LOS ANGELES, April 8 (UPI) -- Jessica Lynch will sign certificates for collectible coins to raise money for her educational foundation, a California collectibles company said Thursday.
Lynch is a former U.S. Army private whose rescue during the Iraq war last year made her a celebrity. She will place her certified autograph on paper inserts inside sealed plastic holders containing coins commemorating themes of liberty and women in the military, the Professional Coin Grading Service said.
PCGS Senior Vice President Miles Standish said a portion of the proceeds from sales of Lynch's autographed coins will be donated to the Jessica Lynch Foundation, which provides scholarships to the children of military personnel.
"I share this, and every honor, with the loving memory of my friend and fellow comrade, Lori Piestewa," said Lynch in a statement.
Piestewa was the first woman killed in combat during the Iraq war.
The first items available with Lynch's signature and accompanying certificate of authenticity will be recently-minted one-ounce U.S. silver eagle bullion coins and 1994-dated commemorative U.S. silver dollars honoring women military veterans.
Former presidents George H.W. Bush and Gerald Ford previously participated in organization's autographed coin program.
