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File #: 040231    Version: 0 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: ADOPTED
File created: 3/11/2004 In control: CITY COUNCIL
On agenda: Final action: 3/11/2004
Title: Honoring Retired United States Army Specialist Shoshana Johnson.
Sponsors: Councilmember Kelly, Councilmember Ramos, Councilmember Mariano, Councilmember Goode, Councilmember Reynolds Brown, Councilmember Rizzo, Councilmember DiCicco, Councilmember Blackwell, Councilmember Tasco, Councilmember Nutter, Councilmember Clarke, Councilmember Miller, Councilmember Krajewski, Councilmember Cohen, Council President Verna, Councilmember Kenney, Councilmember O'Neill
Title
Honoring Retired United States Army Specialist Shoshana Johnson.
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            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.
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