Press Releases

West Point, NY—May 25, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3), Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors (BOV), today joined President Joe Biden, Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Randy George, Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy Lt. Gen. Steven Gilliand, and other Army leaders at the U.S. Military Academy’s (USMA) graduation ceremony. The event honored the more than a thousand young men and women, including four cadets from Arkansas’ Third District.

Chairman Womack said, “Just four years ago, these young men and women walked through the gates of West Point with a mission to serve and an eagerness to learn. During their 47-month experience, they have faced rigorous training, overcome adversity, and prepared themselves to lead America’s sons and daughters in our nation’s conflicts. Today, these same patriots will leave the world’s preeminent military institution as the next generation of Army leaders. As an Army veteran, Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors, and Congressman with the distinct privilege to nominate students to service academies each year, it’s been an honor to watch their journey. Congratulations to Ashton, Garrett, Kayden, and Pierce, and every 2024 graduate. A grateful nation salutes you.”.

During the ceremony, the cadets who have undergone four years of rigorous academic, physical, and leadership training, swore their oath to preserve and protect the Constitution and serve as leaders of character. Each newly commissioned officer received their second lieutenant bars and will now head to their first duty assignments.

West Point is the preeminent leadership development institution that is focused on educating, preparing, and training the next generation of Army leaders. The USMA Board of Visitors 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 first elected Chairman in 2017. He is currently the only congressional representative from Arkansas to serve on the BOV.