USVI: Another Hero falls in Iraq

June 21, 2004 - Pfc. Jason Lynch, 21, son of Paula Pemberton Lynch and Hubert Lynch of St. Croix, was killed by small arms fire Friday evening while on duty in Baghdad.

He is the second Virgin Islander to die in Iraq. Staff Sgt. Kendall Thomas died on April 28.

Lynch had been in the Army 11 months.

Lt. Gov. Vargrave Richards, in his capacity as acting governor, was told the details of Lynch's death by Adj. Gen. Cleave McBean on Saturday.

In a press release Richards stated "We are deeply saddened by the passing of one so young as Jason Lynch, and extend our heartfelt condolences to family, friends and loved ones."

He added, "Everyone in the territory mourns his untimely death and sorrowfully offers our gratitude for his unselfish service to the territory and the nation He will always be held in the very highest esteem for his bravery and commitment to fighting for freedom and democracy against terrorist forces. Jason Lynch paid the ultimate sacrifice by his death so that all people around the world could live in peace and freedom."

In the conclusion of the press release, Richards said he prays that there will be no more lives lost in Iraq.

Rest in peace Pfc Lynch.
May you not have died in vain.

Our deepest condolences to his family.