Prayers for Shoshana Johnson- another American Women held captive.

My Squash ^ | 4/5/2003 | Burkeman!

[Burkeman1]

There is an American black women who has been taken captive by Iraq and she has a child. Let us pray for her.

[Howlin]

Absolutely. I think of her often now ......and pray for her parents.

[gatechie]

Absolutely - And Godspeed to those who can rescue her as well.

[Burkeman1]

Me too. Did you see her terrified look on TV? I pray she is alright.

[swheats]

I breathed a sigh of relief when she wasn't among those brave souls who were with Jessica Lynch. I pray for her and those who are still alive for a safe return and those who are aware will tell someone where they are being held.

[livius]

Yes, I have been praying a lot for Shoshana, too. For some reason, I feel really worried about her in particular.

Bump to other prayerful folks.

[Jhoffa_]

Amen..

[cmsgop]

You Got It!

[MEG33]

The POWs are on my mind and in my prayers.May God give her strength and comfort along with all our POWs.

[freesia2]

usnews.com
cover story 4/7/03
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/issue/030407/usnews/7pow.htm


Captured on video
At home in Texas, prayers flow for Shoshana Johnson and her fellow POWs

Conflict with Iraq: Background information and reports from the front line.

By Angie Cannon

As a single mother, Army cook Shoshana Johnson may have had more concerns than most as she prepared to depart Fort Bliss, Texas. But even as she left 2-year-old Janelle with her parents in El Paso, Johnson seemed in good spirits, flashing her trademark smile. "She felt she's a soldier first, and she was going to do her job," says best friend Theresa Rowland.

By last week, though, those warm recollections had been replaced by chilling television footage of Specialist Johnson, 30, being held as a prisoner of war. Johnson was part of a group of soldiers from the 507th Ordnance Maintenance Company at Fort Bliss--welders, mechanics, and cooks--who made a wrong turn and found themselves ambushed in southeastern Iraq. Marines rescued many of them; two were killed, and the fate of an additional eight is unknown. The frightened faces of five POWs, including Johnson, were broadcast worldwide; images of two captured Apache helicopter pilots were displayed a day later.

The realization that one of the detained Americans is female rekindled the debate about women being placed in harm's way. Two American women--one a doctor, the other a transport specialist--were captured in the Gulf War. The military still prohibits women from serving ground combat roles, but in 1994 the Pentagon lifted the rule barring women from posts with regular risk of hostile fire or capture.

The television footage showed Johnson with a bandaged ankle, her arms crossed, her eyes darting. "A lot of people say they see fear in her face," notes her cousin, Gene Madeam Jr. "I think she was looking around because she wanted to be aware of her surroundings. Seeing her made me feel stronger."

Army brat. By all accounts, Johnson--the eldest of three daughters--is a confident and loyal woman with a tight-knit family. Johnson's parents are originally from Panama, and her father, Claude, now retired, is a Gulf War veteran who spent 20 years in the Army. At Andress High School in El Paso, Johnson was a solid student and a member of ROTC. Retired ROTC instructor Lt. Col. Don Hallauer remembers the 1991 graduate as friendly and happy, but he recalls a steely streak too. "She was a really determined young lady," he says. After joining the Army in 1998, Johnson hurt her foot during basic training, but instead of leaving she stuck it out.

Johnson is happiest behind a stove, whipping up chicken enchiladas, stews, or lemon meringue pie; she dreams of someday opening a restaurant. Friends and relatives also describe an outgoing, fun-loving woman who dotes on her daughter, loves movies and CDs by Justin Timberlake, and attends Catholic church every Sunday. Just before Johnson left for the Middle East, her mother, Eunice, gave her a rosary. "I know my sister is praying to God," says Erika Johnson, 26. "And we are saying a prayer every day so all the POWs get home safely."

[nutmeg]

Our thoughts and prayers are with Shoshana and all of our POWs.

nutmeg & zelig

[Tweeker]

May there be another Iraqi inspired by Mohammed's brave efforts on behalf of Jessica, helping to free Shoshana and the other 4.

I heard that Shoshana's family expressed their happiness at the rescue of Jessica...what a gracious group of people during their time of sadness.

[Burkeman1]

she dreams of someday opening a restaurant

I bet it is going to be great.

[ncweaver]

Have been praying for her. Hope she and the other POW's are rescued SOON!!

[dandelion]

Yes, she has been in my prayers now, her and her fellow soldiers, since the day they were ambushed. God knows where they are, and they are not alone.

Father, let them know You are there, let them know we are coming.

[Cindy]

I've been praying for her.

[Davea]

I'll pray too.

[thatdewd]

Prayers for all, and their families too.

[Arkinsaw]

Can't wait to have her back.

[Bellflower]

Yes, we have been praying for her but didn't remember her name. Now we can pray for her by name. Also the other prisoners that were with her. Lord God help them in Jesus Holy Name.