WOMEN IN COMBAT Lynch Said Announcement Allowing Women In Combat "Good News"
Reported by: Associated Press
Web Producer: Jeff Morris
Reported: Jan. 24, 2013 2:04 PM EST
Updated: Jan. 24, 2013 2:42 PM EST
Eyewitness News Photo
Morgantown, Monongalia County
, West Virginia
Former prisoner of war Jessica Lynch called Defense Secretary Leon Panetta's announcement allowing women in combat roles good news for the U.S. military.
The West Virginia resident said women have long been integral to victories in the fight for freedom.
Lynch was 19 when she was captured after her Army unit took a wrong turn and came under attack in Iraq in 2003. She was rescued after nine days in captivity.
Lynch urged Americans to support military men and women, and to push U.S. officials to ensure they have proper training and equipment.
Panetta said allowing women to fill combat roles will strengthen the U.S. military's ability to win wars.
But military leaders must decide which, if any, jobs will still be open only to men.
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