Soldier Honored: Jason Lee Bishop

Sergeant First Class Jason Lee Bishop was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, of Fort Campbell, Kentucky.  SFC Bishop had been in Iraq only four months and was a convoy commander of 35 to 50 soldiers. His patrol came under fire when they were called in to investigate a report of a suspicious vehicle in a ravine. He got within 150 meters; the engine revved up and then blew up. SFC Bishop was killed on January 1, 2006, because he stepped in front of a suicide bomber and saved his fellow soldiers.

SFC Bishop graduated in 1993 from Holmes High School in Covington, then went to Fort Knox for training, eventually becoming a drill sergeant.  For over 12 years, SFC Bishop served his country in the Army.  A fellow drill sergeant said, ““There is no doubt in my mind soldiers are coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan alive because Jason was so committed to their training.”  SFC Bishop received numerous awards and citations during his career including the National Service Defense Medal, Order of Spurs Medal, Meritorious Service Award, Army Achievement Medal, Assault Badge, Legion of Merit, Armed Forces Services Award and Good Conduct award. He was also awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Combat Infantryman's Badge following his death.

A proud father, SFC Bishop loved his daughter and son fiercely.  He was known for his strong sense of humor, and often had jokes to tell his loved ones.  He was a loyal friend, who made sure to tell his friends before he deployed to remind his children what he was like if he didn’t return.

SFC Bishop’s daughter is a Folds of Honor Scholarship recipient.