Former Illinois Congressman and Air Force Pilot Adam Kinzinger to Speak at SIU

Former Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger will visit Southern Illinois University Carbondale on Sept. 15 for an evening discussion on leadership, public service and his experiences in both government and the military.

Kinzinger will speak from 6 to 7 p.m. in Ballroom B of the SIU Student Center, following a reception from 5 to 6 p.m. The event will bring the former six-term congressman to campus to share his perspective on public service, politics and his experiences representing Illinois in Congress and serving his country as an Air Force and Air National Guard pilot.

An Illinois native, Kinzinger was born in Kankakee and attended Illinois State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science. He began his career in public service at just 20 years old, serving on the McLean County Board before being elected to Congress.

Kinzinger was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010 and represented Illinois in Congress from 2011 through 2023, serving six terms- first representing Illinois' 11th Congressional District, then the state's 16th District following redistricting.

His commitment to public service extends beyond elected office. Kinzinger joined the U.S. Air Force and Illinois Air National Guard in 2003, earning his pilot wings and serving overseas, including in Iraq and Afghanistan. He continued flying in the Air National Guard throughout his time in Congress and remains a licensed pilot today.

During his time in Congress, Kinzinger became known nationally for his willingness to challenge members of his own party and for his focus on national security, foreign affairs and democratic institutions. He chose not to seek reelection in 2022 and concluded his congressional service in January 2023.