Lynch's Iraqi rescuer wraps visit to her hometown
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Al-Rehaief (left center) is greeted by residents at the Wirt County Library.
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The Iraqi lawyer who helped U.S. forces rescue Jessica Lynch wrapped up his visit to the hometown of the former prisoner of war. KDKA's Kristine Sorenson reports (October 28)
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PALESTINE, West Virginia (AP) -- An Iraqi lawyer who helped U.S. forces in the rescue of Jessica Lynch wrapped up a tour of the soldier's hometown Monday with a trip to a garden planted in his honor.
"I will not forget. It will stay with me, in my mind, in my heart," Mohammed al-Rehaief said as a ceremonial yellow mum was planted.
But al-Rehaief, who was treated to a four-day tour of the state, a reception and gifts including an "Almost Heaven, West Virginia" lapel pin, was unable to meet with Lynch.
The Lynch family's attorney Stephen Goodwin said the 20-year-old former Army supply clerk was too busy with five-day-a-week rehabilitation from her injuries and commitments related to next month's release of her book, "I Am a Soldier, Too: The Jessica Lynch Story."
"Jessica Lynch is deeply thankful to Mohammed," Stephen Goodwin said. "She looks forward to a private meeting with him in the near future."
Members of a West Virginia group called Friends of Mohammed took al-Rehaief, his wife and 6-year-old daughter on a drive along a mountain ridge. The family also planned to visit Wirt County high school, Lynch's alma mater.
Lynch was captured March 23 after her 507th Maintenance Company convoy was ambushed in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah.
She was rescued April 1 after al-Rehaief alerted U.S. forces and mapped out the hospital where she was being held. He was left blind in his left eye after a bomb exploded as he fled for his life.
Lynch suffered broken bones and other injuries in the attack.
She has since received a medical discharge from the Army.
Al-Rehaief's West Virginia visit follows the recent release of his own book, "Because Each Life Is Precious." He and his wife and child have been granted asylum in the United States.
Copyright 2003 The
Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
