Honoring Our Veterans

Our country is defined by a tradition of service set in motion by our ancestors and continued by our families, neighbors, and friends. Veterans Day gives citizens across our nation the opportunity to honor all—past and present—who chose country above self and answered the call to serve.

What started as a day of remembrance for the end of the “war to end all wars” has evolved into a day the United States sets apart to recognize the brave men and women who have served our country.

The past year has seen more than its fair share of hardship, but my faith in America and her founding principles remains strong for one simple reason — the service of her citizens.

Honoring our veterans and their families is one of the greatest privileges I have as your representative. This August we were able to bring the remains of Lt. Henry Donald Mitchell, whose plane was shot down over Austria in 1944 and was marked missing in action, home to Arkansas for burial with full military honors at the Fayetteville National Cemetery. Lt. Mitchell is an American hero who helped defend freedom against tyranny.

Caring for and supporting our veterans will always be a top priority for me. One of my main efforts in this year’s appropriations cycle has been to secure funding to rehabilitate the Jack Williams ‘Camp Jack’ Veterans Resource Center. For those of you who don’t know, Camp Jack is a non-profit organization in Boone County that is committed to serving local veterans with respect, honor, and compassion. With funds to renovate its historic space, Camp Jack will be able to expand its service offerings to more of our veterans and their families.

Among other legislative efforts, this year I worked to modernize the G.I. Bill to allow veterans to use post-9/11 educational assistance to repay federal student loans. And I have pushed to support surviving families by increasing the cap for Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance.

I am dedicated to honoring and supporting our servicemembers—past and present—whose sacrifice makes America the greatest country in the history of the world. Thank you to all those who defend and preserve our most sacred freedoms. Today—and every day—a grateful nation salutes you.

The University of Health and Performance Veterans Day Event

Congressman Womack speaks at the University of Health and Performance Veterans Day Event

As a veteran, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges former servicemembers face when trying to find their calling after their service. I’m grateful for organizations, like the University of Health and Performance, that are committed to assisting and empowering the men and women who have served our nation in uniform as they transition into fitness and health careers.

Veterans Wall of Honor Tribute in Bella Vista

Congressman Womack speaks at the Veterans Wall of Honor Tribute in Bella Vista

Each year, citizens of the Third District come together to pay tribute to our veterans whose names are memorialized on the Bella Vista Wall of Honor. It was a privilege to join Arkansans and local leaders in celebrating our country’s courageous veterans.

Some other notes and news:

Centerton Gamble Elementary: I had a great time visiting with our nation’s next generation of leaders at Centerton Gamble Elementary School. It was a pleasure speaking to the 3^rd and 4^th grade classes about the four pillars of leadership and touring the school. My visit confirmed something that we already know—the future of AR-3 is bright!

Savage Sports LLC: It’s no secret that Arkansas’s Third District is full of entrepreneurial spirit! I met with the Savage Sports team, who is a great example of this. I toured the facility and learned about their signature “Keto Brick” bar which is manufactured locally in Lincoln, Arkansas, and distributed all over the world.

Fort Smith Fire Station 1: I enjoyed my time with the incredible team at Fire Station 1. I was able to see their renovated facility and talk with the firefighters about the critical work they are doing in the community. Thank you for the tour, Fire Chief Phil Christensen and City Administrator Carl Geffken!

Fort Smith Rotary Club: I spoke with the Fort Smith Rotary Club about future plans for Fort Smith, as well as the latest news from D.C., including the current continuing resolution, my vote on the infrastructure bill, and highlights from Madison Marsh’s visit to Washington.

Wishing you a great weekend ahead! You can keep an eye on my website or check out my Twitter and Instagram pages to stay up-to-date with the latest news from my office. Also, if you are having issues with a federal agency or have a casework question, don’t forget to check out my office’s upcoming mobile office hours here!