As the WAIP chapter of my life comes to a close, I will be spending an extra two weeks in Washington to work. Zach and I are the last of the Mohicans. Our supervisors gave us the opportunity to stay over our obligation to work and contribute to our organizations. This will give me an extra two weeks to see more of the city because I will not have the class to worry about. I can simply focus on work throughout the day, then spend the rest of my time in the city. I will have more time to do the things I wanted to do during the quarter but didn't get the chance because of the seminar and policy paper. It will be a great opportunity. I am even thinking about taking a weekend trip up to New York or Philadelphia this weekend.
I would also like to take this time to give a shout out to Mike and Dr. Kolson. Thank you for all you have done for us throughout the quarter. It was a challenging, but fun and intellectually stimulating quarter. It was a great ten weeks and it went by fast. I am certainly intellectually richer from the experience. It is one that I will never forget. It was the highlight of my undergraduate education.
- JG
Monday, December 5, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
National Manufacturing Summit
The following day I will be attending a National Manufacturing Summit at the Ronald Reagan Building. As a public affairs major with interests in technology and innovation policy, I will certainly find this summit very interesting. Some speakers include the CEO of Deere & Co., Presidents of National Labs, the President of MIT, University Presidents, and top government officials. I am really looking forward to see this collection of intelligent and diverse professionals discuss policies that will benefit our company. Collaboration is the best way to solve the challenging problems that face our society. Good thing we are provided business cards.
ZD
ZD
Dinner at National Portrait Gallery
Although the WAIP program ends today I figured I'd share some upcoming events I will be attending next week through my internship. Next Wednesday I will be attending a dinner at the National Portrait Gallery celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Council on Competitiveness. It should be a very exciting evening getting to enjoy good food and art. Not to mention the opportunity to mingle with government officials, government affairs personnel for top universities and companies along with some executives. The event is being covered by MSNBC, Industry Week, Scientific American, and other media.
ZD
ZD
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Turkish Embassy
Although a little delayed, I wanted to share my experience at the Turkish Embassy. The seminar class headed to the embassy during one of our Friday afternoon field trips. We were especially anxious about the visit due to on-going turmoil between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots, as we had a Greek Cypriots among us.
The aspect I enjoyed most about the visit was seeing how diplomats interact. Our host spoke calmly and neutrally about all topics, even some of the most controversial ones such as our troop removal from Iraq and Afghanistan. Our host gave us a diligent history of Turkey and highlighted its unique and honorable democracy.
Secondly, the trip enlightened my view of foreign affairs. I have always focused on policy areas that affect me directly or those I know so it was advantageous to open my eyes to the realm of international affairs. The trip to the Turkish Embassy emphasized a unique and extremely beneficial between the United States and Turkey's western democracy surrounded by eastern-world philosophies.
-AKW
The aspect I enjoyed most about the visit was seeing how diplomats interact. Our host spoke calmly and neutrally about all topics, even some of the most controversial ones such as our troop removal from Iraq and Afghanistan. Our host gave us a diligent history of Turkey and highlighted its unique and honorable democracy.
Secondly, the trip enlightened my view of foreign affairs. I have always focused on policy areas that affect me directly or those I know so it was advantageous to open my eyes to the realm of international affairs. The trip to the Turkish Embassy emphasized a unique and extremely beneficial between the United States and Turkey's western democracy surrounded by eastern-world philosophies.
Hot Coffee
Every once in a while something exciting happens at your internship office. I just happened to have one of those experiences just two days ago. As usual we had our MENA staff meeting on tuesday at 3pm. Generally these meetings consist of everyone in the department telling the department heads what we have accomplished for the week or are going to accomplish. Nothing out of the usual thus far. For this particular meeting only 1 of the 3 bosses was in attendence for the other two are in Egypt. As the meeting progressed and got close to the end one of the girls had a sheet of paper she needed to give to the boss so she slid it across the huge table on the conference room, it only got halfway there. The paper was now sitting directly in front of me and the other intern Patrick, as I thought about if I should reach out and slide it it was too late. Patrick had already gotten up and slid the paper towards our boss. Now this is the interesting part. Patrick slid the paper a little too hard right into the bosses coffee mug knocking it over and spilling coffee all over him. Everyone on the staff was laughing histarically, all the while I was just glad he had pushed the stack of papers before I could or it might have happened to me. Patrick has yet to recover, he has been having nightmares.-BS
No Soup For You
As the quarter winds down we are all aware that we wont be able to enjoy some of our favorite parts of Capitol Hill soon. We The Pizza is one of those things all of us loved. Living on Capitol Hill is one of the most boring things after 6:00 p.m. so you have to do whatever you can to find something to do. Seeing as it is one of the very few places to get food near the hill we all have been there and enjoyed it. We The Pizza was such a great place to eat and hang out. The best pizza in D.C. I'm sure. We all enjoyed it and will miss it dearly. As you can see from the picture of Kyle crying he will particularly enjoy it. So most of us have made out last trip or will make our last trip to our favorite pizza joint for one last time. -BS
Best views in D.C.?
The best views in Washington D.C. are without a doubt, the views that are unrestricted. I was given an opportunity to take part in a Capitol Dome tour. This provides a breathtaking 360 degree view of the city. This is a tour that is not well known and I would encourage everyone to try and experience. It's not easy, but it's not impossible. The tour can be set up through your representative's office. The tour requires that the representative or chief of staff accompany you. However, if your office is not giving tour I would request to piggy-back another some tour. It never hurts to ask. It is important to note that this is a tour that climbs 300-400 steps. There is no elevators or escalators, but it is completely worth it.
My personal favorite has been the view from the Speaker's balcony. This has been the greatest perk of my internship. I have loved having the opportunity to show it fellows, constituents, and family. Looking out on the mall, the view is centered on the Washington Monument which cuts the Lincoln Memorial in halves.
On a personal level, it has been inspiring. When I sit on the balcony, which I try to do as often as possible, I can't help but be impressed, thankful, and motivated. I am impressed because of the Speaker is a man who has earned his title. He is hard working, determined, and deserves his success. I am thankful for having the opportunity to take part in this program, and having the support system back home to push myself to remain ambitious. Most of all, the view from the balcony is motivating. I ask myself, "Why not me?"
AA
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Happy Birthday Marines
On November 3rd I had the pleasure of attending the “Marine Corps Birthday Cake Cutting Ceremony” in the Library of Congress. I was invited by Mick Krieger. Mick is the Chief of Staff of the Speaker’s Longworth office. The Marine Corps Birthday is one of the more enjoyable experiences for Marines. It is a time when officers and enlisted service members fraternize and celebrate our history and traditions. Traditionally, the first piece of Birthday cake is presented to the oldest Marine present and the second piece to the youngest Marine present.
In 1921, Major General John A. Lejeune, Commandant of the Marine Corps ordered that the following message be read November, 10th 1921 and every November 10th in the future.
“On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name "Marine". In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the
glories of its long and illustrious history.
The record of our corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the Nation's foes. From the Battle of Trenton to the Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war, and in the long eras of tranquility at home, generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every corner of the seven seas, that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.
In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term "Marine" has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.
This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the corps. With it we have also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our Nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the Corps.”
Semper Fidelis
AA
Where everybody knows your name....
My first Thursday in D.C. I was very disappointed when I received my bar tab. I am not accustomed to paying $5.00 + for an adult beverage. Being a member of a handful of social clubs back home, I made it my quest to locate one that was in close proximity to the Congressional. Much to my enjoyment I found the Kenneth H. Nash American Legion Post #8 on the corner of 3rd and D. This Legion post has to be the most hospitable in the country.
Most veterans’ clubs make my generation feel unwelcomed. This has not been the case at the Kenneth H. Nash American Legion Post #8. On the first day I showed up, all the vets at the bar wanted to know where I was from and what I was doing here. The bartenders made it a point to remember my name. It is always fun and sometimes humbling to share stories, and of course my generation has it way to easy. Even though I was a visiting legionnaire, I was often times greeted with a smile as if they had known for years. There was great camaraderie. Everyone was quick to invite back for different events such as Veterans’ Day and Thanksgiving. In fact, every day I show up I am asked by Denny, “Where’ve you been?”
It has been a fun place to grab a beverage of choice after work, watch the World Series with Denny, and of course catch the Chicago Bears on MNF (because Perk would bring in food for all to enjoy). Even if you are not a legionnaire, I highly recommend you show up because someone will more than likely sponsor you as their guest….just don’t play music during the World Series.
AASunday, November 27, 2011
DC in four hours: My walk from the Congressional Apartment Building to Arlington Cemetery
…That’s right. Seeing as how this is our last weekend in DC, I decided I would go for a walk to check out some of the sites since I’ll be in work for the rest of the week as saw this as my last opportunity. I figured I would walk at least to the Mall and the Washington Monument so I left with that plan in mind.
I made my way to the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and the Capitol Building before starting to walk on the Mall towards the Lincoln Memorial. I stopped in the Smithsonian Information Center in the Castle before heading out to the Washington Monument. Following this, I stopped off at the WWII Memorial in its glory. After the World War II Memorial, I decided that I would also see the newly renovated DC War Memorial, honoring those citizens of DC who served in the Great War. It recently reopened on the 10th and I must say that it turned out great! Having done work with the SurvivorQuest Foundation, I know that Frank Buckles (the last American WWI vet) would be proud of the current memorial, having campaigned and advocated in his later years for the renovation of the war memorial.
From the DC War Memorial, I made my way to the MLK Memorial. Having been to the memorial one other occasion earlier in the quarter, I took more time to stroll throughout, reading some of the quotations etched in stone which helped to define the Civil Rights cause. As I gazed across the Tidal Basin I saw the Jefferson Memorial in the distance and figured that I would make my way over there as well. I walked on the right side of the Basin and stopped by the FDR Memorial along the way. I crossed over the bridge and arrived at the Jefferson Memorial where I had a great view of the Basin. From there, I departed and began walking along a sidewalk next to the Potomac River, stretching from 395 to the Arlington Memorial Bridge. I had never been over this way before and it was a great view!
As I neared the Lincoln Memorial I could see that traffic was getting heavier close to the bridge. I made my way up, passed the Arlington Bridge Equestrian Statues, and decided “why not, let’s go to Arlington.” Crossing over the bridge, at least seven planes flew over ahead on their way to Reagan International Airport. Once I arrived on the other side, I decided to make my way on up to the cemetery. It was a little past 4pm, so I knew I had enough time to check out some of the sites before the place closed at 5. I made my up to Arlington House, the former home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee where I looked back at the city trying to figure out how I had walked all that way. I decided that I might be better off taking the Metro back…
Arlington House was open and I got to walk around in the home of the former Confederate general. Much of the displays were taken down as a result of the earthquake and not nearly as much was displayed as I remembered in my previous visits. Following this, I made my way to the Tomb of the Unknowns one last time to catch a changing of the guards. After this, I walked to the gravesite of Frank Buckles, and paid my respects for a final time. I was surprised to see that the wreaths from Veterans Day were still in great condition and displayed! It was now 5pm and the cemetery would be shutting down. I took the long route back, walking in dusk amongst some of the nation’s finest fighting soldiers – great way to end the day.
All in all, I stopped by the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, Capitol Building, the Mall, Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, DC WWI Memorial, MLK Memorial, FDR Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, scenic walkway along the Potomac River, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington Cemetery, Arlington House, and Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers – busy day! Didn’t think I’d be doing a marathon!
KN –
I made my way to the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and the Capitol Building before starting to walk on the Mall towards the Lincoln Memorial. I stopped in the Smithsonian Information Center in the Castle before heading out to the Washington Monument. Following this, I stopped off at the WWII Memorial in its glory. After the World War II Memorial, I decided that I would also see the newly renovated DC War Memorial, honoring those citizens of DC who served in the Great War. It recently reopened on the 10th and I must say that it turned out great! Having done work with the SurvivorQuest Foundation, I know that Frank Buckles (the last American WWI vet) would be proud of the current memorial, having campaigned and advocated in his later years for the renovation of the war memorial.
From the DC War Memorial, I made my way to the MLK Memorial. Having been to the memorial one other occasion earlier in the quarter, I took more time to stroll throughout, reading some of the quotations etched in stone which helped to define the Civil Rights cause. As I gazed across the Tidal Basin I saw the Jefferson Memorial in the distance and figured that I would make my way over there as well. I walked on the right side of the Basin and stopped by the FDR Memorial along the way. I crossed over the bridge and arrived at the Jefferson Memorial where I had a great view of the Basin. From there, I departed and began walking along a sidewalk next to the Potomac River, stretching from 395 to the Arlington Memorial Bridge. I had never been over this way before and it was a great view!
As I neared the Lincoln Memorial I could see that traffic was getting heavier close to the bridge. I made my way up, passed the Arlington Bridge Equestrian Statues, and decided “why not, let’s go to Arlington.” Crossing over the bridge, at least seven planes flew over ahead on their way to Reagan International Airport. Once I arrived on the other side, I decided to make my way on up to the cemetery. It was a little past 4pm, so I knew I had enough time to check out some of the sites before the place closed at 5. I made my up to Arlington House, the former home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee where I looked back at the city trying to figure out how I had walked all that way. I decided that I might be better off taking the Metro back…
Arlington House was open and I got to walk around in the home of the former Confederate general. Much of the displays were taken down as a result of the earthquake and not nearly as much was displayed as I remembered in my previous visits. Following this, I made my way to the Tomb of the Unknowns one last time to catch a changing of the guards. After this, I walked to the gravesite of Frank Buckles, and paid my respects for a final time. I was surprised to see that the wreaths from Veterans Day were still in great condition and displayed! It was now 5pm and the cemetery would be shutting down. I took the long route back, walking in dusk amongst some of the nation’s finest fighting soldiers – great way to end the day.
All in all, I stopped by the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, Capitol Building, the Mall, Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, DC WWI Memorial, MLK Memorial, FDR Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, scenic walkway along the Potomac River, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington Cemetery, Arlington House, and Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers – busy day! Didn’t think I’d be doing a marathon!
KN –
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)