College of the Ozarks students and staff members traveled to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, May 19-21. The trip was themed Tribute to Valor Foundation STEMliner: Igniting Tomorrow’s Visionaries. The trip included science, technology, engineering, & math (STEM) curriculum.

College of the Ozarks, in conjunction with the Tribute to Valor Foundation and the City of Branson, hosted approximately 70 students as they traveled to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, May 19-21. The trip was called “Tribute to Valor Foundation STEMliner: Igniting Tomorrow’s Visionaries,” and focused on science, technology, engineering, & math (STEM) curriculum.

College of the Ozarks students participated as team leaders to School of the Ozarks and surrounding high school students. College of the Ozarks staff members participated as chaperones. Students and chaperones had the opportunity to learn more about the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, hear personal testimonies, and engage with Space Center Houston employees and STEM subject matter experts.

Students and chaperones had the chance to meet Gary Littrell, Medal of Honor recipient, retired Command Sergeant Major, and Tribute to Valor foundation chairman and founder. They also heard from Chris Cassidy, former astronaut, Navy SEAL, and president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum.

Chris Hanson, retired College of the Ozarks engineering laboratory director, and Andy McNeill, purchasing manager, served as C of O chaperones.

“Through tours and lectures, the entire team learned more about what NASA is, as well as how various personnel became involved with NASA,” said Hanson. “The main take-away is that a career in NASA is not impossible ‘rocket science.’”

STEMliner: Igniting Tomorrow’s Visionaries consisted of a three-day immersive experience that enhanced a passion for STEM.  Students were inspired to answer the question “Who am I?” using the six values of the Medal of Honor: Integrity, Courage, Sacrifice, Commitment, Patriotism and Citizenship-learning to live life of purpose. Students also participated in five hands-on interactive workshops, such as protecting an astronaut from freezing cold temperatures and the fundamentals of robotics.

Students and chaperones had the chance to meet Gary Littrell, Medal of Honor recipient, retired Command Sergeant Major, and Tribute to Valor foundation chairman and founder, and Chris Cassidy, former astronaut, Navy SEAL, and President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum.

More about Tribute to Valor Foundation

The Tribute to Valor Foundation was founded in 2018 as an all-volunteer organization focused on influencing, impacting, and inspiring students involved in STEM curriculum. The goal of the foundation is to help students understand and engage the values of the Medal of Honor: Courage, Sacrifice, Patriotism, Citizenship, Integrity and Commitment.

The Tribute to Valor Foundation also provides students with the opportunities to meet and learn from wounded, ill, or injured service members, and understand the importance of STEM and how new technologies have been critical to improving their quality of life and that of their families. The engagement of young people with veterans gives the students a unique perspective of the positive impact STEM can make in the lives of others.

The Tribute to Valor Foundation accomplishes their goals by working with school districts and bringing Medal of Honor Recipients, those who have earned our nation’s highest award for valor in combat, to engage with students through assemblies, workshops, presentations, and unique immersive experiences. There are only 65 living Recipients of the Medal of Honor – true national treasures who are committed to “paying it forward” by instilling in young people the responsibilities of being Americans, and to demonstrate those special values of character in their lives.