America - Because of the Brave
Congressman Womack, General Richard Clarke, and Third District JROTC students
“I just did my duty each day.”
This was the answer General Richard Clarke, Commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), gave to JROTC students and future United States Military Academy cadets from the Third District headed to West Point this summer when asked how he rose to become the leader of our special operators.
These words, which echoed through the lecture hall at Bentonville West High School, are foundational to the servicemen and women who wear the uniform in defense of our nation each day.
Congressman Womack talks about leadership and defense work while at Bentonville West High School
This notion is particularly poignant as we head into Memorial Day weekend.
Since our founding, brave men and women have left the comfort of their homes to serve America. Generation after generation, we have been blessed by patriots willing to defend the homeland against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Congressman Womack and General Clarke at Fort Smith National Cemetery
Liberty has prevailed because people are willing to “do their duty each day.” That charge is many times met with a great cost. Countless heroes have laid down their lives so that we may remain free.
Values of service and giving back are foundational to our communities, and it was my honor to take General Clarke around the district to see the longstanding tradition of military service that Arkansas embodies.
General Richard Clarke salutes General William Darby at Fort Smith National Cemetery while visiting the Third District
We visited Fort Smith National Cemetery to pay our respects to General William O. Darby. General Darby was a Fort Smith native who went on to graduate from West Point. He is regarded as the founder of the modern Army Rangers, an elite commando division of the Army, and sometimes called “Darby’s Rangers.”
He served in both theaters of World War II and was known for putting himself in the thick of battle. He preferred to stand shoulder to shoulder with his forces at the front rather than give orders from a rearward command post.
Congressman Womack and General Clarke at Cisterna Park
In 1945, while Darby was issuing orders for the attack on Trento to cut off a German retreat, a shell burst in the middle of the assembled officers, killing Darby. However, the groundwork he laid and the recruits he trained subsequently forced the German forces to withdraw from Italy. His legacy lives on decades later. Still, today, no soldier can earn a Ranger Tab without passing the Darby Phase of training first.
General Clarke made it a point to salute and honor this Fort Smith native. I’ll note, General Clarke was also the commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment and now commands all U.S. special forces, who perform the most dangerous and sensitive missions.
Congressman Womack and General Clarke visit with service members at the 188th Wing
The foundations an Arkansan laid still impact our national defense and the leaders of our military until this day.
And this type of elite instruction is ongoing in the Natural State. With Ft. Chaffee and the 188th Wing, the next generation of defenders are being trained in our backyard.
Congressman Womack and General Clarke talk to troops at Fort Chaffee
We traveled to both of these sites and met with soldiers, sailors, and airmen to discuss ongoing defense initiatives, honor high-performing troops, and watch drill exercises.
Units from Naval Special Warfare gave us demonstrations of their lethal capabilities with a static weapons display and also briefed us on upcoming training.
Community members and active-duty members came together to highlight high-performing soldiers
We also headed to the University of Health and Performance (UHP), which empowers veterans and transitions service members to live a life of purpose through fitness and camaraderie. Their facility in Arkansas contributes greatly to our community and serves our heroes as they train and discover the next step in their career journey.
The campus includes a culinary area, an education center, barracks, and more. Their resources give students the education and skills needed to work and lead in purpose-driven careers, while being supported by incredible mentors.
Congressman Womack and General Clarke visited UHP to see work being done to help veterans
UHP was founded by Matt Hesse, who spent time in the Army. His entire focus is researching and assisting veterans in their transition from service to civilian life. They are doing incredible work for those who have served us in uniform. We also visited Walmart and Tyson to hear more about their veterans initiatives and work to give back to our heroes.
From meeting our future defenders and seeing those who are supporting our troops, to honoring our fallen, the visit with General Clarke reminds us of the spirit of service that has been ever present throughout the Natural State.
Congressman Womack gives a challenge coin to service member at the 188th Wing
As we prepare to reflect on Memorial Day, let us all pause to remember the American soldiers who now rest in honored glory.
We must never forget what was fought for.
We must never forget who was lost.
And we must never forget that liberty is not guaranteed.
We honor every fallen hero from the Third District and across America
Every time you watch our stars and stripes billow in the wind – stop and think of those who have given their last full measure of devotion. Their footprints may no longer be seen on this earth – but the marks they have made on history will never fade. The faith, bravery, and unyielding devotion to country continue to be part of the fabric that makes our nation strong.
We owe the courageous men and women who’ve lost their lives in service to our nation an immeasurable debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid. God Bless our fallen, their families, and all those who are called to defend America. |