In partnership with the Veterans Coordination Commission, we are pleased to present the December, 2006 Veteran of the Month Recognition to Allen M. J. Bishop.

Allen Bishop, a native of Manhattan, Kansas enlisted in the US Army in 1968. He was assigned to Big Red 1 (First Infantry Division) at Dian, Vietnam and then onto Headquarters 1st Infantry Division at Lai Khe, Vietnam as a driver. Upon leaving Vietnam, Allen was stationed at Oakland Army Base where he processed soldiers going to and from Vietnam. In 1971 he was medically discharged from the Army and in 1972, enlisted in the US Navy and returned to Vietnam aboard the USS Vancouver LPD #2 Marine Transport Ship serving as a Seaman E-3 until his medical disability retirement in 1974.

During Allen’s military career, he received the Vietnam National Defense Service Medal W (2) Stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal W/60 Device, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Good Conduct Medal.

After his military retirement, Allen returned to South Dakota and graduated from the Custodial Building Maintenance School in Mitchell. In 1979, Allen moved to Rapid City and has been a resident since. He is a Life Member of the following organizations: Disabled American Veterans (DAV), The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), The American Legion Post 22, The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), The Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and the Non-Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA). Allen has actively supported these military organizations wherever and whenever possible. He has actively supported all Military Fund Raising Programs in Rapid City for the past ten years. Allen was recently awarded the TREA Volunteer Medal for the many hours he has spent supporting their fund raising goals.