Daily Mail columnist
There hasn't been a day in the last 10 that I haven't thought about Jessica Lynch.
She's the reason I support our troops in Iraq unconditionally.
Sometimes when I close my eyes, I see that picture of her that's been sent around the world -- sitting at the base of that big
tree that's probably located near her Palestine, W.Va., home, smiling at the camera and looking for all the world like a
professional model.
That picture ought to send a message to all those people who like to bash West Virginia as a state filled with nothing but
toothless hillbillies. Jessica is beautiful, and I'll put her up against any woman anywhere when it comes to natural radiance, the
kind that comes from deep inside, not the ephemeral variety that's smeared on with brushes and powder puffs.
The first words I read about 19-year-old Jessica made me proud of her. That story about her appeared 10 days ago when
she was reported missing in action in Iraq.
She was part of the 507th Maintenance Company from Ft. Bliss, Texas. The military reported that Jessica's group made a
wrong turn as they approached the Southern Iraq city of Nasiriyah, where fighting has been intense.
Jessica's truck started crossing a bridge when irregular Iraqi soldiers ambushed it. The truck, part of a convoy, was
overwhelmed.
Jessica became "missing in action" on that day. On Tuesday, a miracle happened. She was rescued and soon, no doubt, she'll
be on her way home.
That first story I read about her described Jessica as a young woman who joined the Army so she could get the money she
needed to go to college and become a teacher. Later stories noted that Wirt County, where her hometown is located, is one
of the most economically depressed regions of West Virginia.
Jessica is a patriot. True patriotism has a depth to it that goes beyond waving flags, singing "God Bless America" or even
volunteering for the armed forces. True patriotism may mean defending one's country.
But it also means doing what has to be done to measure up to what this country offers in the way of freedom and
opportunity, even if doing it might put you in harm's way.
Jessica's story has been repeated countless times in West Virginia and millions of times in America.
These young men and women become heroes and patriots the moment they make their decision to do something for
themselves and their country. They are the very soul of America, a country that guarantees us the right to pursue happiness.
They are what make us great.
So how could I not support Jessica, not only for the way she served in Iraq but also for the decisions she has made to do the
honorable things that will make a life for her after her military service?
West Virginia needs Jessica and a million more like her. She is what America is all about or should be about.
Jessica says she wants to become a teacher. No, no. She's already a teacher, and the lesson she has offered us all ought to
be heeded.
Peyton's column appears on Monday and Thursday and can be accessed on the net HUR HERALD LINKS. He can be
reached at 522-0179
