Staff Sergeant Keith R. Bishop was born on January 15, 1981, and was raised in Medford, New York, on Long Island, where he grew up alongside his siblings, Steve, Janeane and Janice, and his twin sister, Kim. He brought a vibrant spirit and determination to everything he did.
Keith enlisted in the U.S. Army in April 2003 as an infantryman. He served with the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, at Camp Greaves, Republic of Korea, and with the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, at Camp Casey, Korea. In 2007 he set his sights on a new challenge: becoming a Special Forces soldier. He completed the Special Forces Qualification Course in October 2008, earning the Green Beret as a weapons sergeant, and was assigned to Company B, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with Valor, the Army Achievement Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Special Forces Tab and the Air Assault Badge.
In 2009 Keith deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, his second deployment in the war on terror. On October 26, 2009, he was killed when the MH-47 Chinook helicopter carrying him crashed during a combat mission in Darreh-ye Bum, in western Afghanistan. He was 28. New York State lowered flags on state buildings to half-staff in his honor.
Keith was a man of infectious humor and quick wit, always ready to share a laugh and bring joy to those around him. His love for his family showed in every part of his life. Away from duty he found peace on the water with a fishing rod in hand, the thrill of adventure on a snowboard and discipline in his commitment to fitness. His courage, loyalty and humor left a profound mark on everyone he met, and his family, friends and fellow soldiers carry his spirit with them still.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; his parents, Robert and Suzan Bishop; and his siblings, Steve, Janeane, Janice and Kim.
Keith faced each day with determination, infectious humor and kindness, embodying the values of a true Special Forces hero.
7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Family
Sources
- ARSOF History: Keith R. Bishop
- Green Beret Foundation memorial: Keith R. Bishop
- Military Times Honor the Fallen: Army Staff Sgt. Keith R. Bishop
- The Epoch Times: New Yorker killed in Afghanistan honored statewide
- Family-provided records on file with MVF: Keith Bishop bio
