Arkansas proud

Fort Smith and Ebbing Air National Guard Base continue to prepare for the arrival of the Foreign Military Sales Program (FMS) Pilot Training Center, hosting F-16 and F-35 fighter jet training for participants.

Military personnel are beginning to arrive and we expect the first planes to touch down sometime toward the end of 2024. With each passing week, more and more planning and substantive work is happening between dozens of federal, state and local agencies. And one of the jobs the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce is focusing on is being the gatekeeper between these entities and the service men and women who will ultimately make our community their home.

The list of people and organizations that have gotten us to this point is lengthy. A “Thank You” is certainly the least that can be said to everyone who has given their time and talent to make the FMS program a reality in Fort Smith.

But one group has been crucial in giving the development of this project life – Arkansas’ Congressional delegation. U.S. Sens. John Boozman and Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, have fought and scrapped every step of the way from the beginning to ensure that Fort Smith would become the home to FMS. These elected officials are charged with representing the interests and concerns of their constituents in the nation’s capital and our diverse and dynamic economy that includes leading-edge healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and information technology.

Their ability to shape and guide the national agenda is further amplified by their seniority and committee assignments, allowing them to engage in intricate policy discussions and negotiations. As a result, our delegation holds a formidable position in the halls of Congress, ensuring that the voices and priorities of their constituents are heard and considered at the highest levels of government.

Rep. Womack has done more for the greater Fort Smith Region than most will ever know. He’s earned the respect of all of the cities in our district. In Fort Smith, he’s been instrumental in the community becoming the home of the FMS Program. That simply would not have happened without his input and guidance, including appropriations and budget support.

Boozman and Womack traveled to Singapore earlier in the year to meet face-to-face with Singapore government and military officials. The trip strengthened relationships and gave our congressional leaders the opportunity to personally thank Singapore for their commitment to the United States and to Fort Smith. During the trip, the delegation met with the Republic of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and government leaders in trade and national security, the Chief of the Air Force, and visited U.S. military personnel deployed to the area.

The three members of Congress have shown an unwavering commitment to public service and a dedication to the well-being of our community. Their tireless efforts in addressing the diverse needs and concerns of our constituents have not gone unnoticed. By championing legislation and programs, like FMS, that reflect the values and aspirations of our district, they have played a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for us all.

Editor’s note: Tim Allen is president and CEO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. The opinions expressed are those of the author.