Wednesday 1/19/11 – Tuesday 1/25/11 at Washington D.C.
There is something about looking out the window and seeing below you such a big part of our nation’s history. This was only my second time to Washington D.C. and I was super excited. I knew that the week would be filled with meetings, some touring, and finally the National FFA Board of Directors meeting.
Thursday morning and early afternoon was spent mostly at the American Farm Bureau Federation. They gave us some basic training on the lobbying process, some hot topics in agriculture, and also some media training. After lunch there, we went to the Sponsor’s Board Meeting where Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack spoke to us about rural America and the positive role that the FFA plays in agriculture. A big concern of his was that the number of young people going into production agriculture is not exactly increasing. He also recognized how the FFA is an organization that is built on agriculture and service. One thing that really surprised that he shared was that 16% of our population lives in what is described as “rural America” yet “rural America” contributes 44% of our military. Now that is an attitude of service right there!!! In addition to making some remarks, Secretary Vilsack signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the USDA and the FFA. It felt great to see how two groups could come together and support each other through agriculture!
Later in the evening, we went to dinner with many people on the Sponsor’s Board, Alumni, and other stake holders where we were able to mingle with them and get to hear their stories. Thought of the nigh…people are fascinating and have so many lessons to teach me.
Friday brought more work at AFBF and we also were able to meet with Dr. Kanter, Undersecretary of Education. She is a neat woman that has a passion for education and a passion for youth…hey, her and I are a little alikeJ We discussed what the FFA is doing with her and why finding our knew “Dr. Case” was so important to our organization. She was very receptive and was impressed by the caliber of members that we have in the FFA (thanks right, she thought we were pretty sweet stuff)!
After the meeting we went back to have lunch with President Stallman (Pres. of AFBF) and the department managers there. Then it was time to say our good byes and have a bit of relaxing time and work time for ourselves before dinner.
That night we met with three past FFA members that now worked at the National Farmers Union. We ate at Founding Farmers, a restaurant that focused on where food comes from and how it is prepared. It was cool to see many people that wanted to know how their food was being produced. It made me happy to see that people care about food and hopefully getting the understanding that food comes from farmers across this country. Yay for farmers!!!
Saturday we had the day off to do some sightseeing and have an all-around great time with the team. Our adventures started off at the Holocaust Museum. What a mind-bending experience!!!! We saw what one man can do by leading others. It was a bitter-sweet time looking through all of the pictures, artifacts, and watching some of the video clips. How could something like this happen? How could one man (and his close companions) have so much hate in their hearts? It really made me think about how I viewed others and if I truly love those around me. Sometimes I get caught up in what I am doing or what I want or having so much drive to achieve and still…I often lose sight of what is truly important; showing the love of Christ to every person around me!
As we walked and thought about what we had seen/heard, we made our way to a nice little soup and sandwich type stop for lunch with Travis, the national FFA president about five yours ago. We shared in stories about the year, he gave us advice, and we all had a great time. James and I left early from lunch to meet Cory, another past FFA president that now works and lives in the area. He was going to take the two of us to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We saw the changing of the guard and then we were able to go underneath to see the room where the soldiers get ready and then have a tour as well. It was amazing to see and learn about how much discipline it takes to learn all of the steps that they must go through each time. As I stood looking at so many names of soldiers that have truly given everything, I couldn’t help but feel that I am much too ungrateful. I usually never think about how much sacrifice people that I don’t/didn’t know gave just so that I could have what I do. It made me think about ‘service’ and how hard it can be. I mean, service to others is a much respected idea but it is one that doesn’t get much thanks or is repaid. I hope that I will do more to show thanks for the service that has been given me!
The day came to a great close with us getting to visit with Dr. Steve Brown and his wife! We had fondue, learned more about the Department of Education (DOE), and just had wonderful conversation for a few hours before heading back for some rest.
Sunday morning started out with a nice little metro ride to a local church in the middle of D.C. It was great to spend time with brothers and sisters in Christ to worship such an awesome God!
I returned back to the hotel where we all checked out and ate a quick bite to eat before moving to the other side of the city where we would meet up with Dr. Brown, and Dr. Armstrong where we went over the agenda for the next couple of days and got to understand more about what the board meeting would be like. Many different state staff, the Board of Directors, and a few other state holders were in the city so we went to eat out with all of them before Dr. Case’s final going away party at the DOE.
Monday came quickly and we went to the DOE to have a meal, say goodbye to Dr. Case, and listen to several speakers from the DOE and one from the USDA. I always think about how much Dr. Case means to us in the FFA but it was amazing to see how he touched lives at the DOE as well. Many of the staff there came out, not in their normal business attire, but in t-shirts with Dr. Case’s face on them! It was pretty sweet!!
Later that afternoon, we heard the announcement that Dr. Steve Brown was appointed Interim Advisor and that Mr. Christopher Browne was appointed Interim Executive Secretary. This was good news for us and I was stoked to hear that we have two highly qualified individuals step into this role.
Tuesday morning brought with it the first Board of Directors meetings that my teammates and I ever experienced. It was very professional while still being laid back and conversational. I had a great time seeing how our organization runs and how everyone works together. We had a great time talking with all of the adult leaders that were there. The next time we would see many of them would be for state conventions…BRING IT ONJ
Hey Wyatt, I just saw Founding Farmers on a TV show I was watching. It sounds like the food is amazing!! Just thought I'd throw that out there.
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