Press Releases

Womack Hosts U.S. Service Academy Send-Off Picnic

Bentonville, June 19, 2026

BENTONVILLE, Arkansas—June 20, 2026…Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) hosted his annual picnic honoring Third District students who accepted Offers of Appointment to U.S. military service academies this year, as well as 2026 military service academy graduates from the district.

Congressman Womack said, “It is one of my highest honors as Congressman for Arkansas’s Third District to nominate bright, determined, and selfless students who will be shaped into the leaders of tomorrow at our nation’s esteemed U.S. military academies. This fall, the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy will welcome some of the Third District’s finest students, and I extend my congratulations and best wishes as these young people begin their appointments.”

Congressman Womack continued, “We are also here to celebrate the Class of 2026 as they embark on a new chapter as commissioned officers. I am exceedingly proud of the sacrifice, discipline, and hard work that earned them both their diplomas and officer commissions. These men and women are exceptionally prepared to lead our military, and I have no doubt they will serve with distinction and excel in the years ahead.”

2026 Academy Appointees

USMA

Weston Arnett of Greenwood

Casey Elliot of Springdale

Jack Hooe of Bentonville

Jacob McCrary of Garfield

Constantin Shatilenko of Rogers

Sullivan Shepard of Rogers

USNA

Vaughn Fields of Rogers

Hannah Hanson of Bentonville

Colt Hood of Fayetteville

William Stewart of Fayetteville

USAFA

Kenneth Dufault of Little Flock

William Neumann of Bentonville

Joseph Rouse of Fayetteville

Sydney Seymour of Bella Vista

Justus Thurlby of Bentonville

USMMA

Carter Muth of Rogers

Charles Quayle of Fayetteville

USAFA Preparatory School

Olivia Whitt of Fort Smith

Class of 2026 Academy Graduates

USMA

Ellery Doyna of Fayetteville

Luke Monk of Fort Smith

Sydney Rhuda of Bentonville

Joey Sta Romana of Centerton

Luke Welcher of Fayetteville

USNA

Dylan Talbot of Centerton

Noah Wilson of Springdale

USAFA

Juan Andrade of Rogers

Elise Bell of Harrison

Jace Sutulovich of Siloam Springs