Jessica Lynch:
Her War, Her Story
Reflections of an Iraq War POW
March 18, 2023 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Marriott Marquis
901 Massachusetts Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20001
About The Event
Two decades ago, just three days after the March 20, 2003-start of the Iraq War and Operation Iraqi Freedom, a convoy element of the 507th Maintenance Company was ambushed by Iraqi military forces. At the end of a fierce firefight, 10 American Soldiers were dead and several more injured. Of the wounded, seven were captured, becoming Operation Iraqi Freedom’s first American prisoners of war.
On the eve of Operation Iraqi Freedom’s 20th anniversary and in honor of the brave men and women of the 507th who heroically and selflessly battled the enemy during the attack of March 23, 2003, the Military Women’s Memorial will host a commemorative dinner at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC. Delivering the keynote and her compelling first-hand story will be Purple Heart recipient, former 507th POW, and honored guest, Jessica Lynch.
America lost 11 soldiers as a result of that March 23 battle, each a hero and national treasure. In their honor, the nonprofit running community wear blue: run to remember, will join the evening, offering their signature Circle of Remembrance and display of the Fallen portraits.
This evening event will include:
- Open Bar Reception
- 3-Course Dinner
- Keynote by former POW Jessica Lynch
- Remembrance ceremony & display by wear blue: run to remember
- Copy of Jessica’s Book, I’m A Soldier Too: The Jessica Lynch Story
About the Featured Speaker
Jessica Lynch is a former United States Army Private First Class (PFC) and a former prisoner of war. On March 23, 2003, she was serving as a unit supply specialist with the 507th Maintenance Company when her convoy was ambushed by Iraqi troops. Lynch was seriously injured during the attack and taken prisoner by Iraqi soldiers. Ten U.S. soldiers were killed in the ambush. Seven other soldiers were captured and six subsequently rescued 21 days later. One of the seven, Lynch’s best friend and battle buddy, PFC Lori Piestewa, received a serious head wound and later died in an Iraqi civilian hospital. Lori was posthumously promoted to Specialist and awarded the Purple Heart and Prisoner of War Medals.
Lynch’s subsequent recovery by U.S. Special Operations Forces on April 1, 2003, was the first successful rescue of an American prisoner of war since World War II and the first ever of a woman.
On July 22, 2003, Lynch was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Prisoner of War Medal.
Jessica has appeared on Good Morning America, Today Show, CBS Morning Show, Huckabee Show, CNN, MSNBC, David Letterman Show, Fox, Prime Time on ABC with Dianne Sawyer, E News!, CBN, and various local networks throughout the country. She has appeared on numerous magazine covers such as TIME and People. She has been named West Virginian of the Year as well as Glamour Woman of the Year. In 2014, Lynch made her acting debut as specialist Summer L. Gabriel in the 2014 film Virtuous. Her role was loosely based on her own experiences during the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.
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