Womack celebrates West Point Class of 2024, Arkansas’ Third District graduates

West Point, NY—May 25, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3), Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors (BOV), today joined President Joe Biden, Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Randy George, Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy Lt. Gen. Steven Gilliand, and other Army leaders at the U.S. Military Academy’s (USMA) graduation ceremony. The event honored the more than a thousand young men and women, including four cadets from Arkansas’ Third District.

Chairman Womack said, “Just four years ago, these young men and women walked through the gates of West Point with a mission to serve and an eagerness to learn. During their 47-month experience, they have faced rigorous training, overcome adversity, and prepared themselves to lead America’s sons and daughters in our nation’s conflicts. Today, these same patriots will leave the world’s preeminent military institution as the next generation of Army leaders. As an Army veteran, Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors, and Congressman with the distinct privilege to nominate students to service academies each year, it’s been an honor to watch their journey. Congratulations to Ashton, Garrett, Kayden, and Pierce, and every 2024 graduate. A grateful nation salutes you.”.

During the ceremony, the cadets who have undergone four years of rigorous academic, physical, and leadership training, swore their oath to preserve and protect the Constitution and serve as leaders of character. Each newly commissioned officer received their second lieutenant bars and will now head to their first duty assignments.

West Point is the preeminent leadership development institution that is focused on educating, preparing, and training the next generation of Army leaders. The USMA Board of Visitors is charged with providing independent advice and recommendations on academy matters, including morale and discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods, and other issues deemed appropriate by board members. Womack was first appointed to the BOV in 2012 by Speaker John Boehner and first elected Chairman in 2017. He is currently the only congressional representative from Arkansas to serve on the BOV.

Boozman, Womack Welcome Army Chief of Staff to Fort Chaffee

Fort Smith, AR – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) and Congressman Steve Womack (R-AR-03) welcomed Gen. Randy George, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, to Arkansas to highlight the training capabilities and capacity found at Fort Chaffee that significantly enhance the Army’s mission readiness.

“Arkansas has always been a proud supporter of our military. We know the critical role Fort Chaffee plays in our nation’s defense and we’re continuing to ensure it is one of the best places in the country for servicemembers to train. I’m pleased General George understands the need to maintain such a valuable asset and appreciated the opportunity to see its unique strengths on full display,” Boozman said. 

“Fort Chaffee is a top-tier training location with many unique capabilities that distinguish it as a premier Guard installation. It was an honor to show what Fort Chaffee has to offer to General George, who personally understands the important role Arkansas’s Third plays in our national security and strengthening our military forces,” Womack said.

“The Joint Maneuver Training Center at Fort Chaffee is a vital component to the readiness of the Total Army, and allows our National Guard units to focus on their warfighting mission. I am proud of the Arkansas National Guard and grateful for the continued support of the Arkansas community and delegation,” said Gen. George. 

Fort Chaffee recently earned Level 1 classification from the Department of Defense as one of five top National Guard training sites nationwide.

Boozman and Womack have been longtime advocates of investing in the training site, having successfully secured funding for improvements to Razorback Range, a new National Guard Readiness Center and a range expansion to enhance simulation exercises.

Senator Boozman, Congressman Womack and General George visited with Arkansas National Guard members at Fort Chaffee on Monday, January 8.