Col. John Clark addresses C of O students during the Patriotic Education/Military Science All Class Formation on Oct. 11. Clark traveled to Vietnam in December 2018 as a part of the Patriotic Education Travel Program of the College, where he visited areas in which he spent nearly six years as a prisoner of war, including four years at the Hanoi Hilton. Clark retired from the United States Air Force as a colonel on Jan. 12, 1992. (Photo by Larry Plumlee)

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — A Patriotic Education/Military Science All Class Formation of 256 students took place on Oct. 11 on the College of the Ozarks campus. This event showcased the students who are enrolled in the military science course, Patriotic Education and Fitness, at the College.

Col. John Clark addressed the students. Clark traveled to Vietnam in December 2018 as a part of the Patriotic Education Travel Program of the College, where he visited areas in which he spent nearly six years as a prisoner of war, including four years at the Hanoi Hilton. Clark retired from the United States Air Force as a colonel on Jan. 12, 1992.

Kyle Stevens, junior history and business administration major, enjoyed the trip to Vietnam with Clark.

“As we toured the prison, Clark explained how the prisoners persevered through the atrocities of their daily lives” Stevens said. “The prisoners developed relationships that helped them to endure the physical and mental hardships of captivity. This sense of unity served as a source of energy and stamina that gave them strength – a brotherhood that continues today.”

The 256 students of the All Class Formation showcased their formation routines before Clark and other guests in attendance.

“Students in the class learn a wide range of skills that most College students will never have the opportunity to experience,” said Bryan Cizek, director of patriotic activities. “They learn map reading, land navigation, rifle marksmanship, rope systems and knots, and rappelling. They also take an in-depth look at the formation of American government and politics, modern military task organization, military customs and courtesies, and flag protocol and procedures.”

Patriotic Education and Fitness

The 3-credit hour course is part of the general education program. The program, which began in the fall of 2017, is designed to support the College’s patriotic goal: to encourage an understanding of American heritage, civic responsibilities, love of country, and willingness to defend it. Since then, the College has required this course of all freshmen.

The class is structured to meet three requirements for students which in the past they would have completed separately: the academic requirement for the first year of the Missouri Army National Guard Bobcat GOLD curriculum, one physical education requirement, and the freshman Patriotic Education requirement.

For the physical training portion of the class, students run in formation and complete basic callisthenic exercises including push-ups, sit-ups, and other workouts. Students are graded on their participation and their own personal improvement.