College of the Ozarks students travel to Washington D.C., New York City, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as part of a new College-led initiative, called The Global War on Terrorism Tour.

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. – College of the Ozarks students returned last week from a visit to New York City, Washington D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as part of a new College-led initiative, called The Global War on Terrorism Tour, which took place March 9 – 15.

On the trip, students visited sites including the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City and the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. In Washington D.C., they visited the U.S. Army National Guard Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, the United States Capitol, the Pentagon, and The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. Finally, students visited the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Impactful interactions with first responders added to the overall experience of the trip for each student. They met with members of the New York Port Authority to hear about their response to the fateful attacks on 9/11, allowing them to ascertain a holistic view of our country’s response to 9/11 and the commitment of our servicemembers fighting the Global War on Terrorism.
 

Students participate in enlightening experiences, influencing the way they see the Global War on Terrorism, accompanying Veterans, and their sacrifice.

Reflecting on The Global War on Terrorism Tour, participating student Isaiah Mitchell, senior physical education major, said the trip provided him with the insight and experience he had hoped to gain all along.

“What motivated me to participate in the trip was to be able to connect with the places and events that have shaped our country,” Mitchell said. “I was born in 2003, so I knew all about 9/11 and the Global War on Terrorism, but I wanted to keep the legacy of the ones who have fought alive. That is exactly what I gained from this experience.”
 

Through The Global War on Terrorism Tour, College of the Ozarks is fulfilling its goal to develop patriotic citizens, one student at a time.

An Impact That Is Felt 

All students returned from The Global War on Terrorism Tour with enlightening experiences, influencing the way they see the Global War on Terrorism, the Veterans, and their sacrifice.

“One of the most impactful experiences on this trip was at Arlington Cemetery,” said Isabel Rohlfing, senior accounting major. “As you look around the cemetery, the only thing you see is headstones. It’s very humbling knowing that each of those service members died, so each of us could have the freedom we have today. Freedom is by no means free, and they gave it all.”

Some of the accompanying Veterans on the trip also serve as staff and faculty at College of the Ozarks. The testimony of Brigadier General James Schreffler, Global War on Terrorism Veteran and vice president for patriotic activities at College of the Ozarks, was particularly impactful to Adam Roseberry, junior journalism major. 

“General Schreffler told us about his experience overseas in the Global War on Terrorism, which brought the war close to home,” Roseberry said. “To think that men in the room – men that I know – have risked their lives overseas to defend their country all because of this terrorist attack was sobering.”
 

Students gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made to protect American, challenging them to reflect on the responsibilities they carry as the next generation.

Preserving A Legacy

General Schreffler brings a different perspective as a Global War on Terrorism Veteran, and he reflected on the trip’s impact. 

"The Global War on Terrorism Tour provided students with a rare opportunity to step beyond the classroom and engage with the history that has shaped our world," Schreffler said. "By visiting key sites connected to 9/11, they gained a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made to protect our nation. Ultimately, the trip challenged students to reflect on the lasting impact of these events and the responsibilities they carry as the next generation."

Students indeed gained a deeper understanding of the obligation they have to preserve the legacy of Global War on Terrorism Veterans. 
“One quote that General Schreffler shared with us from a soldier who died in the War on Terrorism, made a huge impact on us, 'If not me, then who?’” Mitchell said. “This younger generation can take those words and apply them to the story of these brave individuals. If it is not us sharing and preserving the history of these events, then who else will? We speak for the ones who no longer have their voice – the ones who gave up their voice so we could have ours.” 

Students were joined by other Global War on Terrorism Veterans on staff at College of the Ozarks, including Dr. James Anderson, dean of work education; and Dr. Lloyd Ngyuen, associate professor of criminal justice. Other Veterans included Captain Jamin Pyatt, military science instructor; Captain Andrew Ashley, instructor of military science; and Dr. Raine Prather, assistant professor of nursing.
 

Students visit sites including the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City and the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. In Washington D.C., they visit the U.S. Army National Guard Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, the United States Capitol, the Pentagon, and The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. Finally, students visit the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Reinforcing The Patriotic Pillar

This trip reflects the College’s Patriotic Pillar. Chassidy Brittain, director of patriotic activities at College of the Ozarks, further explains the trip’s purpose and goals. 

“This course introduces students to the Global War on Terrorism, specifically focusing on the background and execution of the attacks on September 11, 2001, and its aftermath, including the nation's economic, political, and military response,” Brittain said. “The objective is the same as all Patriotic Education Travel Programs, and the goal of the Patriotic Pillar – to give students a better understanding of America's history, encouraging a love of country and a willingness to defend it.” 

Through trips like The Global War on Terrorism Tour, College of the Ozarks is continually fulfilling its goal to develop patriotic citizens, one student at a time. 

“This experience made the terrorist attacks of 9/11 very real,” Roseberry reflects. “The saying ‘Never Forget’ is more than just a saying. It's a promise. A promise to never forget the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for us. A promise to pursue justice for those affected by terrorist attacks. A promise to do everything in our power to make sure it never, ever happens again.”