Former Iraq prisoner of war Jessica Lynch is coming to the Manatee County Fair
Jessica Lynch, an Iraqi prisoner of war in 2003, will be the keynote speaker at the Manatee County Fair’s veterans night Jan. 21.
Lynch, then an Army private first class and a member of the 507th Maintenance Company, was injured and captured by Iraqi forces March 23, 2003, during an ambush of her convoy.
She was rescued April 1, 2003, from an Iraqi hospital by U.S. special operations forces.
For her service, Lynch received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Prisoner of War medals.
After years of physical therapy, Lynch 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 about her experience as a POW and how perseverance and a positive outlook helped her survive.
Along with being a motivational speaker, she is a mother and an educator.
Carl Hunsinger, president of Manasota Veterans and former chair of the Manatee County Veterans Council, announced that Lynch would be this year’s veterans night keynote speaker.
“This is our third Manatee County Fair night for veterans. Thanks to Palmetto Build, our entry fee on Jan. 21 is free all night long for everyone,” Hunsinger said.
Veterans are asked to show up no later than 5:30 p.m. and are invited to take part in a veterans parade, starting near the entrance of Veterans Hall.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard will present the colors during the National Anthem.
The entertainer for the night will be Memphis county recording artist Darryl Worley.
Midway armbands will be available for $20.
This year, the Manatee County Fair is set for Jan. 16-26. For more information about the fair, visit https://www.manateecountyfair.com/.
