The District of Columbia

I had an amazing opportunity to go to Washington D.C. to study health care for veterans. Of course we got to do the "tourist" things and visit all the monuments and memorials. It helps you get a feel for what all our veterans have done for us and our country. Sacrifices that can never be forgotten.

The Navy Memorial

The National Archives

We stayed in Alexandria, VA... a beautiful town with its own share of beautiful sights. This is the Masonic Temple.

Washington Monument

Two of the funniest guys around. I don't think they can take anything seriously. Ever. It made for quite the entertaining trip.

WWII Memorial

WWI Memorial

Korean War Memorial

Vietnam War Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial

On one morning we had the opportunity to go up inside of the Washington Monument. It's definitely the best vantage point to get a full view of D.C.

Embassy Row

While at the Smithsonian, I had to make a stop at Julia Child's kitchen... sometimes I pretend to have Julia Child-like characteristics when I'm cooking. She's awesome.

On Sunday, we got to go to the temple grounds for our veteran presentations. The D.C. temple is a beautiful temple and I was excited for the opportunity to explore the grounds. Temples have such a special spirit about them. On our night off, a couple of girls and I went back and got to go inside to do some work. It was absolutely beautiful.

VA Administration Building

One of the highlights of our trip was our visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC).
This is the hospital where active duty military personnel are brought when they are injured during the current conflict. It was an amazing experience to not only tour the facilities, but also talk one-on-one with staff and patients.

The most suprising realization was that the soldiers who are returning home injured from Iraq or Afghanistan are my age! So many of the soldiers are so young, in their 20s and have suffered a serious injury that will change their life forever. I learned that in the current conflict OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom)/OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom), some of the most serious injuries are amputations due to an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) and post traumatic stress disorders.

I think so many of us in the United States too easily forget what is happening RIGHT NOW... our country is in a major war! Young men and women sustain serious injuries and are killed every day in order to help give freedom to those who have had it taken away. If I took away anything from this trip, I hope to always remember those who have fought for liberty and freedom for our country and other countries. Always Remember.

In the museum located on the WRAMC campus, they had an exhibit of medical care during OEF/OIF. This picture below is a picture of a trauma bay from one of the central medical tents. They literally cut the slab of concrete out of the ground in Afghanistan and shipped it to the U.S.

This is the beautiful older part of WRAMC. It's over 100 years old!The newer portion of the hospital reminds me a little bit of something out of Star Wars.
A little blue house.
Marine Monument of Iwo Jima
On a previous trip, our instructors met this cute little man who is a veteran himself. He joined the military when he was 17 (lied to get in), witnessed the bombing at Pearl Harbor, and was present during the Battle on Iwo Jima. He's 87. Amazing.
Arlington National Cemetery, sacred ground.
This is my very good friend Courtney Hugo. I met Courtney during the first summer that we were in our married student ward and we've been friends ever since. She's always that person who looks out for me and gives advice about the next semester of nursing school. I'd be lost without her... plus she gives pretty good foot rubs. I'll have to have her give Chad a quick tutorial.
The Capitol BuildingUtah Representative Jason Chaffetz met with us inside the capitol.Apparently every state contributes at least 2 statues that are randomly distributed throughout the capitol building. Is it any suprise that one of Utah's statues is Brigham Young?
The Center of Washington D.C.
On our last night, our instructors took us all out to the Chart House for dinner. It was probably the nicest place I've ever been to eat, and it was delicious. I even splurged and had molten chocolate lava cake for dessert. It changed my life.
On our last day, a couple of girls and I stayed around Alexandria to walk around historic King Street. It's a beautiful place with cute little shops going all the way down to the Potomac.

It was a long, absolutely wonderful trip to D.C., but I was so happy to come home to my wonderful husband. 8 days is a long time to be away. Take home message of my trip: Always remember our veterans and the sacrifices they made for us. How can we repay them? ...direct quote from the Iwo Jima veteran:

"Live your life. That's why we did what we did."