Honoring Retired United States Army Specialist Shoshana Johnson.

WHEREAS, Specialist Johnson was compelled to serve her country, and enlisted in the United States Army in 1998; and

WHEREAS, Specialist Johnson answered a call to combat and was deployed to the Persian Gulf to lend her expertise as a chef, preparing meals for those on duty; and

WHEREAS, On March 23, 2003, Specialist Johnson along with other members of the 507th Maintenance Company were ambushed by hostile forces near the city of Nasiriyah, resulting in the death of nine soldiers and the capture of Specialist Johnson; and

WHEREAS, Upon her capture, Specialist Johnson became the first female African American Prisoner of War; and

WHEREAS, After 22 days in captivity and after sustaining injuries, including two gunshot wounds, Specialist Johnson, along with four other soldiers were rescued and returned to safety; and

WHEREAS, Specialist Johnson retired from active duty as a decorated hero, receiving the US Army Service Ribbon, the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart; and

WHEREAS, In addition to being a hero to her country, Specialist Johnson is mother to one beautiful daughter, Janelle; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby commend and thank Specialist Shoshana Johnson for her dedicated service to her country, her unyielding faith, grace and humility in the face of peril danger, and her contribution to the liberty and freedom of all people.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Ms. Johnson as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End