Thursday, January 7, 2010

I'm Still Standing by Shoshana Johnson

I'm Still Standing is a true story by Iraq veteran Shoshana Johnson. She was the first female POW of the Iraq war and the first black female POW in United States history. I think she would gladly give that honor up but she is a part of history now that can't change. My husband and i are both Desert Storm vets and interestingly enough we both were 88 Mikes or truck driver for the civilians out there. We drove in hundreds of convoys drove thousands of miles during the Gulf War. This is why this story touches me and when it was happening really upset  me. to close to home for me. Below is a description of the book. and a link where you can read the first chapter and pre order if you wish.

In March of 2003, when Operation Iraqi Freedom was only days old, world headlines were made when a U.S. army convoy was attacked in the city of An-Nasiriyah en route to Baghdad. Several soldiers were killed and others were taken prisoner.

Jessica Lynch became the face and name associated with this tragedy, but another female soldier, Shoshana Johnson, was also wounded and captured in the ambush. A video of Shoshana being interrogated by her captors was soon broadcast on Spanish-language television and then picked up by American media. Shoshana had become the first black female prisoner of war in United States history. She was held for twenty-two days.

When Shoshana returned to the United States, she received numerous awards for her valor, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Prisoner of War medals. She appeared on news networks and national television shows such as Oprah, Ellen, The Tonight Show, and Larry King Live, but she was bound by a military gag order. She was unable to discuss what really happened in Iraq -- until now.

Shoshana holds nothing back in this harrowing account of an ordinary woman caught in an extraordinary circumstance. She reveals decisions made by higher-ups that may have led to the capture, describes the pain of post-traumatic stress disorder, and shares the surprising story of how a specialist in a maintenance company ended up on the front lines of war.

Divulging personal emotions and frustrations while raising fresh political issues, I'm Still Standing is the never-before-told and much anticipated story of the headline-making ambush, capture, and rescue described with the exceptional bravery and candor of a single mom and soldier who became an American hero.

http://books.simonandschuster.com/I'm-Still-Standing/Shoshana-Johnson/9781416567486

I hope people will take the time to read this story and learn Shoshana's story.

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