PFC Jessica Lynch Comes Home
God-Bless-America.org Presents
Homecoming of a typical Military Hero: Jessica Lynch
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On March 23, 2003 19 year-old PFC Jessica D. Lynch found herself a wounded prisoner of the Iraqi 'army'.
With some 11 soldiers dead that had been part of her convoy, she and the others taken prisoner were lucky to even be alive.
On April 3, 2003 she was rescued by a Special Operations team with the aid of some of the Iraqi medical staff at the hospital,
who had cared for her since her capture. Iraqi lawyer, Mohammed Odeh al-Rehaief was the one who mapped out Lynch's location for U.S. Marines.
While claims and counter-claims fly about over what really happened on March 23rd and details about the rescue, the goal here is to honor
the spirit this event and life is trying to capture. That is the fighting spirit of Women in the military, and the determination of the American Soldier.
Her refusal to accept things that did not happen, her desire to do what is morally right
and her refusal to criticize or bad-mouth anyone makes her a real hero to this old geek.
PFC Jessica Lynch has been awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Prisoner of War medals.
She was given an Honorable Discharge from Active Service on August 27, 2003 and co-wrote a book which went on sale Veteran's Day, November 11, 2003!
Far from the only 'hero' in this war - every single one of them over there are - and God Bless (and protect) them all
Two other personal lady heroes in this conflict are her friend Lori Piestewa, who never gave up but did give the highest sacrifice
and a wonderful role-model, former POW Shoshana Johnson who was rescued on April 13, 2003 after 22 days as our first female POW.
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Jessica on the Cover
Homecoming July, 2003
Click on the photo for a larger version
Cartoons:
Click on the cartoon for a larger version
On July 23, 2003 Jessica returned home to Palistine, WV. There was a massive rally in her honor with
over 2,000 of the local residents and nearly the same number of news media people there to welcome her home.
Audio from that speech
2:59
 448k
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Here's the text:
"Thank you for being here. It’s great to be home. I would like to say thank
you to everyone who hoped and prayed for my safe return.
"For a long time, I had no idea so many people knew I had been missing. But
I’m beginning to understand because I’ve read thousands of cards and letters
-- many of them from children -- that offer messages of hope and faith.
"I would like to thank the people of this community, especially those who
have gave donations to the Lynch Fund, and who volunteered their time and
skills to work on my family’s house.
"Please allow me to thank the doctors, nurses and staff members of Walter
Reed Army Medical Center for the excellent care they gave me. I thank the
staff of Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany for their care and
support.
"I’d like to thank the Fisher Foundation, Gov. Bob Wise and U.S. Sen. Jay
Rockefeller for the roles they played in helping my family to be with me in
Germany and Washington.
"I’m also grateful to several Iraqi citizens who helped save my life while I
was in their hospital. And then a unit of our Special Forces soldiers did
save my life.
"I want to thank Sgt. Ruben Contreras. Ruben, you never let me give up. When
I wanted to quit PT, you kept me going and you’re my inspiration and I love
you.
"I’m proud to be a soldier in the Army. I’m proud to have served with the
507. I’m happy that some of the soldiers I served with made it home alive
and it hurts that some of my company didn’t.
"Most of all, I miss Lori Piestewa. She was my best friend. She fought beside
me and it was an honor to have served with her. Lori will always remain in
my heart.
"I’ve read thousands of stories that said when I was captured, I said, ‘I am
an American soldier, too.’ Those stories were right, those were my words --
I am an American soldier, too. Thank you for this welcome and it’s great to
be home."
Jessica Lynch 11-29-01 Grad from Basic Training at Ft Jackson SC
PFCs Jessica Lynch and Lori Piestewa just before shipping out
A Program by Public Broadcasting in WV about Jessica aired on
WSAZ Channel 3 (2 Hour Special) on YouTube (Click to view)
Jessica Lynch Dedicates Cruse Ship "Miracle" in 2004
AP - Fri., Jan. 19, 2007
PARKERSBURG, W.Va. - Former POW Jessica Lynch became a mother on Friday, January 19, 2007.
Giving birth to a girl whom she named in honor of a fallen comrade.
Dakota Ann Robinson was delivered by Caesarean section at a local hospital at 5:10 p.m.
The infant weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces, said Lynch's publicist, Aly Goodwin Gregg.
"She's fabulous and fat," Gregg said. "She's beautiful."
Lynch and her boyfriend, Wes Robinson, named Dakota in honor of Lynch's friend,
Army Spc. Lori Piestewa of Tuba City, Ariz., who was the first woman to be killed
in combat in Iraq. Piestewa's middle name was Ann, and Dakota which means friendship
or ally.
Jessica Lynch and Dakota Ann
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Last updated 07/01/2014
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