Learning About D-Day at Utah Beach in Normandy

Currently studying urban and regional planning at Texas A&M, John Patrick Bare expects to graduate with his bachelor's degree in 2023 and then pursue a master's in the field. During his high school years, John Patrick Bare spent time living in Germany and had the opportunity to take a trip to Normandy.

In World War II, Normandy became famous particularly for the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. Part of Operation Overlord, the landings included over 6000 boats and ships, making it history's largest sea invasion. The attack covered almost 60 miles of beach divided into five sections with the code names of Gold, Juno, Omaha, Sword, and Utah.

The farthest west of the beaches, Utah Beach features the American cemetery with almost 10,000 white marble tombs built to face toward the U.S. In 2019, in honor of the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the cemetery renovated its visitor center.

The beach also hosts the Utah Beach Landing Museum, which tells of the epic invasion through an immersive tale in 10 sequences and the award-winning documentary film titled Victory in the Sand. Visitors to the museum have the opportunity to view one of the original B26 bombers, one of only six in existence worldwide.

Texas A&M's Urban and Regional Planning Programs

A graduate of Harker Heights High School in Texas, John Patrick Bare attends Texas A&M as an undergraduate student. At Texas A&M, John Patrick Bare maintains memberships in the Aggie Men's Alliance and the College Republicans while pursuing a degree in urban and regional planning.

Offered through the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M's bachelor of science in urban and regional planning degree program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers focused on the planning and development of neighborhoods, cities, and regions. Some of these careers include positions as planning technicians, research analysts, and urban planning specialists.

To prepare students for these and other careers, the degree program follows a core curriculum comprising four dimensions. The multidisciplinary theory dimension covers social and community issues, while the analytical methods dimension provides students with a foundation in surveying, mapping, and analyzing community and regional data. Students also receive real-world experience through the applied problem-solving dimension (which includes service-learning projects) and their semester away dimension (which places students in a study abroad, university exchange, or internship program).

Texas A&M's urban planning students also have the opportunity to pursue one of two tracks: the policy track and the urban design track. Undergraduate students interested in continuing their education can do so through Texas A&M's master of urban planning and/or doctor of philosophy in urban and regional science. More information about all of these programs is available at www.tamu.edu.

Fishing in the Brazos River

After studying engineering at Blinn College, where he earned induction into the Sigma Kappa Delta Honor Society, John Patrick Bare continued on to Texas A&M to study urban and regional planning. In his free time, John Patrick Bare enjoys spending time outdoors, especially fishing in the Brazos River.

Originally called Rio de los Brazos de Dios (River of the Arms of God) by Spanish explorers, the Brazos River stretches 840 miles from its origin in New Mexico to its mouth in Texas on the Gulf of Mexico. The 11th longest river in the nation, it offers great paddling and fishing.

Anglers in the area have caught some rather large fish, such as a seven and a half foot alligator gar weighing nearly 200 pounds. Other frequent big prizes include largemouth, spotted, and white or sand bass. Because of the good size of these fish, anglers recommend braided line to ensure the strength to reel them in.

Although the Brazos River has good fishing all year, late winter and early spring offer the best time for trophy catches. Summer often means harsh temperatures and winds, so staying hydrated and going out early is essential. Keep an eye out, however, for scorpions and rattlesnakes.

Sigma Kappa Delta Honor Society at Blinn College

A graduate of Harker Heights High School in Texas, John Patrick Bare is studying urban and regional planning at Texas A&M University. Previously, John Patrick Bare studied at Blinn College in Bryan, Texas, where he was a member of the Sigma Kappa Delta Honor Society.

A collegiate honor society for students of English at two-year colleges, Sigma Kappa Delta currently has 141 chapters throughout the United States. To be eligible for membership, students must be enrolled in a two-year college and have completed at least one full semester of college coursework.

While members are not required to be English majors, they must have taken at least one course in English language or literature and must maintain a minimum of a B average. Once inducted, members enjoy cultural stimulation and fellowship with other students interested in the English language, as well as opportunities to develop leadership experience and participate in community service activities.