I am going to break from November 10 to throw in an inject from May 11. I was interviewed by Kevin Miller from KIDO 580 AM a local radio station in the treasure valley, Boise Idaho area. He was over here in Iraq for a couple weeks visiting the Brigade. The link below is to the Kevin Miller trip to Iraq part of the radio station's website.
This next link is the link specifically to my interview with him.
The interview was for the most part "off the cuff", I was informed the day before
that I would be interviewed, but was not told what I would be asked. I prepared for
questions like, "What is it like over here?" or "What is different between Idaho and
Iraq." Well he didn't ask those questions. Luckily though I had written the below
thank you note about a week or two prior, so I had already developed some thoughts
for that letter that I was able to draw from for the interview. Hopefully between
listening to the interview and reading the letter below, you can make sense of what
I am trying to express.
Treasure valley blue star mothers, My office received two of your care packages and I would like to thank you on behalf
of the 17 individuals that work with me here. We have greatly enjoyed the many
goodies inside your packages and are very appreciative of your efforts in supporting
the troops. Times are much different being a service member now than it was in the
70's. My father began his service then and continued to serve for 33 years. He
witnessed, as a service member, the changes in attitude and support from the
general citizens of the US over that period of time. Soldiers back then rarely
received thanks for their sacrifices. In fact wearing the uniform in public would
generally get one heckled from fellow Americans. On the contrary, today I am
thanked regularly when in uniform in the US. At times I have felt slightly
embarrassed to receive the level of gratitude we service members do now receive,
because those who served before were not treated as well. I also feel that my
sacrifice may not measure up or be as great as those who served before. Many of
the modern comforts service members readily enjoy now were unfathomable to our
predecessors of just a few decades. Regardless of the time period, I maintain that
service in the armed forces of our great nation is honorable and it is therefore
up to me to be honorable. Your packages and appreciation remind me to be honorable
for the people we are over here serving. Due to the gratitude of great citizens
such as yourselves the honor is ours to serve you. We think you are worth the
effort and sacrifice. Thanks again, Captain Barrett Bishop
