[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 99 (Tuesday, July 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1425]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 H. CON. RES. 210 HONORING SPECIALIST SHOSHANA JOHNSON FORMER IRAQ POW

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                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 8, 2003

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I am announcing the introduction of H. Con. 
Res. 210 honoring Army Spc. Shoshana Nyree Johnson, former POW in Iraq, 
and the first African-American woman POW.
  Specialist Johnson was deployed to the Persian Gulf region as a 
member of the Army's 507th Maintenance Company. On March 23, 2003, 
Iraqi Troops ambushed her unit in Nsiriyah, Iraq, and Specialist 
Johnson and five other members of her unit were captured and held as 
prisoners of war. Specialist Johnson, four other members of her unit, 
and two helicopter pilots were rescued by United States Marines on 
April 13, 2003.
  Specialist Johnson, who suffered gunshot wounds in both ankles, 
displayed extraordinary courage and valor during her 21-day ordeal, and 
outstanding dignity since her release.
  She was honored on Capitol Hill on June 12, 2003, at an event hosted 
by the Congressional Black Caucus. Specialist Johnson described her 
experience as ``just doing her job,'' and asked for prayers for those 
still fighting in Iraq. She also remembered fellow POW Private First 
Class Jessica Lynch, a member of her unit who was also captured and 
released. The humility of her remarks reflected the hero that she is.
  H. Con. Res. 210 honors Specialist Shoshana Johnson for her sacrifice 
and for representing the highest ideals of service in the United States 
Armed Forces. To cosponsor this Resolution, please call Jean Mathis of 
my staff on extension 54365.

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