GATEHOUSE NEWS DIVISION

SAMPLE Q&A FORMAT with EXAMPLE Newsmaker: What's special: How (or why) I became a: Most difficult challenge: Why being --, doing --- is rewarding: What's least satisfying: Quotable quote:

(Example: It would make me happiest if ---.) (Example: I'm proudest of ---.) (Example: In the future I hope --- .) Advice to someone who wants to do what I do: ---

EXAMPLE: Newsmaker: Joe Jones, PFC, U.S. Army Age: 23 

Town: Yourtown School attended: Yourtown High, Yourstate College Other: Was a high school and college track star. What's special: Rescued six fellow soldiers in a bomb blast in Baghdad in November 2008. Awarded Medal of Honor by President Obama last week. Why I became a soldier: My father and grandfather were both war heroes. Still, no one pushed me to enlist. I felt it was my duty to our country. And, of course, I knew how proud my family would be. Most difficult challenge: It's been really tough being apart from my wife and family for two years. Of course, mail and photos helped a lot. The hardest time was when my wife was hospitalized for a week while I was so far away, not able to help at all. Why being a soldier is rewarding: Ours is the greatest country in the world, and I know I'm fighting to keep America free. It's an honor to serve our country. What's least satisfying:  For a while, tanks and Jeeps were not safe for our troops, but that's changing now. I saw my buddies get hit, and one of my closest friends died in an explosion. That's something you never forget. Quotable quote: It would make me happiest if peace would come to all the world and no country would ever enter into war. My fellow soldiers would be out of harm's way and safely home with their families. 

Advice to someone who wants to do what I do: Understand that there will be lonely moments, but always keep in mind that the citizens of this country deserve every effort we can make for them. Americans value their freedom above all else. We're the ones who protect it.