Jessica Lynch Fast Facts Here is a look at the life of Jessica Lynch, motivational speaker and former prisoner of war. Personal Birth name: Jessica Dawn Lynch Birth place: Palestine, West Virginia Father: Gregory Lynch, a truck driver Mother: Deadra Lynch Children: with Wes Robinson: Dakota Ann Education: West Virginia University at Parkersburg, B.A. in Elementary Education, 2011; West Virginia University at Parkersburg, M.A. in Communications Studies, 2014 Other Facts Enlisted in the army after graduating from high school. In December 2002, she signed up for a four year extension in the military. She had already received one promotion and was scheduled for another in November 2003.