Welcome Back Matthew!
This was Matthew's second tour of duty in Iraq in which he helped free the city of Fallujah from the insurgents that terrorized the city. His first tour of duty in Iraq began in January of 2003 and lasted five months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Matthew's formal training is an Amphibious Assault Vehicle Driver (AAV). The personnel on the AAV's are informally known as "trackers" because of the tracks on their vehicles. They travel both on land and sea.
Matthew is assigned to the 1st Marine Division 3rd Battalion, Charlie Company, based at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California. In that role, Matthew provided secure transportation for the 15 Marines that traveled inside his vehicle. In addition he and his fellow "trackers" help move supplies and transported the wounded to aid stations.
To date, Matthew's personal awards include Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and three Sea Service Deployment Ribbons. It is the first time since 1964 that the Presidential Unit Citation has been awarded to any unit at Camp Pendleton. Only the President can approve the award. Matt's unit has been recommended to receive this prestigious award again. He will also receive the new Iraq Campaign Medal for his service in the War in Iraq 2003.
Matthew feels his greatest award was to see the Iraqi people come out to vote on January 30, 2005. He is proud of being a part of history in helping the Iraqi people gain independence. Future plans are to restore his 1972 Oldsmobile 442 and attend Dowling College in the spring of 2006. Barbara and Paul Bishop are very thankful for the support that Dowling College has given to Barbara, Matt and his unit while he was serving in Iraq.
