By LYNETTE SOWELL-STEVENS
Cove Leader-Press
Star Group – Veterans Helping Veterans a POW-MIA Remembrance Day observation last Friday morning.
The keynote speaker for the event was Shoshana Johnson, who wounded and taken as a prisoner of war on March 23, 2003. At the time she and other members of her convoy were attacked and captured during the battle of Nasiriyah, she was serving in Iraq with the 507th Maintenance Company, out of Fort Bliss.
Panama-born, Johnson shared that her family’s legacy of service in the United States Armed Forces includes multiple family members on both sides of the family.
“I’m standing on the shoulders of great, inspirational people who came before me. I stand tall at this moment because of those who were willing to make the sacrifice,” she said. Johnson also spoke of the history of women serving in the military, and the importance of fellow veterans volunteering and taking the opportunities to share their own stories of service.
Johnson said that she entered the military as a cook and she never expected to become a prisoner of war.
“When we deployed, we had that conversation about injury or even death. I was more prepared for me to die than to become a prisoner,” she said. “After the ambush, I was waiting to die of fright. But here I am. The Lord had other plans. I had to survive 22 days, seven moves. They moved us seven times, and every time we got close to the Americans us, they moved us. At the time, I was injured. I was shot in both my legs. I am grateful for the medical care I was given during captivity. They performed the operation. I’m grateful. I don’t know if I’d be here. But then Palm Sunday 2003, the United States Marine Corps was beating down the door.”
She said that she is here today because of the intel that enabled the Marines to find them.
“I know that some people think that you did your job, you got rescued, come home, but it’s never the end. I live with the memories of nine who died, who were friends, colleagues, buddies,” Johnson said. “I live with the memory that their children were without them. That one of them died two months before his child was born. I live with the memory of the ambush, being shot, being beaten. Besides the physical effects of that, there are many days when I ask, why am I here, why are these people gone, and I don’t know the answer.
“But every day that I get to tell my story and tell people about how wonderful they were and the sacrifice that they made, it gives me a little peace in my heart.”
After Johnson spoke, a lineup of local veterans’ organizations placed wreaths at the site, and a reading was performed to spotlight a table set up to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action.
While refreshments were served after the ceremony, Johnson visited with veterans and community members alike, and signed copies of her book, “I’m Still Standing: From Captive U.S. Soldier to Free Citizen—My Journey Home”, that some attendees brought to the event.
Copperas Cove Mayor Dan Yancey along with councilmembers Vonya Hart and Howard Hawk represented the City of Copperas Cove. Yancey read a proclamation declaring Sept. 18 as National POW/MIA Day for the City of Copperas Cove.
CSM Adrias Castellanos represented Fort Hood’s First Cavalry Division Brigade, 6-9 Cav Command, spoke of the sacred obligation to account for the missing and support their families.
“As soldiers, we are taught that no one is left behind. That commitment extends beyond the battle. It remains a sacred obligation to account for our missing, support their families, and preserve the memory of those whose sacrifices help secure the freedoms we enjoy today,” he told those gathered. “Here at Fort Hood, we are fortunate to be a part of a community that understands service and sacrifice. The cities of Killeen, Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, and communities across Central Texas have stood alongside soldiers and military families for generations. The bond between this installation and its neighboring communities extends far beyond our gates. It is built on shared values, mutual support, and common commitment to those who wear our nation’s uniform.”
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