Families of recovered US servicemen notified

Reuters | 4/13/03

[kattracks]

Families of recovered US servicemen notified

WASHINGTON, April 13 (Reuters) - Several families of U.S. soldiers captured in the Iraq war said they got official confirmation on Sunday that their relatives were safe, CNN reported.

The family of Spc. Soshana Johnson, 30, of Kansas, the only woman officially listed by the Pentagon as a prisoner of war, said the Department of Defense Pentagon told them she had been recovered, according to CNN.

Ronald Young Sr., the father of Chief Warrant Officer Ronald Young Jr., a captured Army pilot, said he also received official confirmation that his son was among the seven recovered north of Baghdad. Earlier, he and his wife said they had recognized their son and his fellow pilot, Chief Warrant Officer David Williams, from television footage of the recovered American servicemen.

MSNBC reported that the family of Sgt. James Riley, 31, listed as captured along with Johnson, also was notified he was safe.

The U.S. military, while confirming that seven had been recovered, was delaying the release of their names while all the families were being notified.

(Doina Chiacu, Americas Desk, 202-789-8015)

04/13/03 10:15 ET

[Oldeconomybuyer]

I have mixed feelings about the cable news media releasing names already ... and hope the local news media leave these families alone.

[two23]

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[BenLurkin]

[RANGERAIRBORNE]

kattracks, you beat me to it- and with more details, too. Good job. (I am going to have to learn to type faster- perhaps if I used more than two fingers I could speed it up...)

[BrooklynGOP]

Lib, that aspect was already commented on the first day of her recovery.

[SouthernFreebird]

How long before someone makes a big deal on how Jessica Lynch is getting all the attention and a black girl POW doesn't get nearly the positive stories?

It didn't take long for you to post this looking for trouble. Can't we just enjot some good news with picking fights. BTW I'd like to hear something about this woman we haven't heard much at all about her all morning.... and I'm white so don't go there.

[SamAdams76]

How long before someone makes a big deal on how Jessica Lynch is getting all the attention and a black girl POW doesn't get nearly the positive stories?,,,,,,,

Man, it's only been three hours since we got the news early on a Sunday morning. Most of the nation is still in bed!

This story is going to be huge and I'm sure the stories of all seven will be told in full in the days and weeks ahead. The nation will know more about these seven (and PFC Lynch) than the cast of Survivor. (And that would be a good thing.)

[milagro]

AMEN!

Her family just issued a statement--and basically they gave thanks for ALL the prayers! I sure as heck don't think her family cares where--or from whom--those prayers came from, and I KNOW God does not!

Shoshanna Johnson did not get huge (or hugh) media attention because she was not rescued in a dramtic fashion.

Our getting back these seven POW's is such a wonderful Palm Sunday gift and we do not need to "delight in evil" but "rejoice in the truth"--as I am sure Shoshanna Johnson's family is doing right now!

[World'sGoneInsane]

It was reported on tv that she had two bullet wounds to her ankle. She was shot twice during her ordeal. There is another soldier that required medical attention as well. FYI, this was reported without mentioning race or gender. You are the only one that seems to have brought either up as an issue. I bet if you asked any of the now free-POW's, none of them would make an issue out of it. I don't know what the media will make of it in the next few days, but we should be better than the media.

[RANGERAIRBORNE]

kattracks, DIOGENESIS beat us both- and with pictures. BUT, he didn't put "POW" in the headline, so it didn't come up when I searched.

[HairOfTheDog]

How long before someone makes a big deal on...

I guess not long, thanks to you! sheeeeesh!

All of them are a big deal right now. Every last one of them.

[HairOfTheDog]

American POWs freed after tip from Iraqi.

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

We are with you. First let me say we are so relieved so grateful to God that these soldiers were found.

PRAISE GOD!!

Lastly, Jessica and now the 7 remaining rescued POW's should be left alone. If "THEY" want to tell their story, it should be up to them.

The news media's should give them their number, and say "when your ready, if you "ever" want to talk.. here is my number. Please call. We understand you may not want to, and may want to retain your privacy, its up to YOU".

These fine young men and women have given enough. The extra stress that the media is adding to some of their lives is cruel and unreasonable.

Leave them alone!

NUFF said.

[homeschool mama]

**How long before someone makes a big deal on how Jessica Lynch is getting all the attention and a black girl POW doesn't get nearly the positive stories?,,,,,,, **

You just brought it up. Save it.

I'm absolutely THRILLED for the recovery of ALL our POW's. The pictures available so far show they rec'd somewhat good treatment...very thankful for that.

[homeschool mama]

:o) Bump!

[homeschool mama]

**It was reported on tv that she had two bullet wounds to her ankle. She was shot twice during her ordeal.**

The available photo shows Shoshana Johnson as able to walk. Could it be she rec'd medical attention? Or that the wounds were not invasive?

[milagro]

I think she was one of the two who need medical attention. In the picture it looks like she is being supported by two soldiers--she did have some kind of injury to her ankle. But--other than that--I think she's OK!