A native of Pine Bluff, Operations Specialist 2nd Class Nehamon Lyons IV lost his life while serving in the Pentagon.  As Arkansans, we must remember our neighbors in this great state who were touched by this catastrophic event.  We pray for those men and women in uniform who were sent overseas as a result of the terrorist act and support the families that are awaiting their return.  Not only do we remember those who died in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania, we also mourn the loss of those who have died during their honorable service in Afghanistan and Iraq.

And every year, on September 11, we must also remember a country that was united three years ago.  Americans showed, in a time of chaos, we can pull together by offering our time, our charity, our sympathy and our prayers.  At a time when the country seems so divided politically, we must recognize we are all Americans with the ultimate goal of seeing our country prosper to its fullest potential. 

We owe it to those who died to do everything in our power to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again, and, on this day each year, show their families who remain that we, as a united nation, will never forget their sacrifice.

The Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety Program includes training, wellness and fitness, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.  The following departments have been awarded grants:  

First Congressional District:

·        Caldwell Fire Department; Caldwell, AR - $24,187 for operations and firefighter safety 

Third Congressional District:

·        Oakland/Promise Land Volunteer Fire Department; Oakland, AR - $49,702 for operations and firefighter safety

·        Tontitown Area Volunteer Fire Department; Springdale, AR - $71,438 for operations and firefighter safety

·        Ralph-Caney Rural Volunteer Fire Department; Yellville, AR - $58,928 for operations and firefighter safety 

Fourth Congressional District:

West Crossett Volunteer Fire Department; Crossett, AR - $45,270 for operations and firefighter safety 
City of Oden Fire Department; Oden, AR - $29,925 for operations and firefighter safety

He replaces Kevin Smith, who is taking leave to serve our country in Iraq.  Smith is a member of the Arkansas National Guard, where he is a trainer at Camp Robinson.  While his unit has not been deployed, he recently volunteered to join other Arkansas National Guard soldiers in Iraq.    

"I am pleased to announce the addition of Marc McGough to our Prescott District Office staff," said Ross.  "As an intern in my Washington, D.C. office, Marc showed an incredible sense of knowledge and enthusiasm, and I am confident he will serve the Fourth Congressional District well as part of our team." 

Ross continued, "Kevin Smith has been an important part of our team and will return to our office once he completes his deployment to Iraq as part of the Arkansas National Guard.  I wish him the best as he leaves to serve our country.  I ask that everyone join me in keeping Kevin and his family, and all soldiers and their families, in our hearts and prayers as they serve our country in Iraq."                                         

Prior to joining Ross' team, McGough was previously employed with the United States Postal Service and most recently served as Wildlife Officer with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.  The son of Rick and Debora, McGough is a 2003 graduate of Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia with a B.A. in Management.  While completing his studies in Magnolia, McGough interned in Rep. Ross's Washington, D.C. office during the summer of 2003.