Jessica Lynch's brother, Greg Lynch Jr. being deployed to Iraq

Parkersburg, WV News and Sentinel ^ | 11/07/03

[milemark]

PALESTINE - The brother of former prisoner of war Jessica Lynch is being deployed overseas. Relatives have said Army Specialist Greg Lynch Jr. is being deployed to Iraq as part of United States forces in the ongoing operation to restore stability to that region.

Spc. Lynch just recently became a member of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) that is headquartered at Fort Campbell, Ky., said Walter Sokalski Jr., deputy public affairs officer U.S. Army Special Operations Command.

The 160th S.O.A.R.(A) is a part of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.

The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) provides aviation support to Army special operations forces.

Lynch had been assigned to the Army's 159th Aviation regiment and trained as an avionics electrican for the Blackhawk helicopter before coming to the 160th.

The 160th has Blackhawk helicopters and Lynch will continue to work on those type aircraft, Sokalski said.

Although relatives said Lynch was going to Iraq, Sokalski could not confirm it.

''Members of the 160th are deployed constantly at numerous locations around the world and as a matter of course we do not normally discuss those deployments for security reasons,'' he said.

''However, I can say that since Spc. Lynch just recently joined the unit he is still undergoing some of the military training crucial to fulfilling the duties of his new assignment.''

Lynch acted as a family spokesman to the national media after his sister was rescued April 1 by U.S. forces from an Iraqi hospital in the city of Nasiriyah.

He also introduced her before the national media at her return to Wirt County in July and rode with her, in uniform, in a parade through Elizabeth during the homecoming celebration.

Lynch's immediate family could not be reached for comment Thursday.

[milemark]

I know our soldiers are very well disciplined and trained, and Spc. Lynch seems very cool headed, but I can't help but think, if she were my sister and me there with a gun, eventually, on a bad day, I may snap and... Especially if any Iraqis find out that he is her brother and start mouthing off at him about how much fun they had with her.

[sonsofliberty2000]

"eventually, on a bad day, I may snap and... Especially if any Iraqis find out that he is her brother and start mouthing off at him about how much fun they had with her."

Good point. Never thought of that.

Patriot Paradox

[kayak]

If he should encounter any of the animals who abused his sister ... or claimed to have done so .... and pops them, I would consider that he has just destroyed some of the enemy, a perfectly legitimate action during war time. And I seriously doubt that any of the terrorists are going to run around asking our soldiers their names so they can taunt them.

I pray for the parents of Spc. Lynch. Having had one child treated so brutally and nearly losing her life in Iraq, I am sure they are quite anxious about having another one enter the war zone .... but they are also probably quite proud of him and his service to the country .... as am I.

[Paul L. Hepperla]

I'm tired of hearing about Jessica Lynch. She's home...others are still fighting. Let's hear about them.

[GOP_Proud]

Uh...back here in West "by God" Virginia, we don't call that snappin'.

[GregB]

Don't forget how The US ARMY used her. Well she got medals and a big mouth...

[Consort]

Leave her alone.

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

(Uh...back here in West "by God" Virginia, we don't call that snappin'.)

Some of our best field people were from W. Virginia.

[CWOJackson]

Ah, the I hate Jessica crowd never tires.

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

Plenty of arm chair warriors here...

[CWOJackson]

It never ceases to amaze me at just how low the I hate Jessica crowd can go.

They complain they are sick of her but haunt any and every thread they can find with her name. Makes you wonder about their personal level of insecurity that they have to focus so much hatred and venom at this wounded soldier.

What next, PFC Lynch is responsible for their fat thighs?

[Amelia]

I'm sure it's important to the Lynch family, but is this really breaking news?

Greg Lynch, Jr. is a soldier. I don't see anything all that newsworthy in the fact he's being deployed - lots of soldiers either have been or will be.

[Chad Fairbanks]

This is breaking news why? Maybe it's breaking news in West Virginia, but national? I don't think so. When was the last time we had national breaking news about an individual soldier being deployed?

The media sucks.

[Graybeard58]

When was the last time we had national breaking news about an individual soldier being deployed

My son leaves Ft. Lewis, Washington on Mon. Nov. 10th for Iraq. His sisters aren't in the military. I keep watching national news for this story, one of the most significant events in my life time but haven't seen it yet. I won't hold my breath waiting either.

[Chad Fairbanks]

Well, next time you talk to him, tell your son I said "Thank you".

[niteowl77]

I am in something of the same situation. One kid to my name, and no one in this town outside our small circle even knows he's in Iraq.

May God protect your son; my best wishes go to both of you and the rest of your family.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

I thank your children for their service and you for your sacrifice.

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

I honestly think their hatred is a sign of a deeper mental/emotional problem. A teenaged girl from West Virginia who was ambushed and then raped and all they can do is cast stones. She is not a hero. However, she joined our military (like most of her family apparently) and did her duty. She suffered, and if you believe the rationale for the war as Presented by President Bush, she helped protect us. That is much more than can be said for 95% of the people on this board (serving in a live combat area). God Bless her and everyone else over there.

[ican'tbelieveit]

Well, we know now, and thank you and your son very much for allowing me and my children to keep walking down our streets, and enjoying our lives here daily.