College of the Ozarks introduces new Global War on Terrorism Tour for students

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. – College of the Ozarks is preparing to visit New York City, Washington D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania with 36 students as part of a new College-led initiative, called Global War on Terrorism Tour, which will take place March 9 – 15.

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.”

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

Also joining the students will be Brigadier General James Schreffler, Global War on Terrorism Veteran and vice president for patriotic activities at College of the Ozarks. Schreffler reflects on the trip’s anticipated impact.

"The Global War on Terrorism Tour will provide 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 will gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made to protect our nation. Ultimately, the trip will challenge students to reflect on the lasting impact of these events and the responsibilities they carry as the next generation."

The trip’s itinerary includes a visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City; the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island; Washington D.C., where they will visit the U.S. Army National Guard Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, the United States Capitol, the Pentagon, and The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial; as well as Shanksville, Pa. where they will visit Flight 93 National Memorial.

Additionally, students will meet with members of the New York Port Authority to hear about their response to the fateful attacks on 9/11. This will allow students to ascertain a wholistic view of our country’s response to 9/11 and the commitment of our servicemembers to fighting the Global War on Terrorism.

To receive live updates during the trip, view the official Facebook group for the Global War on Terrorism Tour.

The following students will be traveling with the College on the Global War on Terrorism Tour:

• Brooke Barker, criminal justice major from Weatherford, Oklahoma
• Cain Beal, conservation & wildlife major from Lebanon, Missouri
• Seth Bishop, video production major from Lee’s Summit, Missouri
• Tanner Bohrtz, human and molecular biology major, from Mountain Home, Arkansas
• Eric Burns, allied health science major, from Tahlequah, Oklahoma
• Theodore Carmody, theatre major from De Soto, Missouri
• Hadlei Cates, agricultural development major from Lavaca, Arkansas
• Madelyn Chesney, allied health science major from Nickerson, Kansas
• Taylor Childers, accounting major from Ozark, Missouri
• Gracen Emerson, criminal justice major from Walnut Shade, Missouri
• Harley Ferralez, criminal justice and psychology major from Sedgwick, Kansas
• Makala Hanson, criminal justice major from Tucson, Arizona
• Nathaniel Hawkins, accounting major from Sherwood, Michigan
• Mary Hennessey, criminal justice major from Conway, Arkansas
• Keely Hoffman, Spanish major from Bolivar, Missouri
• Ella Jones, nursing major from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• James Knabe, Christian studies major from Livingston, Texas
• Jared Leist, accounting major from St. Louis, Missouri
• Isaiah Mitchell, physical education major from Blue Eye, Missouri
• Abigail Moeller, criminal justice and psychology major from Gerald, Missouri
• Elizabeth Moeller, journalism major from Troy, Missouri
• Alondra Ornelas Ramirez, elementary education major from Ash Grove, Missouri
• Josiah Pardo, graphic design major from Toa Alta, Puerto Rico
• Kailey Peeks, business management major from Oregon, Missouri
• Jacob Provenza, business administration major from Bella Vista, Arkansas
• Sadie Puckett, criminal justice major from Warrensburg, Missouri
• Ian Rice, criminal justice major from Norwood, Missouri
• Isabel Rohlfing, accounting major from Rogersville, Missouri
• Adam Roseberry, journalism major from Scroggins, Texas
• Rebecca Sage, criminal justice major from Corder, Missouri
• Thomas Stewart, criminal justice and psychology major from Wichita, Kansas
• Aubree Sullivan, criminal justice and business management major from Wichita, Kansas
• Brandi Thompson, criminal justice major from Norwood, Missouri
• Sophia Vickers, vocal music education major from Fordland, Missouri
• Manami Voigt, elementary education major from Saint Robert, Missouri
• Blake Wheeler, history major from Andover, Kansas

For more information, contact the College of the Ozarks Public Relations Office at (417) 690-2212.

About College of the Ozarks

College of the Ozarks is a private, Christian, liberal arts college, located in Point Lookout, Missouri, on a 1,000-acre campus. Christian values, hard work, and fiscal responsibility comprise the fundamental building blocks of the “Hard Work U.” experience. The College earns numerous accolades yearly, including No. 2 Best Performers on Social Mobility-Regional Colleges in the Midwest and No. 4 Best Regional College in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for 2024-2025 and No. 3 Best Bang for the Buck by Washington Monthly, 2024. To achieve its vision, the College pursues academic, vocational, Christian, patriotic, and cultural goals. These goals are mirrored in School of the Ozarks, a laboratory school that completes the K-college model.

The Keeter Center — the College’s award-winning lodge, restaurant, and conference facility — earns awards consistently, including the TripAdvisor Best of the Best Award 2024 and the Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 from ConventionSouth magazine. The Keeter Center features historic lodging, fine dining, and meeting rooms. With more than 350 student workers, it is the largest workstation on campus.