WASHINGTON, June 12, 2003 -- Cong. Rangel Leads Tribute to First Black Woman Held as POW Army Spc. Shoshana Johnson,  who after her capture in the Iraq War became the first American Black woman held as a POW, received a rousing welcome by members of Congress during a Capitol Hill reception on June 12th.

"Ms. Johnson's dedication to her job represents the highest ideals of patriotism and military service," said Cong. Charles Rangel, who inspired the event and drafted and introduced Congressional resolution honoring Ms. Johnson.

On March 23rd, Johnson, a cook with the 507th Maintenance Company, was one of 12 soldiers ambushed in Southern Iraq. Johnson suffered bullet wounds in both ankles. Her visage became well known to the entire world after she was shown in a videotape released by her captors. She was released, along with six other captives on April 13. 

The June 12th event, sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus, was her first major public appearance since her release from captivity.  A standing room only crowd gathered in Congressional hearing room, which was filled by members of members of Congress, including most of the Congressional Black Caucus, assorted well wishers, and packed gallery of media.  The event was marked by pomp and ceremony, including a military "posting of the colors," a vocalist who sang God Bless America, and music by an Army quintet.

The 30-year-old soldier, who was born in  Panama, was accompanied by her mother, Ms. Eunice Johnson of El Paso, Texas, and aunt, Ms. Joanne Amantine of San Diego, CA.  She also has relatives in Brooklyn.  During the event she was moved about in a wheel chair due to ankle wounds sustained in Iraq.

The event was also attended by Les Brownlee, the undersecretary of the Army, who represented the Pentagon brass.  He described Spc. Johnson as an example of the "current greatest generation" of young people serving in the military.

Ms. Johnson, an engaging, jovial young lady was reluctant to speak at the affair, but stood briefly to give thanks for the welcome and to say that she felt "she had done nothing special."  She  asked the audience to pray for those still serving in Irag, and for others who had been captured, including Spc. Jessica Lynch, whose capture and release remains shrouded in mystery.