Lynch to visit reservations

By Pamela G. Dempsey
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — In honor of former POW Jessica Lynch's first visit to Tuba City, the community is hosting a public reception March 24.

Lynch, a roommate and friend of Pfc. Lori Piestewa, was rescued by U.S. Special Forces from an Iraqi hospital after being taken in the ambush in which Piestewa was killed in March 2003.

Lynch is scheduled to attend a memorial in honor of Piestewa the day before in Phoenix.

The reception, however, is not a memorial, but a welcome-event for Lynch's visit.

"It was really a request from Native American groups who could not be (in Phoenix)," said Rosanda Suetopka Thayer. By holding a reception in Tuba City, "it gives them an opportunity to meet here and welcome them to the community."

The Tuba City Unified School District donated the use of its Warrior Pavilion and several individuals and companies are pitching in food and flowers.

"This is her first formal visit to all three reservations," Suetopka Thayer said of Lynch's trip to the Hopi, San Juan Southern Paiute, and Navajo reservations.

Suetopka Thayer said that initially, a request was made for a private reception at a much smaller facility, but as word spread around town, more and more calls came in donating items and help. The party grew as did the place to hold it. The school then donated use of its Warrior Pavilion.

"This was a way to accommodate the community's need," Suetopka Thayer said.

Lynch is scheduled to spend the day with Piestewa's family privately and the evening with the Tuba City community.

While the reception is open to the public, media interviews with the Piestewas or Lynch will not be granted.

Master of Ceremonies will be Dennis Bowen.

To be included on the honor reception color guard list or for more information, contact Rosanda Suetopka Thayer at (928) 283-5317.

To donate food, contact Reva Hoover, Bashas' Corporate Offices at (928) 283-5317, or Helen Hunter, director food services, (928) 283-1029.