RCGOP: Sergeant Moss, the RCGOP very much appreciates your time and willingness to share it with us.

Sergeant James (Jim) Moss: Thank you. I'm just amazed that anyone from back home would be interested in speaking with me. I have been away awhile, but when I do get to visit, I occasionally meet someone who remembers me. So I do appreciate the opportunity.

RCGOP: We've heard that you've gotten to meet the President three times?

Sergeant Moss: I've actually met with President Bush two times, but I've seen him three. During one of the two meetings, I was able to get a picture with him. He's a really nice, down-to-earth kind of guy. I told him I'd like to take him fishing someday.

RCGOP: We also hear that you about to leave on another mission?

Sergeant Moss: Yeah, I'll be going out West to assist the Forestry Service for approximately the next five weeks in their ongoing effort to control the wild fires they've been battling.

RCGOP: Wait a second. According to the media, our National Guard Units are being stretched to thin fighting the War on Terror in Afghanistan and Iraq, yet you're on your way to help the Forestry Service here in America?

Sergeant Moss: That's a complete misrepresentation by the media. Only a small percentage of the Guard is actively serving as part of Operation Enduring Freedom at one time. There are still a number of operations the Guard can undertake in America and even abroad. We recently assisted in a project with Australia. I've been to Panama for a stint to prevent illegal drugs from being transported into this country and will be going to Bosnia later this year as part of Joint Forge.

RCGOP: The Bosnia conflict transpired during the Clinton administration and we still haven't finished there, yet some are already referring to Iraq as Vietnam?

Sergeant Moss: That's right. Listen, I never question the decisions made by our leaders, simply because that's not my job and they have access to information we don't. Trying to second-guess them doesn't help us achieve the overall goal of our mission. They have an objective and we strive to meet that objective, however long that takes. Bosnia is just one example; our military is still in Germany.

RCGOP: So, do you think poll numbers that show a drop in support for the war effort by Americans is a genuine reflection of the mood of the people or is it media hype?

Sergeant Moss: Yeah, the media plays a big part of it, but mostly I think that across the nation the American people haven't changed the support they once exhibited. They just aren't as focused as they once were and maybe media saturation has aided in that, but that loss of focus has led them to not be active because of it.

RCGOP: Some people have suggested that many Americans, as you said, have lost their focus because they would rather see our military use more force in dealing with the terrorists on their way to winning the war. Do you think that's a relative assessment?

Sergeant Moss: I think, probably they would and looking at it from the outside, they'd believe that would lead to getting the troops out faster, which is better, but that may not be the best action to take in this situation and President Bush understands that. As much as we all want the mission to end quickly, you have to do the job right... not fast... and that's what would lead to being successful. Which is the goal of Operation Enduring Freedom, we don't want to have to go back after we're through.

RCGOP: Speaking of Operation Enduring Freedom, in your mind, what would you consider victory in Iraq?

Sergeant Moss: This is just my opinion, but Operation Enduring Freedom would be a success when Iraq is able to come to the table at the United Nations with a democracy that takes advantage of all that Iraq has to offer the world. Completion of their constitution will show everyone that they are prepared to partner with free countries and their participation in the world community will necessitate their freedom.

RCGOP: Going back to the President, based on your time spent with him, do you agree with many in the media and the Cindy Sheehan crowd that he doesn't care about the losses to military families?

Sergeant Moss: No. Absolutely not, he is in touch with what this war means to the military families. I've also met Vice President Cheney and I can tell you that both men know how tragic it is to lose loved ones and are pained by the decisions they have had to make. No loss of life is acceptable, but in the military it does happen and the President hurts just like the rest of us.

RCGOP: Last question. If you get the chance to meet President Bush again, would you have any advice for him and what would it be?

Sergeant Moss: It would be the same thing I told him early in his administration. I told him to go to Washington and show the world how a President should act, especially if he should have to decide to take action.

RCGOP: Thank you for your time Sergeant Moss, and we wish you well on your latest and future missions.

Sergeant Moss: I appreciate you contacting me.