Bob Woodruff on CBS News journalists
EmailABC’s Bob Woodruff shares his thoughts about today’s IED attack, which killed cameraman Paul Douglas and soundman James Brolan, and critically injured correspondent Kimberly Dozier: I have met both remarkable journalists Kimberly Dozier and Paul Douglas in so many different countries from Israel to Afghanistan. Their work and intelligence have always impressed me, whenever our paths have crossed. James Brolan and I were embedded together, working very closely on many difficult stories. During the Iraqi invasion in 2003 we spent more than a month on the road with the Marines and it was often James’ wonderful sense of humor that kept us going. I was devastated this morning when I heard today’s news. My thoughts are with all of the families and friends of the men and women injured today in Iraq.
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Bob, how is your recovery from injuries? Do you have any plans to resume work? Or other activities? Just wondering. Thanks.
Posted by: Allen Palmer | May 29, 2006, 7:24 pm 7:24 pm
So sad to hear the news of the deaths of the two journalists today. Apparently there were several deaths that day but just the deaths of the journalists were profiled in the news. My heart goes out to all of them espectially our brave soldiers. Bob.. Get well soon.
Posted by: Keith Mathison | May 29, 2006, 7:40 pm 7:40 pm
when two journalists die, they get a 20-minute segment on national television. when a soldier dies, they get their picture shown for about 5 seconds on the local news. in my opinion, the soldiers have done much more for their country than the journalists. don’t get me wrong- it’s sad that the two men died- i just think that this goes to show that america is a nation controlled by the media.
Posted by: Audrey Richardson | May 29, 2006, 9:47 pm 9:47 pm
When I heard this morning of the injury and the deaths of the two CBS journalists, I could only think of you Bob, and how lucky you were and the good care you got so quickly. Hope to see you back on air soon, and hopefully you are getting better each day. Do us favor, stay in safe places, for the sake of Lee and the kids. I know you love to travel all over the world, but as you know you went through enough this year. Looking foward to seeing you on with Charlie. Be well, is the main thing.
Ellen Griswald
Posted by: Ellen Griswald | May 29, 2006, 10:26 pm 10:26 pm
While it is sad to think that these people were the target of another IED, it amazes me the time taken to even mention this. Every day, we have our Military over there, subjected to IED’s. Where is all the heart felt sorrow for them? Instead the Military is slammed time and again for anything that might happen to cause the dxdeath of an Iraqi. When you can show the truth about the sacrifices the Military has put forth, I might care about a journlist and her cameramen.
Posted by: copper | May 30, 2006, 1:16 pm 1:16 pm
Bob:
Our thoughts go out to each and every journalist who puts his or her life on the line to bring the news to us from abroad. I hope you are making significant improvements and feeling stronger every day. I can’t wait until the day we see you on the air again. Charlie and you will make an excellent team–just as you did with Elizabeth. Take care.
Posted by: Carol Dorn Sanders | May 30, 2006, 2:15 pm 2:15 pm
The journalists and crew injured or killed deserve the coverage given. Along with the troops, they are providing us a great service. They are our eyes and ears in Iraq, and communicate with us on a regular basis. So, in a sense, their loss touches us on a more personal level.
Posted by: David | May 30, 2006, 2:54 pm 2:54 pm
I too thought of you today when I hear the news about the death and injuries of the CBS journalists. Please update us on your recovery.
Best wishes for your quick recovery.
Millie Blum
Posted by: Millie Blum | May 30, 2006, 4:28 pm 4:28 pm
Bob, is great to hear your views again. Even if it was as a result of fellow journalists getting killed and injured. My wife and I pray for a speedy recovery for you and continued success with ABC News.
Posted by: David Wolford | May 30, 2006, 7:40 pm 7:40 pm
Mr. Woodruff, I have thought of you often since your injury. I feel like I have something in common with those who suffer sudden and unexpected devastation. You see, exactly one day after 9/11, I was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer at the age of 48. How does one mourn the person one used to be? I cried harder than I’ve ever cried in my life a few hours after a doctor told my husband “all clear” following his checkup. I didn’t want my husband to be sick, but hearing those words reminded me how much I wanted to hear them when I awoke from surgery, how much I missed the woman I used to be. The world loves to throw out platitudes like: You’re lucky to be alive. It’s true enough. The catch phrase of the moment is “adjusting to the new normal.” I suspect the person who invented that phrase went through a painful divorce, not a highly fatal cancer diagnosis or the explosion of an IED. Still, I watched the Memorial Day shows and I saw a man who said he’d give the other arm and leg for his fellow soldiers, he’d give his life. Such words humble me and show me a guiding star. I must learn to walk the fine line between fear/denial and acceptance of the risk I assumed the moment I was born. Good luck to you, Mr. Woodruff, and to your colleagues in Iraq. I’m glad you’re feeling well enough to write a blog entry. And I’m glad that you–and I–are alive.
Posted by: Donna Trussell | May 30, 2006, 8:14 pm 8:14 pm
I agree with David’s comments; the coverage has been warranted.
Bob, I’m so sorry for the loss of your friends and colleagues and for how, inevitably, reliving your own nightmare must intensify your grief. I wish for you that peace which passes all understanding, and continued healing of body, mind, heart, and spirit.
Posted by: Jill | May 30, 2006, 8:30 pm 8:30 pm
How are you doing, Bob? Praying for you and Doug every day for your complete and speedy recovery! And miss you everyday on WTN. Always saw the spark of Peter Jennings in you! Hope to see you soon on air!
Best wishes
Posted by: Neha | May 30, 2006, 11:27 pm 11:27 pm
Those of us who have served in the armed forces accept it as a matter of course that we may lose our lives in the service of the country. It is a responsibility we take on with pride and honor. In fact, most of us think it is not really a big deal.
Just as a mother or father would give their life for their child’s safety, we understand it is our obligation to put the country ahead of our lives. And, just as we accept our children, along with their faults, we accept this amazing nation with all of hers.
It is nearly 20 years since I left the US Navy, and I am just as willing today to sacrifice my life in service to our country as I was a green Ensign. I love life, but I love my family and country more.
Journalists understand the risks. They don’t sign-on to die for their jobs, I suppose. But, somewhere deep down inside I think they probably feel the powerful and overwhelming desire to tell the story of the fighting men and women, who put country, liberty and hopefully peace, ahead of themselves. These journalists give their lives in the pursuit of truth, knowing they too, serve a great good.
God, rest their souls; love and keep their families, for they too, make the ultimate sacrifice.
Bob…We miss you from the broadcast. Godspeed in your recovery.
Posted by: Peter | May 30, 2006, 11:46 pm 11:46 pm
Bob,
As I watch the news every day, what comes to mind are the jobs of the journalists, what they go through to bring us up to date information about the world. I pray that the strength from above be with the families of the jouranalists that died and may the same strength make you and the injured ones stronger with good health & recovery from this day on.
Posted by: Lucy Edwards | May 31, 2006, 12:04 am 12:04 am
I would also like to know Bob Woodruff is doing. Does anyone actually answer these postings? I’m new to this blogging thing. But I would like to hear a follow story on Bob. How is he doing?
Posted by: Beth | May 31, 2006, 1:07 am 1:07 am
Bob when are you going to be on tv again , we all felt a great loss when peter died , we would just like to see you so we know that you are doing ok for ourselfs, we all respect you greatly
Posted by: l michalek | May 31, 2006, 9:25 am 9:25 am
Our thoughts are always with those far from home risking their lives so we are well informed and free!
We forget until another story of unnecessary loss reminds us~
They are heroes in their own right and we thank them for their sacrifice!
Posted by: Tiffany | May 31, 2006, 12:51 pm 12:51 pm
BOB: YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS EVERYDAY. HOPE YOU ARE GETTING STONGER. WE ALL SURE MISS YOU. ONE OF MY PRAYERS IS THAT AFTER YOUR RETURN TO TV YOU STAY SAFE AND WARM HERE. PLEASE LET ALL OF THIS SADNESS BE A LESSON TO ALL OF US ON HOW PRECIOUS LIFE ACTUALLY IS.
BE SAFE, MARIKAY
Posted by: MARIKAY JOHNSTON | May 31, 2006, 4:29 pm 4:29 pm
Thank you for sharing your personal reflections of the CBS team and for making them more real to us who were less familiar with their work. It is only possible to write about the things we know so it is not unexpected that news personalities capture the headlines. They are our eyes and ears in places that we can not go. Every life is precious; there should be a public site where information on less known lost and injured loves ones could be “blogged.”
It is good to hear from you, Bob. Since Jan. 29 we have patiently waited for any news of your recovery and are thankful for where you are. We look forward to the day when you will be reporting regularly. You should indeed feel proud of what you and Elizabeth set out to do. Regards from a long time ABC news viewer. Anita H.
Posted by: anita hodson | June 6, 2006, 3:21 pm 3:21 pm
Hello Bob: When you well and recovered, you have a standing invitration to come speak to some admiring journalism students at Hunter College in NYC.
All best wishes.
Posted by: Steven Gorelick | June 7, 2006, 11:45 am 11:45 am
a soldier died along with the crew that day. I understand the media’s role but the risk of exposing yourself in the open only gives those who would harm a easy target. caution and tactical awareness should have been taken first before deciding to embark from these vehicles. i have lost friends as you have and all will be missed.
Posted by: Leon | June 7, 2006, 4:32 pm 4:32 pm
Bob – I met James in Nepal two months after he was embedded with you. He spoke very highly of you and was clearly fond of you. Yes – James’ humor was spot on. His ability to frustrate his opponent in Scrabble legendary. And his love for his family tender. It was a lift for my husband and I to know that you are well enough to post this message and remember your time with James.
We remember you and hope that you are recovering well and in the arms of your family.
Posted by: Anne Anderson | June 7, 2006, 6:00 pm 6:00 pm
Bob
You are indeed a hero and the late John Paul II would be very proud of you. I am impressed that you use positive language describing the enemy. Peter Jennings would also be proud. I look forward to the day that you can come back to anchoring on ABC. God’s peace be with you
Veronica Munyon
Posted by: Veronica Munyoon | July 31, 2006, 2:52 pm 2:52 pm
BOB,
HOW ARE YOU DOING? WHEN DO YOU THINK YOU WILL BE ABLE TO RETURN TO WORK. SURE MISS YOU
Posted by: PATRICIA | September 8, 2006, 10:24 am 10:24 am
Bob,
What a miracle to see you back and your Primetime Show this evening was so enlightning. Like you said, we hear about all the casualities but we don’t hear about all the seriously wounded who are treated or untreated!
It was so good to see you on Oprah today and to see David Bloom’s widow with both of you. I think of her often.
Thank God for your return to health and to be able to communicate. I’m sure it isn’t all behind you but to see you as you are is pure gift from God and the medical staff and love of your family who helped you come this far. Good luck and continue to do good work and be there for these veterans who fight for our country and our freedoms.
SAW
Posted by: S A Weiland | February 27, 2007, 11:14 pm 11:14 pm