Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) was today awarded the Department of the Army Decoration for Distinguished Civilian Service – the highest award the Secretary of the Army may bestow upon a civilian – by Secretary Eric Fanning.

“I am truly humbled to receive this incredible honor and am grateful to Secretary Fanning for not only recognizing me with the Army’s highest civilian award, but also for his service to our nation,” said Congressman Womack.  “As a 30-year veteran of the Arkansas Army Guard, having the ability to continue working on behalf of our soldiers as a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense – as well as help shepherd young cadets on the eve of active service as the vice-chair of the West Point Board of Visitors – is an opportunity of a lifetime.  I am proud to tirelessly advocate for our soldiers, including our guardsmen and reservists, and all of our brave men and women in uniform.”

Upon awarding this decoration to Congressman Womack, Secretary Fanning said, “this award represents my appreciation for Congressman Steve Womack's work on the United States Military Academy's Board of Visitors and support to the Army during my time as Secretary.  I am grateful for his steadfast support to the Army and our friendship that goes back to my time in the Air Force.”

The citation reads, “for distinguished service as a member of the United States House of Representatives, House Appropriations Committee on Defense and the United States Military Academy Board of Visitors (BOV) during the 114th Congress. Representative Steve Womack was a tireless public servant advancing Congressional support for funding the Army to meet the rapidly evolving threats to our Nation's security and ensuring Soldiers have what they need to succeed.  Representative Womack's steadfast support to the United States Military Academy through his committed service as the vice-chair of the BOV ensured all future Army leaders have the education and training needed to succeed.  His exceptional contributions were integral to the Army receiving the necessary resources to support combat, sustain the all-volunteer force and improve the quality of life for Soldiers, Civilians and Families.  He vigorously supported Army efforts and worked diligently to overcome the fiscal and political challenges inherent in funding our national security priorities.  Representative Womack's distinctive accomplishments and unwavering commitment reflect great credit upon himself, the United States House of Representatives and the United States of America.”

Background

The Department of the Army Decoration for Distinguished Civilian Service was established by directive of the Secretary of the Army in May 1956. This award recognizes distinguished service toward the accomplishment of the Army's mission and is the highest honorary award that the Secretary of the Army may grant to a private citizen. The Secretary of the Army awards this decoration to those who provide distinguished service that makes a substantial contribution to the accomplishment of the Army's missions. Eligible individuals include civilians not employed by the Army or Army contractors, federal government officials at the policy development level, and technical personnel who serve the Army in an advisory capacity or as consultants.

Congressman Steve Womack has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011 and serves on the House Appropriations Defense, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, and Labor-Health and Human Services subcommittees and the House Committee on the Budget.

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