Press Releases

Washington, DC—November 13, 2019….Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3), Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors, today joined the Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy Darryl Williams, Army leadership, cadets, and other members of the Board, to examine institutional matters and updates. The group discussed a range of issues, including infrastructure, training, leadership development, curriculum, sexual harassment and assault prevention, and military strength.

Congressman Womack said, “West Point is where our best and brightest are transformed into America’s courageous defenders. The Academy has exemplified Duty, Honor, Country for centuries, and it is an honor to support the superior education and training that has built the Long Gray Line. Today, we had the opportunity to hear from cadets, faculty, and members of the Army to understand successes, challenges, and priorities moving forward. We will capitalize on these insights to meet USMA’s objectives and build on the military excellence expected from our nation’s premier leader development institution.”

The meeting is part of the quarterly review board members receive on the academic, physical and military programs of West Point. During the event, there were presentations on academy priorities, as well as panels led by cadets and institutional faculty. Panels included discussions on developing leaders of character, cultivating leadership growth, building diverse and effective teams, modernizing readiness capabilities, and strengthening partnerships.

Additionally, the group discussed House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee work, and how Congress must prioritize investment in military readiness. Congressman Womack is committed to providing stable defense funding and recently spoke out on the damage a full-year continuing resolution would have on America’s military. The lack of sustained, predictable appropriations has impacted both military readiness and the ability of USMA to invest in infrastructure rehabilitation and improvement.

Current West Point cadets from the Third District include Isaac Antony (Fayetteville), Rebecca Boushelle (Fayetteville), Dominik Garretson (Fort Smith), Billy Laird (Farmington), Tyler Moran (Fort Smith), David Nichols (Bentonville), Robert Norwood (Siloam Springs), Andrew Roberts (Bentonville), Samuel Shaw (Fayetteville), and Joseph Sultemeier (Rogers).

The USMA Board of Visitors (BOV) 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 subsequently elected Chairman in 2017. He is currently the only congressional representative from Arkansas to serve on the BOV.

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