Former Iraq war POW from Fort Bliss re-enlists

EL PASO, Texas -- Former prisoner of war Spc. Joseph Hudson has re-enlisted in the Army for another two years and said he hopes to teach other soldiers how to survive captivity.

Fort Bliss commander Maj. Gen. Stanley Green administered the oath Thursday while Hudson's wife, daughter, mother and sister-in-law stood beside him.

"I'd like to thank God for still being here, and my wife who supports me," Hudson said. "I know my previous experience will help me in the future to train other soldiers."

Hudson, 23, was among six soldiers captured March 23, when the 507th Maintenance Company became separated from its convoy and was ambushed by Iraqi forces near Nasiriyah. Nine members of the 507th died in the attack.

Hudson and four other POWs were held captive for three weeks until U.S. Marines rescued them and two helicopter pilots. The sixth POW, Pfc. Jessica Lynch, was rescued earlier.

Hudson's mother, Anecita, said she supports his decision to re-enlist.

"I'm just crossing my fingers that he doesn't go far away," she said. "He scared the hell out of me already. I'm hoping he doesn't do it again."