Jessica grew up in the small town of Palestine, West Virginia with her parents, brother, and sister. In 2001 after graduating from high school, she joined the U.S. ARMY. She was stationed at Fort Jackson in South Carolina for Basic Training and Fort Lee in Virginia for her Advanced Individual Training. Jessica then was stationed at Fort Bliss in Texas. While stationed at Fort Bliss, Jessica met Lori Piestewa. In February 2003, Jessica's unit was deployed to Iraq. On March 23, 2003, Jessica's unit the 507th Maintenance Company was ambushed. Jessica and Lori were both taken as Prisoners of War with only Jessica surviving. She was held in captivity until she was rescued on April 1, 2003. While in captivity, Jessica was seriously injured. She suffered a broken back, right arm, right foot, left femur, left tibia, a laceration to her head, and several cracked ribs. After years of physical therapy, Jessica went on to complete her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and her Master's degree in Communication Studies. She continues to speak to audiences young and old about her experience as a P.O.W. She has delivered speeches to business corporations, veteran organizations, universities, colleges, schools, and youth groups. Today, Jessica speaks to various groups around the United States about overcoming her obstacles and how perseverance helped her survive. Follow Jessica: ~Facebook: Jessica Lynch ~Instagram: @pow_jessicalynch Website: www.powjessicalynch.com Follow me: ~Facebook: Erik Castillo; Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast; Zimee Wellness Center and Indigenous Sovereignty ~Instagram: @curly815; @straightcouchtalk @zimeewellnesscenter ~YouTube: Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast; Zimee Wellness Center and Indigenous Sovereignty ~Tiktok: @curly0815 ~Anchor FM: Warrior Mindset & Motivation Podcast ~Email: [email protected] ~Paypal: @erikcastillo815 ~Venmo: @curly815 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/warrior-mindset-and-motiv/support