Posted on 04/24/2007 8:16:56 PM PDT by Tailgunner Joe
WASHINGTON, DC -- Army Private Jessica Lynch told a congressional hearing Tuesday morning that "Americans are capable of creating their own heroes" without the military making them up.
Lynch, a West Virginia native who got tremendous coverage after a military team rescued her from a makeshift Iraqi hospital, joined relatives of NFL-star-turned war hero Pat Tillman in discussing her time in the limelight.
"This is not a time for finger-pointing, but a time for proof," she told the panel.
Lynch's platoon was hit by a rocket and grenade attack on the initial drive to Baghdad in 2003. Three in her vehicle were killed outright and 11 died in the resulting skirmish.
"Tails of great heroism were being told," said Lynch. "Little Girl Rambo who went down fighting. It was not true."
Lynch, who is now attending college classes, said if the stories inspired troops, then perhaps they were of some good.
"But why did they lie and try to make me a lesson when the real heroes were my fellow soldiers who rescued others or fought till the death" she asked.
Lynch said received criticism for having made money from her story, but she noted that "I have injuries that will last a lifetime."
She said she had a six-inch gash in her head and severe back and leg problems. To this day she has no feeling on her left side from her knee down.
Lynch also told of the counselors in the hospital who tried to help her work out emotional and physical issues after she was sexually abused and raped in custody.
Lynch said she remains 100 percent behind the troops in Iraq.
Wow
God bless her. She has been through a lot.
I’m surprised that no mention has been made in the press about the elephant in the living room: she’s living testimony as to why women should not be participating in combat units.
Nah, actually I’m not surprised there’s been no mention of that.
She waited until now. I smell a "book deal".
“But why did they lie”
Because the Washington Post journalist was creative?
I wondered about that, too, but it says she was at congressional hearings (over what, I'm not sure). I assume that translates into: Now that the dems are in control, she was given an opportunity to trash the military.
If the Media forgets to tell your story Jessica, pretty toug for the rest of us to turn you into a hero.
I realize it’s splitting hairs, but technically, IIRC, her unit was considered support and not combat. Of course, a support unit in a firefight might not get the technical difference.
No kidding. The day she got released from the enemy she could have declined all of the attention.
She only helped in creating the image she now calls a lie.
The Democrat-led Congress will continue having such hearings until all vestiges of gallantry and heroism are eliminated from the Iraq campaign. It’s just a part of their deranged overall goal to make certain no one, anywhere, thinks highly of the President, the Administration, or the military.
Thanks again, “protest voters.”
I notice she was VERY quite about such “ Untruths” when people were building her a NEW HOUSE!!!!!
>> Of course, a support unit in a firefight might not get the technical difference.
The difference surely didn’t do her any good. :-(
What an icon for the War Effort. At least the millions "Rosie Riveters" of old had honor in their duties.
Self made heroes like Kerry don’t get challenged by the Dumbocrats.
Jen,
You just said it all.
For those people who thought putting us in the minority would fix some problem they had in their head....well...this is what happens.
They will continue to trash the military. Old Jessica is a joke. Don’t think for a minute Byrd didn’t put her up to this. She had no problem with the lime light when they built her a new home.
she doesnt know shit about shit. if i wanted to make the CEO of GM out to be failure, i don’t think i would go find a minimum wage mechanic and put her in front of the world as my witness.
No, she was clear she did not consider herself a hero as soon as she arrived in the USA.
Here is her testimony:
http://oversight.house.gov/documents/20070424110022.pdf
She seems unaware that her testimony is part of a political circus to embarrass the administration. In my mind, she is a hero just for grabbing a rifle and riding a fuel truck through the most dangerous place on Earth. I wonder if she’s really that naive or unaware of how inspiring her story is to non-combatant Americans. It’s also very inspiring to hear about the Iraqis who risked their own lives to help her.
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