect on how far we’ve come—from creating a platform where service members can leave honest reviews to now having their voices heard by policymakers and advocates. Thanks you to @Betterh4h for the invite and support and thank you to everyone who’s supported this mission, left reviews, or reached out to share your stories. Your voices are driving real change.

Me when I see a picture of mold and hearing DPW cleaned it

This past week, I had the privilege to spend several days in Washington, D.C., engaging directly with leaders and stakeholders focused on improving quality of life for service members—especially those living in the barracks. Wednesday: I was invited to meet with Adrienne Bogart at the National Security Council to share the work Hots&Cots is doing to elevate junior enlisted voices and improve accountability across military housing and dining facilities. Being in the Eisenhower Executive Office, walking in front of the West Wing and talking about Hots&Cots at that level of government was truly surreal. Some how this prior E5 fueler is at this level talking quality of life. Thursday: I spent time at the Pentagon meeting with the head of Barracks Task Force. We strategized on next steps, the failures, and how to move forward. I got a tour around the Pentagon and even swung by the SecWar\SecDef office (did not meet him). I also had a unique experience: lunch at the Air Force executive dining facility and dinner at Fort Meade. That Army meal tasted just like it did when I got out in 2014, it was like stepping into a time capsule. Friday: I joined a Task Force delegation to Fort Meade, touring both newly remodeled and older barracks. We saw the difference in conditions firsthand, including one room where mold issues hadn’t been resolved despite the Soldier reporting them. I honestly don’t know if it was staged for the TF, but it was a great opportunity to point out a real world scenario. We also toured the privatized barracks on Meade, which were notably nicer and more efficiently managed. There is a lot to be said about them. At the end there was a essentially an AAR with members of Meade and the TF to see understand their pain points and what is working. I think it goes without saying the system is complex and complicated but should not mean that everything stays status quo. Final Thoughts: Overall, it was a successful trip. I'm still incredibly grateful to be part of this and the opportunity to weigh in on these matters. There are a lot of people working hard to improve the barracks within the constraints they have. And when it comes to the debate over privatization, I’ll just say that there are folks far smarter and more educated than me who’ve argued the pros and cons. My role is just to share what I saw and to keep using Hots&Cots to highlight what’s working and what still needs attention. Whether a facility is privatized or not, Hots&Cots will continue to highlight what’s working, what’s not, and push for real improvements in quality of life for those who live it every day.

There amount of stress people are going through right now is unreal. I'm having family contact me about Base Housing and the conditions they are in. They have just moved in with 3 kids who were all sick in this house. I'm thankful for @hotscots_app to give people a voice.

I had lunch at the executive Air Force dining hall in the Pentagon today polished, quiet, and refined after meeting with the Barracks Task Force. Then I had dinner at an Army DFAC — simple, familiar, and full of memories. Funny how a plate of food can take you back in time. Some things change, some things never do.

The sole dining facility for soldiers at Fort Leavenworth was closed "until further notice" because of the shutdown, via @PattyNieberg Things like this hit junior enlisted the hardest. Leaders, check on your soldiers. taskandpurpose.com/news/army…

A lot of press coverage from @TaskandPurpose and @starsandstripes on this DFAC closure — and I received an update from someone familiar with the situation. As suspected, the PAO was furloughed, and much of this confusion could have been avoided with clear communication. Here’s what I’ve learned: 1️⃣ The DFAC was already scheduled to close in 2026. 2️⃣ Soldiers have been on separate rations since September. 3️⃣ The DFAC is closed because of the shutdown — but any Soldier still eating there is doing so on their own dime. The bigger issue here isn’t just this closure it’s what the shutdown reveals about the vulnerabilities in privatizing DFACs and barracks. What happens to these contracts, and to the Soldiers who rely on them, when the government stops?

The only dining facility at the Army base in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, has closed due to a lack of funding. Fort Leavenworth Installation Warrior Restaurant advised diners to monitor the page for updates on when it might reopen. While there are other third-party dining options on or near the base, the on-base facility is the easiest option for junior enlisted living in barracks. Read more: stripes.com/branches/army/20…

They're really doubling down. If you’re at Fort Leavenworth and know what’s happening with the DFAC closure, message me. I understand there are social media restrictions during the shutdown, but I can still share what’s going on and you can stay completely anonymous.

Excuse me do you have a moment to talk about Hots&Cots? I had the privilege to have a sit down the NSC about quality of life in the military. More to come end of week!

Thanks for the shoutout @TaskandPurpose! I also want to highlight the last review from Leavenworth which is a pretty solid meal but most importantly I really appreciate the comment “As an Army Contracting Command SGM it is important to frequent the DFACs where our contracts support to ensure our contractors are meeting performance standards. The drive thru was a first for me.”

You know if money is an issue

The email and Facebook post basically said “We’re closed” and nothing else. That’s not communication, that’s neglect and it leaves junior enlisted Soldiers stranded without guidance or options. @PattyNieberg is on it!

Inquiries are being made at this moment

Heads up everyone as we head into another day of shutdown

Confirmed this is accurate

Another point of data of the validity of this

We are currently working on cross-referencing this to be sure but if this is accurate, this isn’t great It’s easy to forget what a government shutdown really looks like on the ground. For many junior enlisted service members, paycheck to paycheck is a reality. Even with temporary funding found to cover pay, it’s not guaranteed beyond the next cycle. Now, dining facilities are closing due to lack of appropriation. For some Soldiers, that DFAC isn’t just a convenience it’s their only affordable meal option. We need to make sure these DFACs stay open. @SecWar @SeanParnellASW @DOWResponse