| By Bob Weaver
The face and life of Wirt County native Jessica Lynch has brought the Iraqi
war close to the people of Wirt County, and close to all of America.
The 19-year-old soldier, missing in action since March 23rd, has been the
subject of hundreds of articles, TV reports and media specials, worldwide,
acknowledging the nature of war and what it brings to soldiers, their
families and all people of conscience.
At times last week there were so many media people up Mayberry Run at
Jessica's home place, the police had to assist.
Lynch could have some tragic "firsts" attached to her life and soldiering,
but all are prayerful she will be a miracle survivor. That was evident last
week when hundreds gathered before the Wirt courthouse, humbly asking
for her life.
Also missing in action is another female soldier, Pfc. Lori Piestewa of
Arizona, a 22-year-old Hopi Indian from the Navajo Reservation.
Two members of the 507th Maintenance Company from Ft. Bliss, Texas
have been declared dead, and others are missing. Some of the 507th were
paraded before Iraqi TV, including pictures of lifeless bodies.
Since then at least four bodies have been discovered in a shallow grave in
the area of capture and discarded bloody uniforms were found in a vacant
hospital.
The military says Jessica's group made a wrong turn as they approached
the southern Iraq city of Nasiriya. Fighting around the city has been some
of the most intense action of the war.
Sources have said Jessica's truck started crossing a bridge to be
ambushed by irregular Iraqi soldiers. A six-truck convoy was bringing
supplies and helping front-line troops. They were suppose to be operating in
a secure area.
The convoy was overwhelmed. Missing are five prisoners of war and eight
missing in action.
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