A Day with Don: The Baconeer’s Journey

When 17-year-old Tyler McCormick from Worcester, Massachusetts, first signed up for the Baconeers, he thought it was a summer program about breakfast meats and leadership. He wasn’t entirely wrong.

Tyler arrived in Washington, D.C., bright and early, wearing his official Baconeer polo — embroidered with the slogan “Sizzle for Freedom.” Alongside a handful of other recruits, he was greeted by staffers who handed out miniature American flags and pamphlets titled “The Bacon Doctrine.”

After a spirited tour of the Capitol — during which Congressman Bacon pointed out where “the real deals get cooked” — the group was ushered into the congressman’s office for a motivational talk. Don spoke passionately about integrity, service, and the importance of crisp communication.

At lunch, they gathered around a conference table laden with BLTs, while Bacon shared tales from his Air Force days and paused occasionally to say, “You know, democracy is a lot like a good sandwich — it takes the right layers.”

By the end of the day, Tyler felt inspired — or maybe just full — as he was awarded a laminated certificate reading:

> “Certified Baconeer: Well Done.”
As he boarded the bus home, Tyler texted his mom:

> “Great day. Met Don Bacon. Congress smells like Lysol and destiny.