State officials announced Wednesday a Women Veterans Program created to help females transition from the armed forces to civilian life will be led by former prisoner of war Jessica Lynch. The new program, administered by the Department of Veterans Assistance, will look to connect women who may have experienced traumatic conditions in service to helpful benefits. Lynch was captured by Iraqi troops during the Battle of Nasiriyah in 2003 and taken as a prisoner of war. The Wirt County native was injured as her convoy was ambushed. Nine days later, Lynch’s rescue became the first successful attempt since World War II and the first ever for a female prison of war. Now a teacher in West Virginia, Lynch takes opportunities to share her experiences with students, spreading a message of positivity, perseverance and resilience.