I'D LIKE TO SHAKE HER HAND

For refusing to take the race bait.

Gratefully acknowledging the risk that U.S. Marines took to rescue her and five others in her Army convoy -- ambushed on March 23, 2003, in Iraq -- Johnson recalled it was a rainbow of black, white and Hispanic fighters who saved her.

"Those Marines didn't care what color we were. We were U.S. soldiers, and they were going to rescue us," she said. "And we didn't care what color they were."

Race became a point of debate nationwide when Johnson fought for and ultimately received an increase in disability pay after her stint in captivity.

Some argued that another high-profile prisoner, Jessica Lynch, received more than Johnson because Lynch is white.

Johnson insisted she never thought she deserved more than Lynch, who suffered graver injuries, but said all prisoners of war should receive more than they do.

"It's very common for veterans to have to fight for their disability," she said. "I'm not bitter. I'm not upset. I'm just happy to be alive."