One Penn State student was a part of the most well-known military operation that took place in Iraq.

Christopher Yanik, a member of the United States Army Rangers, took part in the rescue of Jessica Lynch this past spring.

Lynch received international publicity after the 20-year-old became a prisoner of war (POW) in an ambush that killed 11 soldiers. She received a million-dollar book deal plus royalties for her story.

Yanik, of Dallas, west of Wilkes-Barre, left the country at the beginning of March and returned in the end of April.

His battalion was told there was a possible POW alive in Nasiriya, Iraq, and the mission was to rescue her.

Yanik, a 24-year-old studying nutrition science, said he never saw Lynch during the rescue operation but was stationed to secure the troops who went into the hospital where Lynch was being held.

"I was a machine gunner and pulled security on the building next to the hospital," Yanik said.

He was also a part of a mission to retrieve nine soldiers buried in Iraq and brought their bodies back to the United States.

Marianne Yanik, Christopher's mother, said as a Ranger, Christopher is part of a special operation group trained for specific missions, such as the rescue of Lynch.

"I don't want to say he is elite, but I do believe the Army classifies them as an elite group of soldiers," said Marianne Yanik.

She said there are many things her son isn't allowed to tell them about, such as details of specific missions.

"He has lots of stories, but he doesn't sit down and talk about it for an hour," Marianne Yanik said.

She said she is happy her son's four years in the Army are up and that he has returned to the United States, even though they only get to see him on weekends when he comes home from Penn State.

Christopher Yanik was still an active member of the Army until August, when he was discharged to attend Penn State.

Marianne Yanik said her son has an "inactive status," which means that unless a major war breaks out, he wouldn't have to actively serve.

John Yanik, Christopher's 16-year-old brother, said their mother was constantly worried and asking people for prayers while his brother was in Iraq.

He said he was also concerned but had confidence his brother would do a good job.

"When he went over, I was worried about him and praying he wouldn't get injured," John Yanik said. "He is in special ops; he's the elite of the army. I knew he would do a good job."

John Yanik is considering joining the Army himself, but for right now, he is just excited his brother is home.

"Now I see him every weekend," he said. "He comes home to see my football games."

Christopher Yanik also served in Afghanistan in fall 2002.

He said he joined the Army because he graduated from junior college, decided he needed more direction and discipline and wanted to serve his country.

While in Afghanistan, Yanik patrolled mountainous regions.

Yanik said he is glad he spent time in the Army, but he wanted to be discharged after fulfilling his four years so he could get his degree.