 There were no new developments last night on the whereabouts of a 19-year-old Wirt
County native who is missing in action
in Iraq. The girl's father, Greg Lynch, said his family is praying and hoping for her safety.
Jessica is the daughter of Gregory and Deadra Lynch, sister to 17 year old, Brandi Renee, a senior at Wirt County High
School and Gregory, Jr. (stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.)
Department of Defense officials reported her unit was moving toward the front in southern Iraq Sunday to provide
maintenance to mobile infantry vehicles when they became separated from their convoy in the desert. Iraqi forces surrounded
the truck, killing some of the soldiers and taking others prisoner.
Government officials have reported about twelve soldiers are missing or dead in the war. Iraqi TV paraded five captured
soldiers before cameras Sunday, but Jessica Lynch was not one of them. Iraqi TV also showed video of dead soldiers.
The Wirt County woman is about to turn 20. She is from a rural area off State Route 14 near Palestine, West Virginia,
a member of the 507th Maintenance Company out of Fort Bliss, Texas. She had just completed her first tour of duty and had
re-enlisted for another four years.
Her father said he and his family saw the news coverage of the attack. He said they were immediately fearful she could be
involved. A State Trooper and a representative of the Army came to their home Sunday night to report she was missing in
action.
Yellow ribbons were tied to posts around the Lynch home yesterday.
A cousin described Jessica as a "warmhearted county girl" who wanted to become a teacher. She saw the military as a way
to pay for her education, said the cousin.
The missing soldiers brother is in the military. Family members said he is on his way home.
Greg Lynch said the family received dozens of calls yesterday from the media regarding Jessica.
Also in West Hamlin, West Virginia, a family was mourning the death of a state native killed in southern Iraq. Second Lt.
Therrel "Shane" Childers, was killed Friday during action.
"That was his life. He graduated from high school and that was his determination. He grew up in the military. I'm sure that
planted some type of desire in his heart."" said Brenda Childers, his aunt in Salt Rock, W.Va.
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