AR-3 Updates

Holy Weekend

May the light of the Lord surround and be with you and your families

In a rare alignment of religious holidays, Easter, Passover, and Ramadan have converged at the same time this year. As people of faith come together for their observances, I am reminded of the prayer, self-reflection, and sacrifice this holy time embodies.

This Good Friday, I am thinking of how spring ushers in a new season of growth. The renewal of nature signifies the promise of redemption commemorated on the eve of Easter weekend. We’ve had many storms in recent weeks—with more severe weather predicted for tonight—but these events will hopefully be followed by a calm. Whether in life or physical weather, faith has the power to calm the storms raging around and within us. Easter especially emphasizes this. Christ’s pain and selfless sacrifice on the cross led to the resurrection in which our hope is found. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

There is always hope. I am even more so reminded of this after returning from my trip to Germany and Poland, where I heard directly from U.S. military officials, our allies, and Ukrainian survivors. The Ukrainian people are being persecuted and are faced with horrific atrocities. However, though hurt, they are responding with courage and compassion.

I hope that in the days ahead, when we gather in our homes or in houses of faith—no matter what they are—we remember miracles and God’s love and compassion for the world.

Light will always overcome darkness. May the grace of our Lord surround you today and always. Wishing you a blessed Good Friday and Easter. Also wishing our other friends of faith peaceful and joyous celebrations.

Defense Trip

Congressman Womack with Arkansas soldiers of 3rd Infantry Division in Grafenwoehr, Germany

As I mentioned above, I was on the ground in Poland and Germany to get a tactical understanding of ongoing threats in the region as Russia’s atrocities grow.

As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, the trip was purposed in hearing directly from U.S. military officials, our allies, and Ukrainian leadership and refugees about how defense appropriations and policy work are supporting America’s security interests and the international community.

Congressman Womack with Austin Moore, HHC 1st BDE, 3rd Infantry Division, of Rogers

Dictators like Putin have no regard for civility, human life, or freedom—and the United States, Europe, and NATO must collectively support sovereignty and the Ukrainian people. I’m proud to say we have Arkansans part of surge forces in the region who are dedicated to their mission and helping on the ground. It was my privilege to meet with Arkansas soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division, including Austin Moore of Rogers, other troops, USAID officials, and European and Ukrainian leaders.

The United States must continue to work closely with our strategic partners and military forces to ensure we are prepared for any situation. Peace and prosperity in the international community is the goal. America, NATO, and the entire global community must stand together with Ukraine. The Ukrainian people are fighting—not only for their lives and sovereignty—but for the shared order of the free world. 

Read more about my trip here.

Academy Day

Congressman Womack speaks about the service academy nomination process

Incredible seeing so many Third District Arkansans come to our U.S. Military Service Academy Day events in Fort Smith and Rogers recently. Lots of Third District students learned about U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Arkansas National Guard, and ROTC programs.

We had full circle moments as Megan LaMendola of Springdale and Kayden Eckman of Eureka Springs shared their journeys. Megan is a senior at the Naval Academy, and Kayden is a sophomore at West Point. They went from going to these events to being nominated, accepted, and attending.

Congressman Womack congratulates Ellery Doyna

I also congratulated Ellery Doyna on her long-awaited appointment. She currently attends Greystone Preparatory at the University of the Ozarks, but she recently got momentous news: she is headed to West Point!

A great dream realized after lots of hard work and determination. I'm so proud of the drive and talent of the young men and women who call our communities home and are interested in serving their nation in uniform.

Megan LaMendola of Springdale speaks to prospective service academy applicants

Special thanks to all the service members, ROTC, and school representatives who volunteered their time to provide guidance and answers.

If you are a student interested in receiving a nomination to attend an academy but couldn't attend today's events, you can contact my office or learn more about the application process here.

D.C. Tours

Congressman Womack runs into Arkansans headed to D.C. at the airport

Even though Congress is out of session, I’d like to thank all of the Arkansans who stopped by during their visits to our nation’s capital this week for a tour with my office. A big thank you to the Kinsley family of Rogers, Deaton family of Rogers, Hoek family of Rogers, Shemin family of Rogers, Owen O’Patry of Rogers, Garrett and Lauren Sims of Fayetteville, and Jared and Christina Hartman of Centerton for taking tours through our office. Safe travels back to the Natural State!

If you would like to request a tour of the Capitol, White House, or other sights around D.C., please fill out this linked form. Tickets are free and provided on a first-come, first-served basis. We will do our best to accommodate all requests, but I will underscore that tour tickets for the White House and Capitol are extremely limited right now. We hope to welcome you soon!

Wishing you a great weekend ahead, and I hope to see your around Arkansas next week. 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.