College of the Ozarks sends 28 students on an intensive trip to Washington, D.C., at no cost to the students, Sept. 24 – 26, 2026.

POINT LOOKOUT, MO — College of the Ozarks continued the annual CitizenTrip^® that began in 2019, sending 28 students on an intensive trip to Washington, D.C., at no cost to the students. The trip, which took place Sept. 24-26, is an integral part of fulfilling the Patriotic Pillar of College of the Ozarks, which is to encourage an understanding of American heritage, civic responsibility, love of country and willingness to defend it.

The students had the opportunity to tour the U.S. Capitol as well as the National Mall, which encompasses the Washington Monument, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. The trip also included the Museum of the Bible, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, the National Museum of American History, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Library of Congress, the National Archives Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

The students heard from Vietnam Veteran Cpl. Jerry White at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The students heard from Vietnam Veteran Corporal Jerry White at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He served in the 3^rd battalion of the 26^th Marines and served in Vietnam in 1966 and 1967. He shared a poem he wrote and dedicated to combat Veterans titled “A Few Good Men.” The poem reflects on service, sacrifice, and comradeship. Cpl. White will also travel to Vietnam as a part of the Colleges Patriotic Education Travel Program in March.

Chassidy Brittain, director of patriotic activities, explained the significance of the CitizenTrip^® for students.

“The CitizenTrip^® gives students the opportunity to experience our nation’s history and government firsthand,” Brittain said. “Like all of our Patriotic Education Travel Program experiences, we want students to gain a deeper appreciation for our country and the sacrifices made for our freedoms.”

The trip was hosted by the William S. Knight Center for Patriotic Education at College of the Ozarks. The center was dedicated on Constitution Day, Sept. 17, 2021.

Joanna Cooke, senior family studies major, walks through Arlington National Cemetery.

Following are the faculty and staff members who accompanied the students on the trip: Brigadier General James P. Schreffler, vice president for patriotic programs; Captain Andrew Ashley, instructor of military science; Chassidy Brittain, director of patriotic activities; Dr. Raine Prather, assistant professor of nursing; Dr. Kerry Moore, associate professor of education; and Shann Swift, SwiftShots photography. President Brad Johnson and Dr. Joe Western, associate professor of history, joined the students on the trip with Cpl. Jerry White.

Students came away from the trip with a new understanding of American heritage and new perspectives on what it means to be a citizen of the United States. 

“The Citizen Trip^® provided me with an opportunity to witness firsthand the commitment, devotion and sacrifice that has been poured into the United States of America.  These principles are pillars that stabilize the freedoms we get to experience today,” said Joanna Cooke, senior family studies major. “I walked away from this trip with a newfound love for my country, a deep pride for those who have selflessly served, and an increased understanding of the importance of being an active and informed citizen.”