Ex-POW’s brother becomes family spokesman

By ALLISON BARKER
Associated Press Writer

Published April 7, 2003

PALESTINE, W.Va. — Until a few days ago, Army Pfc. Gregory Lynch Jr. was repairing helicopters at Fort Bragg, N.C.

But since his sister, former POW Jessica Lynch, was rescued from an Iraqi hospital by U.S. commandos in a raid last week, the 21-year-old has become one of his family’s most visible spokesmen.

“I took that responsibility upon myself when dad fell ill,” Lynch said before flying with his family to Germany to be reunited with his sister. “I can speak to people and not necessary tell them what they want to hear but tell them the truth. I’m pretty good at that.”

After news began to spread about Jessica Lynch’s rescue, the family’s 76-acre country home became a sea of satellite trucks and reporters, representing all major networks and newspapers from as far away as London.

Gregory Lynch Sr. had done nearly all the interviews when his daughter was first reported missing following an ambush of the 507th Maintenance Company March 23 when it made a wrong turn. Nine bodies of Americans were found during her rescue.

After his father nearly collapsed from exhaustion, the younger Lynch took his place, chatting with CNN’s Larry King, CBS’s Jane Clayson and others. The family even sent pizza to the media camped outside their home one evening.