The creation of an American role model

Thousands of miles from the warm safe fields in the county, the crackling sound of gunfire rang out in succession almost following a rhythmic beat as if orchestrated.  Comrades fight alongside but unfortunately fall.  Weapons fire continues in a fierce struggle as impacts are felt but disregarded.  Supplies run low until the last spent cartridge from the Beretta falls to the desert floor.  What would happen next?  The fight has been fought unrelenting.  The 507th defended their position as best as possible, to the last man, to the last round. 

Situations such as this test ones mettle and can transform your average “girl next door” into a symbol for motivation and achievement.

As a young woman making decisions about which path to take in the beginning of her adult life, Jessica Lynch had joined the U.S. Army.  Her capture and eventual rescue were the catalysts that drew a well-rounded picture of a young woman from Palestine, West Virginia.  Through her ordeal we come to know a fresh-faced, levelheaded young woman who should serve as a role model for young girls everywhere.

After being ambushed when her supply unit took a wrong turn, Pfc. Jessica Lynch was taken prisoner.  An ambush was probably not what she had expected as a member of a lower-echelon supply unit.  Afterwards, she was brought to Saddam Hospital in An Nasiriya by her Iraqi captures.  At this point, she was probably wondering where her assignment to Hawaii (where she was headed for before the war) was.  Later on, with the rescue operation underway, the moment came when an American soldier called her name, "Jessica Lynch," he said.  Too afraid to answer, she peeked out from under the sheets.

Later still, as she was being carried to the rescue helicopter, her worries characterized those of all prisoners of war:  She grabbed the hand of the Army doctor and pleaded, "Don't let anybody leave me."  The rescue operation was expected to take 45 minutes and it took 25.

At some point she may have wondered, "Was this all worth it for college tuition money?" or more importantly, "Does my family know that I am still alive?"

As soon as Lynch was in U.S. hands, Air Force Capt. Joe Della Vedova phoned an aide to CENTCOM Gen. Tommy Franks.  The Captain relayed to the aide, "Mission Success 1," indicating that Pfc. Jessica Lynch was finally safe.  Pfc. Jessica Lynch could now be moved from classification of MIA to rescued POW.

An Iraqi lawyer, known only as Mohammed, who was one of the sources credited for the revelation of Lynch's location, was described by Lynch's father as "...an angel sent by God."  Mohammed's actions show that (for Jessica Lynch) there is a little bit of West Virginia beyond the United States.

Seeming to shed light on Lynch's survival skills, West Virginia Governor Bob Wise said of his constituents:  "People here rely on their won resources and strengths."  That quote further reinforces that Jessica Lynch had made good decisions throughout her young life that would eventually lead to the resiliency she showed during her capture.

President George W. Bush showed concern about the treatment of American women POWs in particular.  After her capture, concern for Pfc. Jessica Lynch grew when her dog tag was found in the home of a Baath Party official in Al Nasiriya.

Before the rescue operation, hope grew that Jessica Lynch was still alive after a Marine patrol made contact with Mohammed.  Before leaving the hospital Mohammed had gotten access to Jessica's room and had managed to whisper to her "Don't worry."

When it was all over, the rescue news had leaked out to the media Tuesday, April 1.

It often takes an ordeal like Jessica’s to thrust into the limelight the life of decent, hardworking young women.  Such circumstances however, can not take away from the life examples young girls can glean from her life choices:  The well-rounded Jessica Lynch was once Miss Congeniality at the local county fair; she was a member of her high school basketball team; her intentions were to be a kindergarten teacher in her hometown; in order to save up for college, she had joined the Army; she also wanted to see the world.

No soldier plans on being a POW.  Surely, Jessica would have preferred to complete her tour without incident.  We celebrate her service and bravery as well as her fellow comrades who unselfishly sacrificed for our continued freedom.  Although she is but one part of a large group of the most valiant individuals, she symbolizes what an American really is and serves to inspire us all.

When female role models of today consist of musicians who want to know how sexy their belly button can look in a music video and how many CDs those music videos can sell, we salute the Jessica Lynchs of the world.  We wish her well and pray for her speedy recovery.