By Amanda Singer, Communications Specialist

This may sound like an exaggeration, but it’s not: the Holston Army Ammunition Plant and the people who work there have changed the shape of our world and the path of our collective histories. The site was created in World War II to ensure our warfighters had the products to carry out their mission. The people of Kingsport, Tennessee have been innovating and delivering readiness ever since, for the last 80 years.

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The team at Holston work daily to run a facility supporting the U.S. Army. Recently, three employees from the site brought a little bit of that Tennessee mountain magic with them on a tour of a city with some consequential history of its own – Washington, D.C. In town for an event celebrating Holston's 80th Anniversary, our Holston Heroes – Morgan, Raymond, and Mike – journeyed through the nation’s capital.

The rolling green hills of Arlington National Cemetery was their first stop. It was important to our Holston Heroes that they honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The monuments there are a beautiful tribute to the soldiers from every one of America’s major wars who are laid to rest there.

The group then visited a D.C. institution – the Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington’s oldest saloon. In its former life, it was a boarding house that was home to a who’s who of American history. Today, it’s a popular restaurant and gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. After Old Ebbitt, they headed over to the U.S. Capitol for a tour. For Morgan, Raymond, and Mike, pictures could not do the experience of seeing the Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall in person justice.

Finally, Morgan, Raymond and Mike ended their visit with a White House tour. History is made at the White House on a daily basis, and our Holston Heroes spent time in the public rooms in the East Wing, the State Dining Room, and the China Room. They also enjoyed a view of the Rose Garden. Though there were no run-ins with the President or First Lady, it was easy to see how moved they were just by being in the presence of a space with so much significance.

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Raymond (left), Morgan (center) and Mike (right) touring the White House.

Our Holston Heroes sense of duty to our country makes their work just as vital as the work being done in the historic buildings they toured on this journey.

Interested in learning more about our #HolstonHeroes and the work they do? Visit our Holston Heroes website here.