This will break your heart...

[JetMaxx]

Because it does mine. It's excerpts from a AP breaking news story:

NASIRIYAH, Iraq (AP) - An American flag folded across her chest, Pfc. Jessica Lynch left Iraq on a stretcher Wednesday after U.S. commandos, acting on a CIA tip, rescued the prisoner of war. But the operation also brought sad news - the troops found 11 corpses, some believed to be Americans. Lynch, a 19-year-old Army supply clerk, was being flown to Germany for medical treatment. Her condition was not disclosed, but U.S. officials in Kuwait said she was believed to have broken legs, a broken arm and at least one gunshot wound.

------------
**here's the part that got to me**

An Iraqi pharmacist who works at Saddam Hospital told Britain's Sky television that he treated Lynch for leg injuries but that she was otherwise healthy. But he added, "every day I saw her crying about wanting to go home."

AP-ES-04-02-03 1513EST

-----------------------------------

Can any of us just imagine how scared that poor kid was? Lying in an enemy "hospital" bed halfway around the world with two broken legs...a broken arm...she's been shot, tortured, probably seen and heard her friends being tortured and murdered...and wondering if the next person through her door will be the one that murders her

Some might say "oh well, she enlisted...so she can't complain".
That's so bogus-- because I know a few military recruiters...one a good friend of mine since grade school. They don't ever mention being captured, beaten, shot, or tortured when they sign you up--especially to pretty blue eyed high school girls that enlist for non-combat roles...only to earn college money...because they intend to someday teach kindergarden

------
PW

[bfez1]

It is heartbreaking but the good news is she is safe, will recuperate from her injuries and will be coming home to her family, hopefully real soon.

[deb_in_nc]

That is so sad.But she doesn't have to worry anymore.Thank God !

Debbie

[Rainband]

Very sad indeed. I agree with them not knowing what to expect. I for one am very grateful to have these young kids defending my freedom. My heart goes out to her and in my eyes she is and always will be a hero

Johnathan

[streetsoldier]

IMHO, Jessica's military career is over; she will have to recuperate for at least another year, and that doesn't count the counseling she may need. However, at the same time, I hope our Government performs the "right thing" for her by seeing that she DOES receive her full benefits...so some little kids can get a loving, caring teacher someday.

[Stephanie]

IMHO, Jessica's military career is over; she will have to recuperate for at least another year, and that doesn't count the counseling she may need. However, at the same time, I hope our Government performs the "right thing" for her by seeing that she DOES receive her full benefits...so some little kids can get a loving, caring teacher someday.

Actually, CNN had a tape alittle while ago with the Governor of West Virginia promising Jessica's parents that she won't have to worry about paing to go to college!

[Lindaloo]

That is GREAT news Steph.

[southerngale]

I heard that on Fox News earlier too Stephanie. That's such great news for her and her family! People from all over the country were sending them flowers/gifts too. I'm sure there's a lot more to come for that brave young soldier.

[Intimidator]

First, JetMaxx, let me say that I agree with you 100%. But I must add that even though the recruiter didn't tell her about all of this. Every enlistee knows that now days, there is no such thing as non-combat jobs in the military.

[JetMaxx]

I heard a news report this evening that Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia has offered Jessica a full four-year college scholarship!

[JetMaxx]

Every enlistee knows that now days, there is no such thing as non-combat jobs in the military.

That's right. It's the reason I begged my 18 year old baby sister not to even consider enlisting (she took one year of ROTC in high school)--she thankfully enrolled in junior college; and also the reason I will do everything possible to keep my 8 year old niece from ever enlisting.

[Arizwx]

Because it does mine. It's excerpts from a AP breaking news story:

NASIRIYAH, Iraq (AP) - An American flag folded across her chest, Pfc. Jessica Lynch left Iraq on a stretcher Wednesday after U.S. commandos, acting on a CIA tip, rescued the prisoner of war. But the operation also brought sad news - the troops found 11 corpses, some believed to be Americans. Lynch, a 19-year-old Army supply clerk, was being flown to Germany for medical treatment. Her condition was not disclosed, but U.S. officials in Kuwait said she was believed to have broken legs, a broken arm and at least one gunshot wound.

------------
**here's the part that got to me**

An Iraqi pharmacist who works at Saddam Hospital told Britain's Sky television that he treated Lynch for leg injuries but that she was otherwise healthy. But he added, "every day I saw her crying about wanting to go home."

AP-ES-04-02-03 1513EST

-----------------------------------

Can any of us just imagine how scared that poor kid was? Lying in an enemy "hospital" bed halfway around the world with two broken legs...a broken arm...she's been shot, tortured, probably seen and heard her friends being tortured and murdered...and wondering if the next person through her door will be the one that murders her

Some might say "oh well, she enlisted...so she can't complain".
That's so bogus-- because I know a few military recruiters...one a good friend of mine since grade school. They don't ever mention being captured, beaten, shot, or tortured when they sign you up--especially to pretty blue eyed high school girls that enlist for non-combat roles...only to earn college money...because they intend to someday teach kindergarden

------
PW

No Perry,
What you say is bogus,IMO.I have to say,this sappy diatribe over Jessica is getting a bit much.YES,she went through HELL!!!BUT,dammit,she is also ALIVE!Her poor family..yet her 18 yr old sister is enlisting as is her Brother from what I understand.Recruiters or not,THEY know this is WAR.
No pass for those that choose to ignore the obvious.They are issued weapons..do they believe they are to be used to play racquetball?
Do you believe honestly that recruiters do not have them sign a waiver?
It spells out the dangers of Military Service.I assume she read it.
You ask..can we imagine what she(the poor kid) went through?Shot,tortured,listening to her comrades in arms in pain or being killed?
YES.I can!In a 'hospital' bed far from home.YES I CAN.
Rescued.YES I CAN.Does this answer your question?No,I was not the cute,girl next door.No,I did not aspire to teach kindergarten.Nor did my second seat airman that did NOT come home..never found..to this day!
I had dreams..he had dreams.I had Family..so did he.I lived.He is still MIA.
It was I that visited his folks in Detroit.I remember that gray snowy day.
A football game was on the TV.His dad..never looked away from it,although the sound was off.He murmered how much Kevin(my wingman) loved the Lions.His Mother,sweet and strong invited me to dinner.Her eyes reddened.Her knees so weak she had to sit often.She held my hand as she showed me his boyhood room...plastered with Sports Trophies and his Boy Scout Eagle patch on the dresser.A High School Prom picture with his fiance ,clean and dusted.His bed made,perfectly.Yes Perry.I can imagine.I offered what I could.I was polite and quiet,allowing them to speak.I left them a forwarding address and told them what had happened...I left out many details.I told them their boy was a hero.We were but 22 years old...in a War not so popular as this.
He had signed up..as I did.We knew.We read.We were aware of the reality.
Just as Police,Fire,Military personel know.You do a dis service to her,IMHO,by painting Jessica as so naive.I assure you,she was not.
She is a bona fide hero.So are all that come under fire to defend our Nation.She is one of 300,000 in theatre.I was one of 500,000.
The numbers are staggering.58,000+ dead in SEASIA.Multiply that ny the family and friends affected.The numbers are staggering.
I know Perry that you meant well...and do not wish to offend you.But,you asked a question.I merely answered it.
You have 2 Photos on your Sig line.I ask again..where is she in the headlines?Where?
Be Well and Safe

[Constructionwx]

No Perry,
What you say is bogus,IMO.

You know what they say about opinions, don't you haws.

I have to say,this sappy diatribe over Jessica is getting a bit much.

Talk about a sappy diatribe. Geezs. What did you just type up?

Do you believe honestly that recruiters do not have them sign a waiver?

Recruiters do not have them sign a waiver. It is done later in the process.

She is a bona fide hero.So are all that come under fire to defend our Nation.

I agree.

You have 2 Photos on your Sig line.I ask again..where is she in the headlines?Where?

Huh?? That's absurd. She is in the headlines.

Be Well and Safe

You too

[chadtm80]

You did mention some good things in your post, but that has all been over shadowed by the quote below..

.I have to say,this sappy diatribe over Jessica is getting a bit much

IT WILL NEVER NEVER NEVER BE TOO MUCH We are all ECSTATIC that they rescued this young soldier and a thread about this should not turn into a debate JMO

[JetMaxx]

No Perry,
What you say is bogus,IMO.I have to say,this sappy diatribe over Jessica is getting a bit much.YES,she went through HELL!!!BUT,dammit,she is also ALIVE!Her poor family..yet her 18 yr old sister is enlisting as is her Brother from what I understand.Recruiters or not,THEY know this is WAR.
No pass for those that choose to ignore the obvious.They are issued weapons..do they believe they are to be used to play racquetball?
Do you believe honestly that recruiters do not have them sign a waiver?
It spells out the dangers of Military Service.I assume she read it.
You ask..can we imagine what she(the poor kid) went through?Shot,tortured,listening to her comrades in arms in pain or being killed?
YES.I can!In a 'hospital' bed far from home.YES I CAN.
Rescued.YES I CAN.Does this answer your question?No,I was not the cute,girl next door.No,I did not aspire to teach kindergarten.Nor did my second seat airman that did NOT come home..never found..to this day!
I had dreams..he had dreams.I had Family..so did he.I lived.He is still MIA.
It was I that visited his folks in Detroit.I remember that gray snowy day.
A football game was on the TV.His dad..never looked away from it,although the sound was off.He murmered how much Kevin(my wingman) loved the Lions.His Mother,sweet and strong invited me to dinner.Her eyes reddened.Her knees so weak she had to sit often.She held my hand as she showed me his boyhood room...plastered with Sports Trophies and his Boy Scout Eagle patch on the dresser.A High School Prom picture with his fiance ,clean and dusted.His bed made,perfectly.Yes Perry.I can imagine.I offered what I could.I was polite and quiet,allowing them to speak.I left them a forwarding address and told them what had happened...I left out many details.I told them their boy was a hero.We were but 22 years old...in a War not so popular as this.
He had signed up..as I did.We knew.We read.We were aware of the reality.
Just as Police,Fire,Military personel know.You do a dis service to her,IMHO,by painting Jessica as so naive.I assure you,she was not.
She is a bona fide hero.So are all that come under fire to defend our Nation.She is one of 300,000 in theatre.I was one of 500,000.
The numbers are staggering.58,000+ dead in SEASIA.Multiply that ny the family and friends affected.The numbers are staggering.
I know Perry that you meant well...and do not wish to offend you.But,you asked a question.I merely answered it.
You have 2 Photos on your Sig line.I ask again..where is she in the headlines?Where?
Be Well and Safe

1) I honor and respect ALL U.S. veterans that serve and have ever served their country, especially in time of war. The yellow bow in my signature is in honor of ALL U.S. prisoners of war and those missing in action. So is the link to the wonderful POW-MIA website created by the Hendersonville, Tennessee police department. So do the flags on my home and car...and the yellow bows. Every name on that missing, captured, and killed in action list are heroes of mine...I grieve for those lost


2) What is so special about PFC Jessica Lynch; that sets her apart from any other soldier, male or female taken prisoner, MIA, or KIA in the Iraqi theatre? Nothing EXCEPT she could pass for my sister's twin at age 18. That's the only reason. I also have a soft spot in my heart for cute little country girls from Appalachia--because my mother was one

3) I searched for a photograph of POW Chief Warrant Officer Ronald Young, Jr...a native of Douglas County, Georgia, to put in my signature. As of two days ago, there were none available that were the right size. I'm praying daily for Ron and his family....and hope and pray he's okay. I'm awaiting the day he returns to a hero's welcome here in Douglasville....because I want to shake his hand, give him a big hug, and welcome him home...thank him for his bravery. I'd love to treat him and his dad to lunch at the restaurant of their choice...in fact, it would be an honor.

4) When PFC Jessica Lynch was rescued on Tuesday evening, I briefly removed her photograph from my signature. Within thirty minutes, I recieved three p.m. begging me to put it back. One gentleman said just seeing her made him smile; another said it reminded them of their own daughter.

5) I honor and thank you for your service to America during the Vietnam conflict. I know it was tough....my cousin was there too.
He has the medals to prove it-- but also the psychological problems and alcoholism caused by being spat on and called a "baby killer" when he returned to southern California after the war

[chadtm80]

3) I searched for a photograph of POW Chief Warrant Officer Ronald Young, Jr...a native of Douglas County, Georgia, to put in my signature. As of two days ago, there were none available that were the right size. I'm praying daily for Ron and his family....and hope and pray he's okay. I'm awaiting the day he returns to a hero's welcome here in Douglasville....because I want to shake his hand, give him a big hug, and welcome him home...thank him for his bravery. I'd love to treat him and his dad to lunch at the restaurant of their choice...in fact, it would be an honor.

If you still have the ones that are to big let me know.. I can shrink them down for you if you would like

[JetMaxx]

I am truly sorry my posts about Jessica have upset some here. Perhaps I went overboard....but it was an honest mistake...caused only by my emotions.

I saw the resemblance to my own little sister...who's also my closest sister, and it immediately melted my heart. Maybe the fact I miss Becky so badly because she's far away in Oregon had something to do with it.

I meant absolutely no disrespect to anyone; especially not to any of the other brave young heroes in her military unit that were sadly lost

God Bless,
Perry

[chadtm80]

I am truly sorry my posts about Jessica have upset some here. Perhaps I went overboard....but it was an honest mistake...caused only by my emotions.

I saw the resemblance to my own little sister...who's also my closest sister, and it immediately melted my heart. Maybe the fact I miss Becky so badly because she's far away in Oregon had something to do with it.

I meant absolutely no disrespect to anyone; especially not to any of the other brave young heroes in her military unit that were sadly lost

Jet there was nothing wrong with your post in no shape or form...

[Constructionwx]

I am truly sorry my posts about Jessica have upset some here. Perhaps I went overboard....but it was an honest mistake...caused only by my emotions.

I saw the resemblance to my own little sister...who's also my closest sister, and it immediately melted my heart. Maybe the fact I miss Becky so badly because she's far away in Oregon had something to do with it.

I meant absolutely no disrespect to anyone; especially not to any of the other brave young heroes in her military unit that were sadly lost

God Bless,
Perry

Hey Perry,

It puts a face to the struggle. I don't see a thing wrong with that.

[Arizwx]

No Perry,
What you say is bogus,IMO.

You know what they say about opinions, don't you haws.

I have to say,this sappy diatribe over Jessica is getting a bit much.

Talk about a sappy diatribe. Geezs. What did you just type up?

Do you believe honestly that recruiters do not have them sign a waiver?

Recruiters do not have them sign a waiver. It is done later in the process.

She is a bona fide hero.So are all that come under fire to defend our Nation.

I agree.

You have 2 Photos on your Sig line.I ask again..where is she in the headlines?Where?

Huh?? That's absurd. She is in the headlines.

Be Well and Safe

You too

CWx,
#1.)No,I don't recall what they say about opinions.Possibly you could enlighten us.I do however believe we have a right to express them respectfully.You just shared yours with us as well.BTW,it's spelled 'Hoss' in my home.
#2.)What I typed was sappy.Ok.My wingman is still MIA...since 1974.My apologies for sharing a piece of my life and Kevin's.Thank you for not mentioning your due respect for his service to our Nation.BTW, it's spelled 'Jesus' in my home.
3.)Waivers in Wartime are done when?At a later time?Wrong.When you get your orders to ship out overseas..you sign.Period.
4.)She is a Bona Fide hero.No argument here.
5.)What headlines are you seeing?Where is our Gal from Tuba City,AZ?
Huh?That is absurd.
6.)Thank You..I will.