If you buy Jessica Lynch's book, you could help the children of other soldiers.

WTAP ^ | 10/25/03 | Angela Hatcher

[milemark]

If you buy PFc Jessica Lynch's book when it comes out next month, you could help the children of other soldiers.

The former prisoner of war established a foundation to assist children of soldiers, particularly ones whose mother or father were killed while serving.

Lynch is doing this to honor the memory of her best friend PFc Lori Piestewa, who was killed when the 507th maintenance company was ambushed in March.

Piestewa was the mother of two small children.

Lynch's attorney, Stephen Goodwin, says the foundation will be funded with money from Lynch's forthcoming book and other revenue sources.

Goodwin says Lynch also hopes the foundation will help the Wirt County community.

[milemark]

Lynch Bashers: bash this. I'm sure you'll find a way.

[poet]

Are we Lynch bashers because we don't buy into the heroine BS. They perpetuated a lie and continue to do so.

Is being pinned under a truck a new definition of a hero/heroine?

One REAL hero is that young LT who orderd his men to point their weapons to the ground to assure an angry crowd the soldiers had no intention of destroying their Mosque. Of course, this was a guy and what the libs/feminists needed was a female heroine. The only problem is they forgot to include the doctors in their fabricated story of her being shot/knifed. Time to put this story to sleep. We have heroes dying every day in Iraq to whom we should give the honor of calling THEM heroes.

Flame away.

[Eagle Eye]

You still don't get it, do you?

I don't recall seeing much in the way of Lynch bashing as much as I saw one group swallow a fabricated story designed to give the media and folks back home a hero and another group that didn't believe the story and questioned the merits of the awards.

Not long ago I saw a major get a bronze star for his work as a contracting officer. He may have been better than soap on a rope, but gimme a break!

It ain't about the woman, it's about the fabrications to manufacture a hero.

I certainly hope she has a nice life because she's certainly earned it and gone through much that most will never imagine.

But this would all be a non story if it were "James" Lynch whose unit was lost, ambushed, wounded, captured and rescued.

[jaykay]

Not surprised about the foundation. something was mentioned about it in Publisher's Weekly when Lynch's book deal was first announced, but this article goes into more detail.

[Senator Goldwater]

I'm not a Lynch-basher. I think anyone, including her, who serves our country is heroic.

However, the comments I have heard from the staff at Walter Reed about this young soldier's countenance and manners does not square with the image portrayed in the media.

[jaykay]

I beleive the Lynch Bashers were opposed to her book deal, saying she had no right to profit from her experiences because other soldiers were killed in the ambush. As if she killed them or something! One need not be a hero to write a book. Wouldn't be very many books.

[jaykay]

Really? What have they said? Is there any published report?

[ChadGore]

Re: the heroine BS.

With due respect, she laid her body on the line for my country.

How can I not honor that?

[milemark]

I had a broken leg a couple of years ago. I was not pleasant to be around, even for my family, especially during physical therapy sessions. I wonder what these annonymous commentators, if they exist, would say about my countenance and demeanor. Or any of yours if you were in the same situation. I only had one fracture, Lynch had many and far more severe, with the bones protruding. Yes I wonder what the phantom commentators would say about me or any of you who were in that situation.

[Senator Goldwater]

I'm not casting anonymous aspersions on Pfc Lynch's heroism, courage or service to this nation.

But I have been told by staffers, including nurses who treated her, that she was reprimanded more than once for her conduct, untoward language and treatment of medical staff by officers. And I emphasize that this was in the normal course of her tenure at Walter Reed, not borne of treatment-related emotional outbursts. She was over-bearing and demanding, using caustic and demeaning language in the presence of staff, family and children.

One rehab nurse on her ward called her, and I make a direct quote: "nothing more than West Virginia white trash" given to "temper tantrums" when she didn't get her way.

I honor her service to her country, but I don't doubt the veracity of others who served this soldier, and found her personal demeanor insulting and unprofessional.

[milemark]

You reference no published reports and provide no names of those making these claims, so this is in fact a collection of annonymous aspersions. My own experience with an injury taught me a lot about how mentally exhausting it is to deal with constant, unrelenting pain, even when dulled somewhat by drugs. I have worked as a paramedic in a violent urban area (Detroit, MI) for 15 years and have seen the effect that painfull injury and traumatic experiences can have on even the most mentally tough police officers and firefighters. No one who is suffering from these effects would have any out-of-character outbursts held against them by hospital staff. In fact, I have found that hospital staffers, especially nurses, are very thick skinned and not given to being easily offended, and it's a good thing too. Plenty of cops and firemen have made red-faced apologies to their nurses at the little parties we throw them when they are released from the hospital. Those hospital workers would never talk about these things to outsiders. It would be extremely unprofessional. I don't know if you actually know people who work at WRAMC or have just corresponded online with people who say they work there, but the name calling and inflammatory language you have quoted lead me to beleive the latter. If such people as you describe do work at WRAMC, I feel very sorry for (former) PFC Lynch and all of their other unfortunate patients. Our war wounded soldiers deserve better than having judgement passed on them while they are in severe distress and being talked about behind their backs.

[Senator Goldwater]

Its not an aspersion, its an account of people close to the situation.

Ignore it if it conflicts with your precepts.

[jaykay]

I don't doubt the veracity of others who served this soldier, and found her personal demeanor insulting and unprofessional.

Personal demeanor insulting and unprofessional? This from someone who uses a phrase like "nothing more than West Virginia white trash" behind someone's back, without showing their face and giving their name? Making such ugly comments without giving any opportunity for Lynch to respond? This behavior is not only "insulting and unprofessional," it is craven and cowardly. These comments tell me all I need to know about the person making them and about the person repeating them, Senator.

[jaykay]

I don't know if you actually know people who work at WRAMC or have just corresponded online with people who say they work there, but the name calling and inflammatory language you have quoted lead me to beleive the latter. If such people as you describe do work at WRAMC, I feel very sorry for (former) PFC Lynch and all of their other unfortunate patients.

Good post, MM. The Senator's post is disgusting. I am very disappointed to see such filth on Free Republic. I had thought character assasination to be the specialty of the 'Rats. It appears we have our own vermin in our camp.

[#3Fan]

But I have been told by staffers, including nurses who treated her, that she was reprimanded more than once for her conduct, untoward language and treatment of medical staff by officers. And I emphasize that this was in the normal course of her tenure at Walter Reed, not borne of treatment-related emotional outbursts. She was over-bearing and demanding, using caustic and demeaning language in the presence of staff, family and children. One rehab nurse on her ward called her, and I make a direct quote: "nothing more than West Virginia white trash" given to "temper tantrums" when she didn't get her way. I honor her service to her country, but I don't doubt the veracity of others who served this soldier, and found her personal demeanor insulting and unprofessional.

You don't suppose she was on painkillers, do ya?

[#3Fan]

I'll never forget when I had hand surgery, I didn't take anesthetic because I didn't want to spend any more time in the hospital than was necessary and wanted to drive home after surgery. I was in the recovery room and one of the nurses came in and was talking to me about a couple of famous people I may be related to and I remember as the local anesthetic in my hand was quickly wearing off and I just wanted the nurse to get the hell out of there so I could suffer in private. lol I didn't say nothing though, I was as calm as I could be and spoke to him. That was just a hand, I can't imagine a whole body going through that.

[milemark]

Its not an aspersion, its an account of people close to the situation.

Ignore it if it conflicts with your precepts.

Not an aspersion? Look at your unfortunate choice of wording. People close to the situation? Maybe so, maybe not. No names, no direct quotes so no reason to beleive it is so. Real persons close to the situation who have gone on the record have given accounts which conflict with this annonymous hatchet job. The commander of Landstuhl regional Medical Center in Germany and Lynch's doctor, Lt. Col. Greg Argoyos at WRAMC both described her as a model patient who never complained and worked hard at physical therapy One of her former teachers and the Wirt County Sheriff who said he knew her since she was a baby and others have all made positive comments about her. They have come forward and made their comments publicly. Annonymous backstabbers who may or may not even exist are not worth taking seriously.

[milemark]

I doubt the truth of this story about Lynch's behavior. As jk said, no names, no faces, no credibility. Anyone can say anything behind someone's back annonymously. If they don't have the guts to say their piece in person, they are not fit to be taken seriously.

[milemark]

Personal demeanor insulting and unprofessional? This from someone who uses a phrase like "nothing more than West Virginia white trash" behind someone's back, without showing their face and giving their name? Making such ugly comments without giving any opportunity for Lynch to respond? This behavior is not only "insulting and unprofessional," it is craven and cowardly. These comments tell me all I need to know about the person making them and about the person repeating them, Senator.

Yeah, I should have caught that. Soemone who uses the phrase "nothing more than West Virginia white trash" commenting on someone else being unprofessional and insulting? And behind their back at that! What kind of gutless lowlife would conduct themselves so disgracefully?

[#3Fan]

I doubt the truth of this story about Lynch's behavior. As jk said, no names, no faces, no credibility. Anyone can say anything behind someone's back annonymously. If they don't have the guts to say their piece in person, they are not fit to be taken seriously.

Yeah, exactly right. And good point by jaykay that that phrase is out of place. It looks made up from someone with an agenda.

[AAABEST]

Jessica did nothing but find herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. She was nothing more than a convenient piece of misleading propaganda and shouldn't make one red cent from this tragedy.

She was barely out of the hospital when she was talking about a book deal. What kind of reverence is that? Yes, Jessica is white trash.

I'll bet nobody from the oddly obsessive Jessica "fan club" could name the soldier that died saving her life. For some reason he doesn't matter to them.

Jessica fans have their priorities are shoved in their a$$es.....sideways.

[#3Fan]

Your post is so full of hatred it doesn't require a response. You make our point as well as we can.

[milemark]

Jessica did nothing but find herself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

And Tommy Franks happened to be head of Centcom on 9/11 and be in position to lead two wars, so now he is writing a book and hawking himself as a "motivational speaker." No one would know who he is if not for tragedy and death. But he has every right to profit from selling what other want to buy, as does Jessica Lynch.

Other former POWs are planning to release books as soon as their enlistment is up. Apache pilot and gunner CWO Ronald Young and CWO David Williams will be the next after Lynch, with their book due in the spring of 2004, according to the latest Publisher's Weekly. Expect Shoshanna Johnson's book to be announced shortly as well, with others to follow as they leave the Army. Lynch's is first because she was the first to be discharged. The others would have been just as quick had they gotten out sooner.

[milemark]

Young and Williams planning book about experience

[AAABEST]

You sound like a dumb liberal, someone says something you don't like you label them a hater.

You can't rationalize how a person who did absolutely nothing should become decorated "hero" and a millionaire, you just know that she fits into your happy-world.

I watched to 2 guys die over there and another have both his feet blown off. You don't know squat about "heros". You just know how to run your damn face and falsely call people "haters" just you falsely call others "heros".

If you think you're such a proud supporter of heros, you forget Jessicas stupid book and write a letter to the family of the d00d that got wasted saving her. That probably wouldn't fit into happy world though, where made for TV stories exist.

[AAABEST]

To be truthful, I dont care who writes what book. My problem is the stupidity and exploitative "Americas Sweetheart" circus that followed.

At times, people are like stupid brainless fish, who come to the surface to thoughtlessly consume whatever is tossed into the tank.

[sandlady]

Sir, you're way over the top. You are coming across as a raving idiot. I'm sure that's not your intention.

I'm not surprised that some proceeds from the sales of Lynch's book will benefit children of the fighters killed in the conflict. The way I see it, Lynch has found a way to use her fame to help the dependents of heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for me and my country. I thank her for it!

[PeyersPatches]

"I'll bet nobody from the oddly obsessive Jessica "fan club" could name the soldier that died saving her life. For some reason he doesn't matter to them."

Bingo.

[#3Fan]

You sound like a dumb liberal, someone says something you don't like you label them a hater.

I called you a hater because you're a namecaller. Cut and dried, really.

You can't rationalize how a person who did absolutely nothing should become decorated "hero" and a millionaire, you just know that she fits into your happy-world.

She went when called and she was on our side. Those who make sacrifices for others are heros. There are different degrees of heroism obviously but I'd take her over those that claim conscientous objector.

I watched to 2 guys die over there and another have both his feet blown off. You don't know squat about "heros". You just know how to run your damn face and falsely call people "haters" just you falsely call others "heros".

Blah, blah, blah. Your posts prove my point. Is there anything you're not angry about?

If you think you're such a proud supporter of heros, you forget Jessicas stupid book and write a letter to the family of the d00d that got wasted saving her.

I'm not buying her book but it's fine with me that others want to. I can't thank every soldier's family that died in a letter these last 50 years so you're request is silly. He died for his country, not for Pfc Lynch.

That probably wouldn't fit into happy world though, where made for TV stories exist.

I don't watch that kind of TV either.

By the way I assume you're a returning bannee and you're just getting all the digs you can in because of a need for revenge or whatever but you've picked the wrong guy. I'm liked less than you are around here. lol

[AAABEST]

You are coming across as a raving idiot. I'm sure that's not your intention.

So, you come across as an under-sexed, thoughtless minivan driver on happy pills. I'm sure that's not your intention. I guess we're even.

Does anyone know how much of the proceeds will "benefit" anyone? The reason why I ask is this:

10% of proceeds = I'm an opportunist twit and am giving just enough to cover my ass.

90% = this is a labor of love and I value the ultimate sacrifice paid by others so that I may benefit.

[sandlady]

I don't know percentages and neither do you. I withdraw the "I'm sure this is not your intention" statement. You don't need to whack me upside the head more than twice to get your point across-you are a raving idiot. You will get no response to the personal attack you will now reply to me.

[AAABEST]

By the way I assume you're a returning bannee and you're just getting all the digs you can in because of a need for revenge or whatever but you've picked the wrong guy. I'm liked less than you are around here. lol

Again you don't know squat, in 6 years I've never been banned from FR. Thank you for confirming the fact that you run your head without having a clue as to wtf you're talking about.

I could care less who likes you or who likes me, all I care about (on this forum anyway) is the truth. The truth is that Jessica did nothing but be in the right place at the right time for a convenient propaganda initiative, and all the fools among us line up for tickets.

Sorry but that sucks.

[AAABEST]

You will get no response to the personal attack you will now reply to me.

Don't give them out, and you won't get them in return.

[#3Fan]

Take a look at the post of your new pal in post #30.

[JesseHousman]

Lynch Bashers: bash this. I'm sure you'll find a way.

Oh please! Easy on the pseudo-hero worship crap.

Any nation that puts women in combat situations isn't worth defending.

Miss Lynch was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, but was placed there for political correctness. Everyone, by now, should get it that what the political correctness class wants are HEROines, not heroes!

Medals have become meaningless in non-combat situations. I once got a medal and a parade for revamping a filing system.

[JesseHousman]

#26 was well put!

[#3Fan]

Again you don't know squat, in 6 years I've never been banned from FR. Thank you for confirming the fact that you run your head without having a clue as to wtf you're talking about.

Then where've you been?

I could care less who likes you or who likes me, all I care about (on this forum anyway) is the truth. The truth is that Jessica did nothing but be in the right place at the right time for a convenient propaganda initiative, and all the fools among us line up for tickets. Sorry but that sucks.

Tell you what, don't buy a ticket, or a book, or watch the movie, or whatever. Different strokes for different folks. I won't be buying her book either but I don't think it sucks if others want to read about her.

[CWOJackson]

Mighty strange there Senator since I am very acquainted with one of the doctors and several of the staff that treated her.

They sure do paint a whole different picture then you're trying to pass on.

[JesseHousman]

Piestewa was the mother of two small children.

....and furthermore, Mile Mark, I'm sorry two children don't have a mother, but what kind of mother would leave her kids with someone else and tramp around Iraq where bullets are flying?

This falling into the Political Correctness trap is just sickening.

[twigs]

You do have a point about what constitutes a hero. I struggle with that myself. However, none of the hoopla surrounding Lynch was of her doing. I personally think she's done marvelously well with all the unasked-for attention that has come her way.

[AAABEST]

Then where've you been?

D00d what are you talking about? I haven't "been" anywhere, all you would have had to do is take one second and check my posting history. Again, facts seem unimportant to you.

I've now spent most of our time together correcting your misconceptions and factual errors, thank you for wasting my time.

[#3Fan]

D00d what are you talking about? I haven't "been" anywhere, all you would have had to do is take one second and check my posting history. Again, facts seem unimportant to you.

You haven't been anywhere I've been for a long time then. I assumed you came back with Todd on the buddy plan. lol

I've now spent most of our time together correcting your misconceptions and factual errors, thank you for wasting my time.

Then my mission was a success because it kept you from spewing your hatred in that time. lol

[proud American in Canada]

I was never a Lynch basher, but after reading this a.m. that she was too busy with her book committments to meet with the Iraqui doctor who risked his life to help get her out of the hospital--when he was in her home town!--my opinion of her has changed. I'm ashamed of her.

[sandlady]

Nice to see you condemn people from statements in a one-sided CNN article. Scary.

[UWVMountaineer]

You are mistaken, sir. I know for a fact she was at her Physical Therapy appointment, which she must go to 5 days a week.

[milemark]

http://wowktv.com/news/index.cfm?newsItemID=621:
"Jessica wants to meet with Mohammed, but she wants that meeting to be private, without camera or reporters present.
Jessica is confident her fellow West Virginians will understand her want for privacy and her need for time.
Jessica has a desire to meet everyone who played a role in her rescue and looks forward to doing so in due time, with an absence of fanfare."

Miss Lynch has met the SEAL team who rescued her when they visited her at WRAMC. Here she says she will meet Mr. al Rehaief privately. Al Rehaief has been in the country since before Lynch returned from the hospital in Germany, yet he never visited her at Walter Reed, even though he is working in DC. He also didn't visit her hometown before now, even though she has been back since late July. His sudden visit at this time couldn't possibly have anything to do with the fact that his own book was just released could it? The timing sure makes it look that way. Where was he for the last seven months? Now that he has a book to promote and his NBC tv movie to promote (Lynch did not cooperate with NBC, but al Rehaief is a paid participant), suddenly he wants to get a photo op with Lynch. I guess Lynch is the villain again though.

[milemark]

To be truthful, I dont care who writes what book. My problem is the stupidity and exploitative "Americas Sweetheart" circus that followed.

At times, people are like stupid brainless fish, who come to the surface to thoughtlessly consume whatever is tossed into the tank.

Blame the media for the circus. They created it while she was hospitalized and out of contact with the public. Why begrudge her the opportunity to earn a little money? NBC is cashing in on her without paying her a penny, A&E and the Discovery Channel have done the same, as well as probably others.

[milemark]

I withdraw the "I'm sure this is not your intention" statement. You don't need to whack me upside the head more than twice to get your point across-you are a raving idiot. You will get no response to the personal attack you will now reply to me.

Niclely put, sandlady. You have class. I would not have had as much restraint. Good for you.

[milemark]

The truth is that Jessica did nothing but be in the right place at the right time for a convenient propaganda initiative

The truth is that Lynch was in the wrong place at the wrong time and was severely injured and almost killed. Some propagandists found her misfortune convenient for their agendas. Your hostility towards Lynch would be better directed at those who have used her as their poster girl while she was hospitalized.

[milemark]

...and furthermore, Mile Mark, I'm sorry two children don't have a mother, but what kind of mother would leave her kids with someone else and tramp around Iraq where bullets are flying?

Would she have had the option of refusing her deployment orders? Or are you saying single mothers should not be allowed to enlist in the first place? Not a bad idea, actually.