Womack Celebrates West Point Class of 2026, Arkansas’s Third District Graduates

WEST POINT, N.Y. - May 23, 2026…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3), Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors (BOV), today joined Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll, Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy Lieutenant General Steven Gilland, and other Army senior leaders at the U.S. Military Academy's (USMA) graduation ceremony. The event honored nearly a thousand young men and women, including five cadets from Arkansas's Third District.

Congressman Womack said, "As these cadets live out the principles of 'Duty, Honor, Country,' they also carry with them the knowledge, experience, and skills to lead the next generation of Army Soldiers. There were far easier paths they could have taken to earn undergraduate degrees, but these cadets chose to pursue service and a purpose greater than themselves. I am not only proud of their commitment and perseverance, but I am also hopeful for the future of this country, as it will undoubtedly be shaped and strengthened by the Class of 2026."

Congressman Womack continued, "As the Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors, I commend these men and women for their accomplishments. I also extend a special congratulations to Ellery Doyna, Luke Monk, Sydney Rhuda, Joey Sta Romana, and Luke Welcher-who I had the privilege of nominating for this prestigious appointment."

During the ceremony, the cadets-after four years of rigorous academic, physical, and leadership training-swore an oath as commissioned officers, pledging to preserve and protect the Constitution and to lead with character. Each newly commissioned officer received their second lieutenant "butter" bars and will soon begin their first duty assignments.

West Point is the world's preeminent leadership development institution, dedicated to educating, preparing, and training the next generation of Army leaders. The BOV, chaired by Womack, provides 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 elected Chairman in 2017. He is currently the only congressional representative from Arkansas serving on the BOV.

Read more about the Third District natives graduating from U.S. military service academies this year, including USMA HERE.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas's Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

###