Do you know who I am? You should. I'm going to turn 20 years old on April 26, 2004. At one time I was extremely famous, and a lot of people tried to take advantage of my life to promote their own political agenda. But deep down inside, I am a normal, good-hearted person from Palestine.
I am discharged now, but you probably know me as
Private Jessica Lynch.
Ever wonder what I'm up to? Well, if you clicked on my name, it'll take you to my website. Actually, it's the website for the Jessica Lynch Foundation, a charity I helped set up to aid children of veterans who were wounded or killed. Many of you didn't buy my book, "I am a Soldier Too" but the proceeds from it help a lot of people.
A lot of people ask me how I am, and I'll tell you: I'm fine. I walk with a cane, but after a year of close family support, I am ready to be in the public eye again.
On February 27, 2004 Carnival Cruise Lines paid me to the "godmother" of one of their ships. It's silly, but they also gave my foundation a lot of money, which will go to help the children in Wirt County, West Virginia. That's where I'm from!
On April 9, 2004, I gave a motivational speech about teamwork to MCI salespeople. That goofy network TV movie they made about me focused on the individual, but my best friend died in that attack in Iraq over a year ago. I never would have made it through without the other members of my team.
On April 14, 2004 I was in Asheville, North Carolina for a book signing. It was free to the public and I was so enthused by the warmth people showed me.
The next day I was in High Point, NC doing another book signing.
Part of the profit from every book goes directly to the charity with my name on it. But I do more than just book signings. On April 20, 2004 I was at Duke University hospital to meet with patients. You can see my new haircut if you click on that article.
So what's ahead for me? Well, on May 8, 2004 I will be the commencement speaker at the West Virginia University of Technology. I also find time to call the families of American hostages in Iraq, even though I wish people wouldn't tell the media about it. I know, I've been through it.
Click here if you want to see an embarassing photo essay Time Magazine put together about me.
Anyway, I just want to say to one and all, that I appreciate the kindness and love that the American people have shown to me. Although I was given an 80% disability rating when the Army discharged me, I want you to know I work hard to heal myself.
And even though I never chose to be one, a lot of younger people out there consider me a role model, and I want you to know I'll do the best I can to live up to your ideals. Keep sending me your poetry!
Once and always a soldier.
Sincerely,
Jessica Lynch