General Bishop: "Disappointed in how political our country has become"

By Lt. General Rod Bishop, USAF ret, USAFA 1974
STARRS Chairman Emeritus

Given the controversy in the USAFA Association of Graduates surrounding the motions to recognize assassinated USAFA Board of Visitors Member Charlie Kirk in some way, I attempted to get smarter on the possible rationale of why anyone would oppose this.

During by cardiac surgery rehab, I was encouraged to walk at least two miles a day. During December, I listened to nothing but the Advent Hallow Prayer App and Charlie Kirk’s podcasts.

I learned the following:

–Charlie’s priorities in life were faith, family and freedom

–when asked what he wanted to be remembered by, his response was “the courage of my faith.”

–his favorite word was “earn”

–his love of our country was extraordinary

–he supported our current President because he thought the last administration was giving away our sovereignty with the erasure of our borders

Add to those attributes– what is said below–“make the world a better place,” “solving problems,” “character on display firsthand.”

Who could oppose all that?

Personally, I am disappointed in how “political” our country has become.

Congressman August Pfluger, USAFA 2000 and the Chairman of the USAFA Board of Visitors posted this on X yesterday:

Well said, @Michael_McCoyy. Charlie truly wanted to solve problems and make the world a better place.

I’m still mourning his loss, and I’m beyond grateful I had the chance to serve alongside him on the USAFA Board of Visitors and see his character on display firsthand. https://t.co/q9Dksofslq

— Rep. August Pfluger (@RepPfluger) February 5, 2026

McCoy’s full text:

6 Months ago Charlie and I were at the United States Air Force Academy. He was so excited to have been a member of the USAFA Board and kept saying “This feels like a new puzzle and problem for me to solve.” That is what Charlie loved doing… solving problems one puzzle piece at a time to make the world a better place.

How could any US military servicemembers or veterans disagree with this–(click to enlarge)