Improving the "Warm Handoff" for Arkansas Veterans

But the primary topic of conversation was helping servicemembers as they transition out of the military and into civilian life. For many of our brave men and women in uniform, the military is all they know. Many enlist right after high school or college, then spend years serving our country and building their lives in the military. When the time comes for them to leave, the transition can be challenging.

Those leaving active-duty service have access to the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), which is intended to help prepare them for civilian life. For many veterans, however, TAP is not enough. For others, it can feel more like a box-checking exercise rather than fulfilling its intended purpose.

This is something that can and should be improved. But, as Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs Rob Ator noted, it will take a collective effort, leveraging the strengths of the federal, state, and local levels, as well as veteran service organizations like local VFW posts and nonprofits.

Bridging the Gap from Military Service to Civilian Life

At the meeting, Cathy Christiansen of AL2LA talked about how her organization works to help veterans successfully transition into civilian life. Cathy began this work after her son-in-law tragically took his own life, a heartbreaking reality that affects far too many veterans across our nation.

She emphasized that the most important time to support veterans is the first six to eight months after they leave the service, and that the process of preparing them for civilian life needs to begin well before that so they can be set up for success.

Vietnam veteran Henry “Grady” Reynolds echoed those concerns. He thanked the group for the conversation about improving the “warm handoff” for servicemembers transitioning into civilian life, saying the first several months after he left the military were when he “could’ve used help the most.”

Serving Those Who Served

The challenges facing servicemembers as they leave the military are something my team and I monitor closely. The veterans who work in my office do an outstanding job helping many navigate both civilian life and the VA system. But as a nation, as a state, and as communities, we must continue working to do better for those who have served and sacrificed for our country. My team and I will keep fighting to make sure they receive the benefits and care they have earned.

Special thanks to Greg Pelts, Director of UCA’s Veteran and Military Resource Center, for hosting us, to all the veterans and servicemembers who joined us, and to all those who have served.

Military medals are awarded for extraordinary service and sacrifice. They recognize men and women who stepped forward, did their duty, and in many cases endured wounds or hardship in defense of our great nation.

This week, I had the great honor of pinning medals on two central Arkansas veterans in recognition of their service, including the Purple Heart, one of America’s oldest and most respected military awards.

Master Sergeant John Grayson’s Purple Heart was well deserved, and the ceremony in Searcy was a fitting tribute to his service in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Family, friends, fellow veterans, and neighbors came out to support him.

Sergeant Grayson paid tribute to his brothers in arms, some who never returned home and others who were lost after the war. He spoke about the challenges of returning to civilian life, something we hear all too often from veterans across the nation.

His service to our country is inspiring, and his honesty was powerful. It was a reminder of those who were lost and of what it is like to come home carrying experiences most of us will never fully understand.

Following the VAC in Conway, I had the honor of pinning several medals on Specialist Fourth Class Henry “Grady” Reynolds. SP4 Reynolds served in the Vietnam War. For his actions in battle, he was awarded numerous medals, including the Army Commendation Medal with Valor, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart.

In his remarks, SP4 Reynolds poignantly talked about the less-than-warm welcome home he received when returning from the war and the struggles in the years that followed.

But he also spoke about serving his nation and the importance of simply “doing your job” for the man next to you and for your country. Speaking about his experiences in the military, SP4 Reynolds ended his remarks by stating his position simply and clearly: “I wouldn’t trade it for nothing.”

I was honored to host Dr. Lowry Barnes, the recently appointed Chancellor of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, as my guest at the State of the Union.

Dr. Barnes is a physician, educator, and leader who has spent his career serving Arkansas patients and strengthening UAMS’ mission. From founding the Orthopaedic and Spine Hospital to now leading our state’s flagship academic medical center, he understands firsthand how important UAMS is to training the next generation of physicians, advancing medical research, and expanding access to high-quality care across Arkansas.

UAMS plays a critical role in health care, telehealth expansion, and workforce development, especially in our rural communities, and I am looking forward to continuing to work with President Trump and my colleagues in Congress to support leaders like Dr. Barnes and ensure institutions like UAMS have the resources they need to serve patients across our state.

I appreciate Dr. Barnes’ commitment to Arkansas and his dedication to strengthening health care for families in every corner of our state and thank him for making the trip to Washington to join me for the State of the Union.

As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, I led House members in the reading of President George Washington’s Farewell Address on the House floor.

First published in 1796 in the American Daily Advertiser, the address was never delivered in person, but it remains one of the most important documents in American history. In it, Washington warned against political division, emphasized civic responsibility, and underscored the importance of constitutional government, principles that remain just as relevant today.

The tradition of reading Washington’s Farewell Address began in 1862 during the Civil War. The Senate has observed the practice annually for more than a century, and the House has revived it at various points throughout its history. It was a privilege to help continue that tradition.

I am grateful to Rep. Mike Kennedy (R-UT), Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), and Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) for joining me in honoring President Washington’s enduring legacy.

You can watch the full reading HERE.

Federal prosecutors now estimate that roughly $9 billion in taxpayer dollars was stolen through schemes in Minnesota involving nutrition assistance, Medicaid services, and other federally funded programs meant for children and our most vulnerable citizens. The scale of this fraud is as shocking as it is outrageous.

That is why I have awarded my latest Golden Fleece Award to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and his administration. This level of abuse did not happen overnight. It occurred during his tenure, with inadequate oversight and accountability for billions in federal funds intended to help families in need.

Taxpayers in Arkansas and across the nation expect and deserve to know their money is being protected and used as intended. Governor Walz should spend the remainder of his time in office cleaning up the mess created on his watch.

Johnny Cash shaped American music in a way few artists ever have. He gave voice to working men and women, stood up for the downtrodden, and built a sound that crossed gospel, rockabilly, and country.

His music carried conviction, grit, and a deep sense of faith and country that resonated far beyond the stage. Cash is a son of Arkansas, a musical legend, and a true American icon.

Happy birthday to the Man in Black!

Last week’s Trivia: Joe Rosenthal's iconic photograph of six U.S. Marines raising the flag at the Battle of Iwo Jima was taken on which mountain? C) Mount Suribachi

67.8% of respondents answered correctly. 

My Office is Hiring Summer Interns!

Here’s what you need to know if you're interested in applying:

Interns in my office gain valuable insight into the legislative process while directly helping constituents across the Second Congressional District. Opportunities are available in both my Washington, D.C. office and my Little Rock district office.

Responsibilities include answering constituent calls, conducting policy research, assisting with casework, and supporting communications and administrative tasks.

Ideal candidates are self-starters with strong communication skills, a working knowledge of current events and public policy, and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed. Arkansas ties are strongly preferred. Internships may be paid or unpaid, depending on availability.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to AR02.Applications@mail.house.gov and indicate which office you are applying to. Applications are due by March 27, but will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Click HERE for more information. If you have questions, call my office at (202) 225-2506. We look forward to welcoming the next class of interns to Team Hill.

With no tax on tips or overtime, increased deductions for seniors on Social Security, immediate expensing for small businesses, and more, the Working Family Tax Cuts passed by House Republicans last summer will help put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Arkansans.

To help ensure you are taking full advantage of these new deductions and tax savings, my team is hosting an IRS Outreach Day in partnership with the Taxpayer Advocate Service and Arkansas Legal Aid’s Low Income Tax Clinic. Staff from all three organizations will be available to answer questions and help constituents navigate tax-related issues.

📅 Tuesday, March 17
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
📍 Campus Center Building, Room 103
University of Arkansas–Pulaski Technical College
3000 West Scenic Drive
North Little Rock, AR 72118

If you need help navigating a tax issue, we encourage you to stop by and speak with our team.

Submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition are now open!

This competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage artistic talent from across central Arkansas, with the winning artwork displayed for a year in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

I will again be hosting a “Fan Favorite” award, where central Arkansans can vote for their favorite piece. The artwork that wins Fan Favorite will be displayed in my Little Rock office.

This challenge is open to all students in grades 9 through 12 who live in Arkansas’s Second Congressional District. The deadline to submit artwork to my office is Tuesday, March 31 at 12:00 pm CST.

One small change from years past: Students are no longer required to submit a photo of themselves with their artwork.

For more information and full submission instructions, click HERE.

          Last year's winner, "Beyond the Familiar" by Amber Bae.

My office can arrange tours of the Capitol and many other sights in Washington, D.C., on behalf of you and your family during your stay. Please note: White House tours require Real IDs or other accepted forms of ID, such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID.

If you and your loved ones are planning on visiting Washington, D.C. in the coming months, I recommend you reach out to my office to request tours as soon as possible HERE.

If you have any questions about your visit to Washington, D.C., please call my D.C. office at (202) 225-2506.