Most came to know the name, ‘Shoshana Johnson’ from the headlines that proclaimed her 2003 captivity in Iraq. Her story is the stuff that movies are made of, people line the streets to applaud and honor is given to whom it is due.
For Shoshana Johnson her 22 day ordeal was the beginning of what turned the world of this army cook turned Shero, inside out. Within in the pages of I’m Still Standing: From Captive U.S. Soldier to Free Citizen—My Journey Home, Ms. Johnson candidly reveals her innermost fears as she prayed to be rescued from the ambush that killed 11 of her comrades and left her with injuries sustained from gunshots to both ankles.
Readers are expecting to hear the horrific and mundane events of her imprisonment. What is unexpected is the treatment received by the country she voluntarily chose to serve. It has been in her country where she continues to fight an unjust battle for the most simple need of any soldier returning from war—adequate coverage for ongoing physical and mental needs and livable compensation for all she endured for her country.
Her story is not unlike that of many African American soldiers returned from foreign wars. It however is inspirational in that through it all, she has not been defeated. She continues to move forward raising her daughter, returning to culinary school and speaking to those with an ear to hear. Book purchased by reviewer.
I remember Shoshana Johnson and her story. Many in Chicago lived with it for weeks, maybe months. Forgive my memory. I was working at NBCChhicago, Channel 5 answering the audience services phone line. When the story "grew feet." Many calls came from African Americans with questions. Where is Shoshana? How is she? How is her child? My desk-mate and I started a quiet buzz by telling those calling to tell their church members and friends to call the station (all stations) and ask that they be updated on her situation--at that time unknown. My newsroom gave an innumerable amount of coverage for the other young lady who was saved and hospitalized. Shoshana knows that part well, I'm sure. It worked! When the news came in that she had been found but injured, we cheered, emotions were high.
ReplyDeleteShoshana, may not have known, but many a prayer went out from Chicago for her safe return. I also remember her "tug of war" with the military about receiving aid for her and her child.
I'm so glad she has spoken out about her ordeal and wish her luck with her book. I'm going to buy it.