LeadAR National Study Tour–Day 5

by Jacki Sloan Whisnant, HR specialist – Arkansas Department of Transportation District 5 and co-coordinator for the Ralph Joseph Youth Leadership Program (Lawrence County) - September 26, 2025

Our final day in our nation’s capital, Thursday, Sept. 18, was Class 21’s last day in Washington, D.C. before flying back to Arkansas the next morning. We had already had a jammed packed three days in our nation’s capital, but we were looking forward to this day’s activities as well.

We started our day with some flexibility in our schedule. Some of our cohort went to the Smithsonian National Zoo with the main goal of seeing the pandas, while others took the opportunity to rest and/or start packing in preparation for our departure the next morning.

We all gathered together at 10 a.m. for brunch at the restaurant Social All Day. I feel safe in saying that everyone enjoyed their meal and the staff provided very good service. There was a snafu with one order but with a group of 23 people, I feel like that is understandable. If you find yourself in D.C. looking for a good restaurant for brunch, I recommend Social All Day. The manager even sent a thank you card for choosing the restaurant.

After brunch, we traveled to Arlington National Cemetery. The pictures and videos I have seen in the past do not capture its magnitude or meaning. First, the cemetery is massive, covering 639 acres; and an expansion is being planned. Second, it is profoundly humbling as you see row after row of stones memorializing those who have served our country, either militarily, politically or judicially. Over 400,000 people are laid to rest there and that very day, 22 interment services were scheduled. Third, the history of the land itself is very interesting.

One of the highlights for me was witnessing in person the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. The precision and reverence displayed by those soldiers is difficult to describe… really beyond words but I’ll say astounding, extraordinary, striking. It gave me chills and made me emotional. What made the experience even more memorable was seeing four of my classmates participate in the wreath laying ceremony, a moving tribute of respect and gratitude that reflected how we all felt.

Following our time at Arlington, we had about two hours of free time. Some classmates returned to the hotel to rest or pack. Others visited the U.S. Botanic Gardens. At least three of us went to the Museum of the Bible. Two hours was nowhere near enough time, at least for me, to explore all it holds.

That evening, we gathered for our last meal together in D.C. at The Point restaurant along the Anacostia River. The food was excellent, but the company was even better. We were joined by five guests who live and work in the D.C. area, friends of some of our classmates. Each guest shared about their career and their work with various programs and organizations, offering us valuable insight and connections to resources that could benefit our communities.

Our guests included:

• Evonne Carawan, Senior advisor for Fleet Engagements and Innovation, Chief of Naval Personnel
• Jimmy Emmons, Assistant chief, U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS)
• Don Hoppert, American Public Health Association (APHA)
• Jamal Lampkin, Purple Heart recipient, secretary of Veterans Affairs Protocol Team
• Sante Mastriana, Close Up Foundation

After dinner, some of us capped off the evening with a decadent dessert, a glass of wine, or a fancy cocktail complete with a glowing, flashing ice cube. No matter what the choice, our time was filled with laughter and memories were made

Before closing this recap of our last day in D.C., I want to express my gratitude to my classmates. A flare-up of a knee injury on our first day caused me to lag behind at times, and I worried about slowing the group down. But my classmates—and our “handlers,” as we affectionately called Julie and Lisa—were nothing but gracious, each one falling back on occasion to walk alongside me or simply ask me how I was doing. I was determined not to miss anything during this great opportunity and their kindness and encouragement meant so much. I am thankful that my first trip to Washington, D.C. was not just as a tourist but as a member of this class which is filled with so many remarkable individuals. 

Finally, If I had to choose one word to sum up our last day in D.C., it would be gratitude.

• Gratitude for the service of those laid to rest at Arlington.
• Gratitude for the beauty of the gardens, buildings, and museums.
• Gratitude for good food and meaningful conversation.
• Gratitude for new knowledge and lasting connections.
• Gratitude for a shared experience I will always treasure.

Video of wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.