by Alyson Rimsha
Daily Lobo
Shoshanna Johnson joined the Army with dreams of being a cook.
She didn't know she would end up the first African-American female POW.
Johnson spoke at UNM's Student Union Building on Saturday in celebration of Black History Month.
She was 31 years old and a food service specialist with the 507th Maintenance Company when she was captured March 23, 2003, during the war in Iraq.
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Her convoy was ambushed near the city of An-Nasiriyah, Iraq.
Johnson was held captive for 22 days.
Johnson said she suffered injuries to both legs from a bullet to her ankle. U.S. Marines rescued the POWs during house raids in Samara, Iraq, on April 23, 2003.
"Being rescued was an unbelievable experience," she said. "I couldn't wait to come home."
There was controversy surrounding her rescue. She was captured in the same ambush as Jessica Lynch but rescued after Lynch. Lynch's story received heavy media coverage. The government gave Lynch 80 percent disability when she was discharged. Johnson received 30 percent.
Johnson retired from the military Dec. 12, 2003, with a Temporary Disability Honorable Discharge.
Johnson said she suffers from pain in both legs due to her injuries but is lucky.
"I am thankful to feel the pain, because so many lost their limbs," Johnson said.
Johnson, a single mother with one daughter, said her greatest fear was that she would never see her daughter again.
"It was my own selfishness, but I wanted to see her grow up and go to school and get married," she said.
At the opening brunch for Black History Month, Johnson said her experience was sobering.
"Everything in life is a learning experience," she said. "I volunteered for this job, and I knew the consequences of my actions."
Johnson said the experience made her a stronger and more appreciative person.
"I learned the little things in life are so wonderful and to appreciate my family and good friends," she said.
John Garcia, secretary of New Mexico Veterans Affairs, thanked Johnson for her courage and bravery.
"Black history is alive and well because of people like you," Garcia said to Johnson.
Garcia said all the men and women of color who fought for the United States should never be forgotten.
"Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know," he said.
Retired Chief Master Sgt. Ray Burton of the United States Air Force said Johnson was awarded the Service Ribbon, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal and the Prisoner of War Medal, among several others.
