Bob Woodruff Returns

Mr. Woodruff, first of all I would like to thank you for going into such dangerous areas of life and allowing those of us who sit in the comforts of our home to have a glimpse of that life. As a reporter you wouldn’t have the training that our military goes through. I believe that takes such courageous strength to take that responsibility. I believe that your heart is full of compassion and feeling the need to help those that you met. Your family seems to be the very example of what life is trully about…..to help and care for those in need. You have proven that you are a courageous individual by the responsibilities you held. Please do not feel guilt for needing the help of others at some point in your life. Please don’t feel unworthy. We all have made mistakes in our lives. That is what life is all about……to grow and learn. I believe if we recognize our mistakes, ask for forgiveness and the wisdom to overcome that it will be answered. You have seen our young men up close and the everyday problems and concerns that they have overseas and when they come home. Try not to be overwhelmed by any responsibility you feel you have. Take one day at a time. Its impossible to try and look at the whole picture of what you would like to do. God bless you and your family and once again………thank you.

My son suffered a TBI in 2000. Since his injury I have become very active in the Brain Injury Association of Mississippi. Brain Injury is an epidemic in this country, and is virtually ignored. We have no funding and no facilities to provide care for people like my son. Although he is functional, he has no short-term memory and requires constant care. Facilities that are adequate are so expensive, 1,400 to 1,800 per day – 9-10,000K per month. Now who in the world can afford that care for their loved one. Please Bob, continue your pursuit for national attention for TBI. If you are asking yourself why this happened to you, you might consider that all of us that have gone before you are joyfull that you are speaking out about brain injury. Thank you – this is what we have waited for.
Mary Lou Matthews

Welcome back Bob.

Hi,
I am so glad to see that Bob is O.K. I watched Oprah today and the interview with Charlie Gibson. My father was hit by a drunk driver when I was 12. I remember my mom explaining the situation to myself and my sister. All of the steps of recovery with Bob brought back memories of my Dad. I am so happy for Bob – the human brain is truly an amazing organ.
Connie

Bob -
You are a true american hero. There have been thousands not as lucky as you. Please help to remember these Soldiers and Marines, as they recover or as their families grieve their heroism. My heart is heavy with the thought of our country trying to help these people, who are willing to hand their country to insurgents. Thanks for your very poignet, heartfelt, and heroic struggle being documented for all of us to share. I have a brother there now, in the United States Marine Corp’s.
David Nix
Simpsonville, SC

I just began watching Bob Woodruff’s report. I cried to see so many young men in such bad shape from injuries from which most will never recover.What good is great care on the battlefield when such poor care is available back in the USA. How could Bush and Cheney do this? What were they thinking when they rushed to war. Bush’s parents should be ashamed of his service to this country. I can’t wait until his time is up.Thank you Bob, for showing us what we can’t see.

Bob, I want to express my deepest gratitude to you for your work on the TBI segment. I am a senior therapist at the most highly regarded rehabilitation institute in the country, specializing in brain injury for 5 years now. It is about time that someone share the stories of our heroes and their plights with TBI as the general public has been sheilded better than our soldiers on the ground when it comes to understanding the aftermath these young men and women are fighting. Whether it be visual field deficits, aphasias, hemiplegies, dysphagia, ataxia, apraxia- the list goes on and on- these are challenges that our men and women will be confronted with for years and decades to come. Few people know the repercussions, fewer people understand how to treat them. I certainly do agree that there is a great disconnect between what is portrayed on TV and through our government and what the numbers REALLY look like. Regardless if it is the severe TBI or most mild form that goes undiagnosed, every degree in between deserves attention- COGNITIVE AND PHYSICAL REHABILITATION that is properly covered by our government in order for people with TBI to have a chance at regaining independence.
Your segment will hopefully shed light on this staggering phenomenon, which will enable more opportunities for treatment and research. Thank you, thank you for your insight and I wish you and all of our recovering soldiers and persons with brain injury continued hope and perseverance. Very Sincerely, Lori B.

My father served in the WW2 I was so moved by your story and would loved to help.
Please tell me how thanks

Thank you ABC for telling the truth about the numbers of injuries and the failure of our government to take care of our veterans! Keep it up!

Bob, Only thru you as an advocate for our wounded veterans, will they get the care that they deserve.
Please dont give up the fight for them.
God bless you for what you have brought to the attention of the american people.
Vern L. Collins
Central Village,CT
A Veterans Service Officer

Dear Bob,
Thank you for your special tonight informing the american public of the TRUE facts about our wounded and the lack of extended care they lack. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for using the power of jounalism to stop this insane committment we have to an insane war. Keep telling the facts so we can put pressure on the administration to get our troops home soon. We as a country owe it to our troops to treat them in the most honorable way, this is not being done; mostly by sending them in the first place.
God Bless you!
Pat Horton
Virginia

Bob:
BRAVO.
We watched you on GMA, OPRAH and your special tonight.
Blessings to you and Lee and your family. May your recovery continue as well as your steps so far.
Please continue to report on our soldiers and their plights. We had no idea of the depth of all the problems.
I hope that Congress calls you to testify tomorrow. I would like to know what we can do to help here in Rhode Island.
Our veterans didn’t deserve this war. How far we have come from MISSION ACCOMPLISHED ha!
Please keep up your informational crusade and count on us to help here in Rhode Island.

great show,and glad to see how good you are doing.keep up the good work that you have started.your friend rj

I AM SO PROUD OF YOU BOB . I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A BIG FAN OF YOURS. I AM NOW A BIG FAN OF YOUR FAMILY. I WILL BE PRAYING FOR ALL OF YOU. PLEASE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY JO ANN CHERRY , TOLEDO OHIO

This program just verifies why we need to bring our troops home. I will be dedicated to do what I can to spread the word why we should bring this war to an end.Why would our nation’s leaders allow this war to continue?

BOB
Thank you for a great show. They always try and keep this information out of the public view, and this should not happen. These soldiers have sacrifice so much, as they did in Vietnam time. These soldiers should have everything available for them to get better. What is wrong with this picture…repeat repeat. The family that need help need to let the American people know what they need and we should be able to get what they need to them. I hope the Veteran Affairs wakes up and move quickly to get this issue fixed ASAP. Every day goes against the soldiers who need this assistance. I am so happy to see you going forward with your health. Thank you, and please go forward with this task…You have been through it and you could probably be a speaker for this issue. Get Congress moving for these brave soldiers who has given their lives to this war. I will like to start doing something on my end, by checking my Veteran Hospital and see what they need help in…..who to talk to and get these people in state government and fed govt to start moving on this…Many thanks for this show.
Thanks Katy

God bless you, Bob. Yes, you are a miracle. You are a credible advocate for the wounded service personnel because of what you’ve gone through. You are doing what others have been unable to do. You certainly are in my prayers.
I am a retired USAF chaplain living in St Johns, Michigan.

Bob, God bless you and your family. After hearing your story it seems that your healing miracle is being used to help the war victims.
The USA owes these men and women the best of every care known to man. Don’t let the ones in position to bring this about rest.
Prayers of strength.

Dear Mr. Woodruff,
I just watched your report on ABC; earlier today I watched Oprah. I am a female biker who does a lot of volunteer work and really enjoys attending fundraisers for Veterans, as well as other charitable and just causes.
I just wanted you to know that you and your family’s account of your injury and road to recovery have moved me. The level of help the VA hospitals have to give, the ability, and the lack of funds to offer soldiers is appalling.
Having said that, I do plan to see what I can do on a volunteer basis for my local VA in direct connection with TBI injury patients.
Wishing you well,
Kelly

Thanks for sharing this story with the world. I have a good friend who incurred a TBI July of 04 & his support group was together tonight to watch Tuesday nights show. I was at home but the show made me cry. Mr Woodruff was so fortuante to have first class care. The person in my life that incurred a TBI had no insurance. I feel he would have better rehabilitation had he had insurance.
Thanks for bring TBI to the forefront.
Shelley Green
Farmington NM

Bob,it was a pleasure to see you back; you made my night! Please be a voice for all those injured soldiers who does’nt have the same opportunity to be heard, as you have.
You look wonderful.
God bless you, and your beautiful family.
Brid.

Bob Woodruff is a godsend. Finally, we are getting the truth on mainstream media about this criminal administration’s lies that they “support our troops”. Finally, the lies about the numbers of injured have been made public on mainstream media. Finally, the war has a human face and it’s not a pretty one. Thank you, Mr. Woodruff.

Bob,
Thank you for truth….Journalism lives; you are the story; the truth. As a U.S. citizen, I thank you for that. We need to fix this situation; not cover it. Take care of you and your family; your duty is paid.
An American daughter of a Veteran and the
Wife of a Veteran
p.s. I won’t sleep tonight because of the power of your story….of all the stories.

I am unspeakably thankful not only for the progress made by Bob Woodruff, his return to ABC News, but for his very apparent and sincere interest in reporting on how members of our Armed Forces are cared for when they return from war after having been wounded, injured, and in many cases permanently disabled as a direct result of their service to our country.

I’ve missed Bob Woodruff. Am so glad to see he’s back in every way. As a recent donor to Wounded Warriors I hope that tomorrow’s newscast will inform Americans how to contribute to Wounded Warriors both online and by mail. The special tonight showing Bob’s care and recovery was splendid. It certainly showed the unspoken side of sacrifice that our veterans’ make. I lost my Dad much too young because of health issues from being a pow in WWII. Every year on his birthday I ‘remember’ him with a contribution to a veteran’s organization that helps our disabled veterans. I know he would approve and it helps me feel that I’m giving back to those who sacrificed to protect my freedom.

Hello Bob,
Its great to see you on TV again, Your reporting has always been inspring but now your personaly story may the best of all of them.
You mentioned your feelings of being guilty but let me tell you this although you may know it already, I truly believe Our injured soldiers needs a champion and a voice and you are it!!
Not only are a journalist,you’re the most qualified person to be their voice and bring awareness to their struggles.
May our good lord continue to bless you and your family with his love.
Leslie

Bob-Thank you so much for finally speaking out for those of us w/brain injuries. This has been in the closet & silent for far too long. Keep fighting the good fight. It’s so sad that you have to go through something like this to be awakened to this plight. This should have been making headlines long before you got injured-bless your heart. What you are probably not aware of, because you are so early on in your journey is the degree of ignorance and prejudice that parallels those impacted by brain injury. You have been fortunate enough to be buffered by a loving, supportive family and employer but most of us do not get that priviledge. Because of a long standing ignorance and stigma against people w/brain illness (even within the medical community and government community) so many of us suffer from isolation, unemployment, depression, and a higher than average suicide rate. FYI: the first ADA case that was brought forward was by a gentleman who had had cancer and had been gainfully employed, but when his cancer metastisized to his brain he was systematically fired. Brain injury/illness scares people. We need people like you out there yelling/screaming letting everyone know that we are just normal people too. Me: grade II brain cancer right frontal lobe full resection May 02. Although my prognosis was deceivingly optimistic, my life has never been the same. I lost my livelihood (not because I could not work but because my clients just stopped coming to me-LEPER-it seems), I lost my lifestyle, most of my friends, my business, some of my family, insurance, my health, and life as I knew it. Brain injury impact many. Not just those effected by say an injury-per say. There are those of us with tumors, MS, strokes, alzheimers, anyone that has to have brain surgery for any reason. ON and ON.
Sincerely,
Claudette Saville Felice
40 yo female brain cancer veteran

I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER TO SEE BOB WOODRUFF BACK ON MY TV TONIGHT!!!
It brought a tear to my eye to see a familiar face that has been missed sooooooooooooooooo much!!
It was great to hear that familiar voice yet again on my TV…
I missed Bob and I AM SOOO HAPPY he his back and doing well.

Bob,
Although I’m sure you heard this many times
already, you are a testament to “intestinal fortitude”.
Watching the show tonight was inspiring and confirmed my belief that God has a special plan for you and you may well be the determining factor in exposing the ominous hole in our veteran care system and effecting changes and although you’re still recovering, your role as a reporter and advocate will play an even greater role in this war for its injured, recovering soldiers.
Not only did you cover your own recovery, but also the recovery of other brain injured patients. I’m sure they are grateful that you went there to speak for them and bring to light the ridiculous treatment and hole they fall into while serving their country with life and limb.
My prayers go out to you and your family and having been a spinal-fusion patient, I’m well aware of the traumatic effects that recovery has on one’s life, some embrace you and others stray away from you out of fear and then there are others who will even disconnect themselves emotionally by saying you did something stupid and probably deserved it. Recovery is a war in itself and you are a soldier in your own right.
As I always say “Never give up” and I’m looking forward to seeing you on ABC again soon.

It is truly a miracle to see Mr Woodruff back on TV and reporting again. I was brought to tears watching his story and the story of other soldiers who are fighting back from their brain injuries. I believe that God was not ready to take Mr Woodruff. He had a purpose for him. He is bringing notice to the VA Hospitals and the need they have to be able to help soldiers with these injuries. I believe he is already helping by just reporting this story.
God Bless Lee and Bob.

Awards panels: take notice.
The adults have finally returned to journalism. After weeks of Britany Speers, Anna Nicole, Oscars, Grammies and all the other silliness, the production team around Bob Woodward have delivered.
Good job!

I pray that Bob Woodruff’s experience and insignt will bring more attention to the plight of our war vets. They have given so much and deserve all of our support and whatever medical attention that is required to make them whole. My husband fought in the Vietnam war and I believe that if he had received the required medical attention he would still be here today.

Hello! I am very happy that you are better and doing good. I wanted to say is that thank you for your story. I continue to pray for our troops and for your continued recovery. Thank you.

Thank you for sharing your story of recovery with us. I am amazed at the challenges of our soldiers both in the field and also in returning home. Thank you for educating America about what our soliders are going through. I am amazed at your recovery and I feel that God put you in your position for a purpose. When we hear on the news…”36 Americans Injured in Iraq today” we think, how wonderful they weren’t killed. Their lives are spared. However, you took us inside their injured lives and the struggles for the solider and their families. Quality of life means so much and I am blown away at the families you interviewed that have “lost” their loved ones, as they knew them. God Bless you in your recovery.

Bob,
I thought the special was very well done. Finally someone showed the many levels of TBI. Showing the families and the doctors who take care of these soldiers really showed the devastating effect that this injury comes with. Keep pushing your message! More people need to see how bad these injuries can be. And they need to see how, outside of major facilities such as Walter Reid and Bethesda and the specialty polytrauma units, there is little treatment and or rehab for these soldiers.
My brother was hit by an IED 3+ years ago and had a very serious TBI (Sgt. Ted Wade, 82nd Airborne). To everyone around him, it is obvious he is improving. However, it is a constant fight for he and his wife to keep the VA convinced that he still needs rehab and therapy. The VA would rather put him in an adult care facility, where rehab and therapy would be nonexistent.
Also, congratulations on your miraculous recovery! It takes tremendous strength and courage (both from you and your family) to come back from what you have been through. Keep up the good fight!

Thank you for bringing the nation’s attention to injured soldiers who have received little attention from the media since the war began. These men and women, who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country, deserve far better treatment than they are currently receiving. It shames me that we cannot devote the same resources to these individuals that our government spends on other unnecessary things. We will be encouraging our friends and family to donate to your cause.

As a Nationally Accredited Certified Brain Injury Specialist, I am amazed with Mr. Woodruff’s recovery up to this point. It takes, self determination, the best doctors, family and friends who do not give up, but most of all God. If it wasn’t for Mr. Woodruff experiencing the brain injury and life long effects, the public would not know the epidemic of brain injury. Unfortunately it takes a public person to bring awareness to the public. Hopefully our service personnel and their families will now get the rehabilitation and support they so deserve for their sacrafice. I received an email last week from the National Academy of Brain Injury informing Bob and Lee will be working with them on fundraising and educating the public. All I can say is Thank you Bob and Lee.

Bob, I want to commend you on your piece last night. It was moving and certainly timely.
Last week I spent an hour with my neighbor discussing Montana politrics and the subject came up about Montana’s new veterans. We have 15 dead so far and my point was we never hear about the wounded. As a former newspaper guy I expounded about corporate ownership and how the real news is being squelched. Long story but I saw your story last night and I stand corrected.
You have unveiled a serious hole in our system.
In Montana we have one of the highest per capita rates of recruitment. And from that a higher rate of returned wounded. Our VA here can hardly handle the Korean vets, let alone the vietnam vets and now our new guys. The system needs help. As you pointed out.
So I write this to thank you for a job well done. I commend your wife for her fortitude. You now see that you are not immortal. It will help your cause.
The first ammendment seems to be strong and full speed ahead with Bob Woodward.
I am proud of your efforts and feel that ABc now has more integrity than I assumed.
Keep up the good work and I will see you on TV because I have switched news providers!
God speed, bob hunt

I was not prepared for the intensity of your program Back To Iraq. I found myself crying for these injured men and women and their familes. My son graduates from college and is in the Air Force ROTC and as a parent it is frightening. I am very angry that these men and women don’t have everything they need. They and their families should never have to worry about care and finances for the rest of their lives. Government scholarships should be provided for their children to go to college. I have opposed this Iraqi Freedom War from the beginning and believe it has weakened our security rather than improved it. I only hope that the Congress has the same courage of our troops to get our troops out of there. Strategically it is not the way to stop terrorism. I know that history will condemn this President for what he has done to this country.

Lee, I could listen to you all day as My husband had a TBI in Nov. 06. If you don’t live this you can’t really understand what the family (wifes) go thru. You give me hope. I know I can make it.
I hope all goes well for your family.
Teri

Thank you for sharing such a personal story and bringing attention to those in need of so much. Hopefully, all soldiers wounded will get the life-time care they need because of their injuries. Whether we agree with this war or not, our government owes those who serve decent medical care for life.
Thank you, your family and Doug Vogt and his family as well for telling your stories and reporting the truth in Iraq before your injuries.

Welcome back Bob! I can’t get you and your story out of my mind. You are truly a living miracle!
Thank you for alerting us all as to what is going on in this world. Take care of yourself. God bless to you and your family.

I was so moved watching this show. Bob, your work was excellent, and I admire you for being willing to let all of us see the struggles and difficulties you had, and are still having, with your brain injury. Mostly I am grateful that you have exposed the terrible tragedy that is befalling our brave soldiers in this terrible war. I echo the writer, above, who wondered why we are being bombarded with garbage news about Anna Nicole Smith and Britney Spears, while the real news about this war and its cost in human lives is being almost ignored. I hope that ABC will rerun this show many times, in different time slots. Perhaps if more people understood what is happening to our soldiers, there would be more outcry to stop sacrificing their lives and well being. Again, thank you for a wonderful documentary.

I was very moved after watching your special to Iraq and Back. I think that God must have something special in mind for you Bob Woodward because he has made you the mouthpiece of all those wounded soldiers that you spoke about in your special report. I am so happy for you and your family. Your recovery is nothing short of a miracle. Thank you for shaing your story. It brings home the sad realty of war–wounded soldiers. I know of what I speak. My father was a World War II Veteran who fought in Italy and North Africa. When I saw the doctor describe TBI especially to those who you can not see any physical symptoms it spoke volumes to me. For once we have someone who has given an honest account of what really happens to soldiers. Thank you for that. I know it has come at a great cost to you. You are a terrific reporter and we certainly need more like you. I hope that you will continue to look into how our veterans are treated once they return home. You have no idea how many letters I have written regarding this very issue but it seems nothing is ever done about it. It’s brought to the forefront for awhile and then it just fades away. Please don’t let these brave men and women fade away. They should not be forgotten. They did not shrug their duty when called how can we shrug ours as a nation. They need us now. They need to be taken care of and provided for. I look forward to seeing your newscasts again. I’ve missed your style. Good luck to you. I will continue to pray for you and your family. Thank you again for not letting our wounded soldiers plight go unnoticed. May God bless you and your family.

Dear Mr. Wodruff,
My name is Nancy Witt. While words and phrases come easily to me, I also live with the effects of brain damage. I have cerebral palsy; I cannot walk have limited use of my hands; I use an electric wheelchair to get around.
I wanted to thank you and your family. My dream has always been to be a journalist and see the world, but because of my physical limitations, that will never be a reality for me. You – and your colleague Peter Jennings before you – are my window on the word. You have taken me to places like North Korea and Iran that I would otherwise never get to see. Your knowledge and insight have helped me learn about people on the other side of the world.
I also want to thank you and your family for sharing your story and experiences in an effort to educate people about brain injury. Having any kind of brain injury is hard! As you know better than I, brain injury is often a hidden disability, not only because its affects cannot often be see by the naked eye, but also because the general public often does not understand how a neurological disability affects our lives and the lives of our loved ones. It was very kind and courageous of you to share your story. I am certain that your insight will help many people affected by brain injury in and out of the military.
I look forward to reading the book that you and your wife have authored.
I have prayed for your recovery everyday. I will now pray that it continues. Thank you again for your insight, knowledge of the world, compassion and talent for communication.
Sincerely,
Nancy Witt
409 Spruce Street
Reinbeck, Iowa 50669
nwitt@prairieinet.net

Bob,
It is so wonderful to see you back on your feet again,you look great. I think that God has sent you back to speak for our young soliders. This is a terrible war. Our young children dying and or coming home to live the rest of there lives in a bed or chair. This isn’t right. Don’t even know if this should be our fight. I know we can protect our country without all this suffering and saddness. I went to work today and just would not understand why I was so on edge. Then I just broke down and cried because my heart and tears are for the families and soliders in Iraq. It is also sad to wondered if we can even trust our Government. God Bless America and bring our Soliders Home.

I knew you would come back, Bob. God was with you and has a new mission for you and only you can do it…You are a wonderful, caring, loving human being and the best to you as your progress. Enjoyed the interactions with your wife and children…True Love, that is all i can say……God Bless. I never stopped thinking about you and your family.

i was so moved watching good morning america this morning.i cried …… i taped to iraq and back last night to watch when i got home from work this afternoon ,but instead i watched before i left for work this morning .i cried….bob i was glued to my tv set when you got hurt and watch everything i could until i heard you where better. i’m so very happy for you and your family.
and glad to see you back on the telly i’ll be watching

I suffered a brain injury (truck through red light vs bicyclist) in 2002. [Only survived because of a helmet!]
After “graduating” from the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center (BIRC) in Portland, OR, I found that there were no rehabilitation guides detailing the coping strategies WRITTEN by brain injury survivors – i.e. proven coping strategies that have worked in practice to assist with the many problems occurring after brain injury.
So I wrote one with the assistance of other BIRC graduates.

I watched Bob’s show on ABC last night and I want to thank you for your courage. I am so happy for you and your family. You said it was a miracle and you didnt’t know why. I believe your story should tell you why. Our higher power does everything for a reason. Our veterans need you and people like you to speak up about the care for our vets. You could make a big change with your experiences and ABC behind you. I myself believe I also lived a miracle. By no means should I be alive today after my two tours in Viet Nam. I have been fighting the government since 1972 to make changes in VA’s. One person cannot do this alone. We have to make the public aware of the situation in VA hospitals and clinics. I have written my congressmen and senators and never get answers. I have been working with homeless and other vets to help them out. I can no longer do this by myself. I am and will continue to email everyone I think could make a change. I wish you and your family well.

Welcome back, Bob. and God Bless You and your lovely family. It is great to have one of the last true “journalists” in the country come back to TV. I, too, have had a “near death” experience and know that family and friends are soooooooo important. Isn’t amazing how some of us need wake up calls????????wow….

Bob, thank you for surviving, this hasn’t been easy for you and your loved ones. I have worried about the growing number of “walking wounded”. Whether they are a an amputee or in your case-head injury-because of this war……we’ll have many military personnel needing our help.
Concussions-in sports in USA-not as severe as the military injuries yet a significant subject because of the sheer numbers annually. There is something like 3.3 million high school sports related concussions a year in the USA. U of Pitts has a test called IMPACT to help determine a baseline PRIOR to a possible head injury-which typically the athletic trainer at a school-it is a computer test or at a sports med group. My son had a baseline IMPACT test because of football. He did get a sport concussion (rugby)- he took the retest-, which was able to show he could not be cleared to play yet. Unfortunately in our son’s case- he had that sports concussion, but 2 weeks later a guy in a car Tboned our son in his car- so now our son has TBI-traumatic brain injury. His head was not healed from the sports concussion and the car accident made his head injury exponential. (Are they doing this IMPACT test in Iraq/Afghanistan?-could there be military people with a head injury with time will heal and not be a big deal-but if they go undiagnosed and go back into war-they could end up with TBI?). I am starting a not for profit- my goal is to get every youth (age 10 and up) to have this baseline. Then if there is a possible head injury -the parent can get a retest done on their child instead of the wait and week and go back into sports. We more than likely have some walking wounded in high school-with fatigue, headaches, and/or other symptoms that parents may be chalking up to just being a high school student when in fact they have an undiagnosed head injury from a sports or car accident. Thank you for bringing up to the general public the topic of TBI and head injury/brain trauma.

If you wonder why God left you on this earth,
wonder no more. I feel that you were left here
to bring to the forefront of all these young men
that were not getting help. You are a miracle in
itself. God had his hand on you.

Bob,
I am so happy that you made it home and are recovering so well.
Bless you and your effort in recovery and our Soldiers who are still in danger.
I work for Boeing and know you were taken care of by the military in one of our C17′s.
I would hope that your network would pick up the need for this amazing aircraft in getting you out of the danger zone and the wonderful military folks that took care of you on the C17 Globemaster III.
This plane is in jeopary of being cut as the USAF has no further funding slated.
I would hope that ABC would see this as a huge story…not only for your life saving effort…but for the military hospital unit and for the employees of Boeing who support the C17 in the 42 different United States.
I am proud that I played a small part in bringing you home safely and hope that there are many more C17′s built to continue these miracles.
God Bless you and America!!

Dear Bob,
I am so amazed and thrilled to see how you have recovered. It it truly a miracle. My brother has a TBI which left him unable to walk or use his left arm. Your determination to show the world what happens when someone suffers a traumatic brain injury is much appreciated. Although you are concentrating on our soldiers, there are so many civilians, like yourself, and my brother whose loved ones struggle everyday to try and get help with caring for them. Because survial from TBI has only been possible over the past couple of decades, there is still so much that needs to be done to help the victims try and carry on a “normal” lives. Please continue your quest. There are so many young people with head injuries that end up in nursing homes because there are no facilities for people with TBI. We need to continue to let the world know how large this problem is and hopefully someone like yourself will help get those with TBI get the assistance they need. Thanks again.

I watched your program last night and I was deeply moved. My son who is a Marine and who just came back from Irag but ready to go back in that region again. Thanks Bob. You are an American hero.

Greetings and Blessings to Mr. Bob Woodruff!
Words cannot adequately describe my gratitude for the remarkable way you have shared your recovery.
And, I thank God for your miraculous revovery. You are a true blessing and a wonderful channel for God’s goodness and love. Best wishes to you, your extraordinary wife and fabulous children!
Respectfully with Appreciation,
~judy~

Welcome Home Bob,
I saw the show last night. In fact, I taped it to show my kids(15-22yo). This was a very important story to tell. Yes, getting help can take some time for our vets; if they stay viligant, it will happen. The VA has saved my life, more than once. I want to help our vets in any capacity possible. How can I help? I looked around this site and I must have over looked it. I will be back soon.
Best to you and your family. You will be in our prayers. God Bless from Houston, TX.
Support our troops no matter what your feelings on the war or President Bush. Support our troops. They hear and feel everything!
Harry

Thanks, Bob for showing us how this war is bringing these unspeakable tragedies home to us and our communities. It makes me feel stronger than ever that we shouldn’t be in Iraq. As for the VA (as a Vietnam vet I use the local VA medical center)I believe it is dealing as best it can with these traumatic brain injuries. Our government must bolster the VA with funds and adequate staff to properly serve these young people coming back from overseas for our care.

Bob & Lee,
I have so much to say, I am in utter awe captivated.
I am mostly, so entirely moved at how far reaching & influencial- in only the most informative & positive ways, this experience has been for all of us.
More & much needed awareness & speculation of the realities & complexities of war, this war.
Of all of those who fight in more ways than one, here & abroad, everyday, who have shared this experience in their own way.
The human condition, strength & a sense of humanity.
& most importantly, the lessons, the overwhelming power & beauty, grace & passion of irreplaceable Love.
Your story signifies reality & only the best of that which will come.
I feel it, i feel it surely, as sure as how the Woodward family has opened such a multiplicand door of opportunity- & love, for us all.
Godspeed,
Sincerely,
Amy Denes

Dear Bob and Lee,
I want to thank you for exposing your lives to the American people to see and feel the after math of this war.
I am writing specifically for your help. On February 18th my friends husbands Chinook helicopter went down in Afghanistan do to engine failure??? Out of his six men battalion he was the only one to survive but with a server spinal injury, extensive nerve damage, multiple other broken bones and paralyze from the chest down.
As one wife of a solider said, “Its like a scavenger hunt”. Presently located at Walter Reed in Washington D.C. my friend, known as a spit fire in our small town, has found it difficult to get and receive answers for the present and future well being of her husband. Please if you have any resources, references or just advice for this young couple who celebrated their second anniversary on February 18th please share it with them?
Lee, Wednesday morning you shared some memento’s from Bob’s recovery with Diane, Robin, Sam and Chris. One of them was a cross that you placed in Bob’s hand. Can you help me locate one for my friend? I feel deep down that they need this to help in their journey.
Thank you and God Bless your Family,
Megan

Congratulations on your recovery to this point, as well as Doug Vogt’s. You – all war journalists really, the soldiers and your families are truly brave and an inspiration to us all. I hope your new foundation is successful and that Doug is able to find happiness, too. Continued blessings!

Dear Bob
You and your wife are just wonders! Your report overwhelmed me with all you went through these past months. But I was also overwhelmed with what is happening with our soldiers and there families. I was particularly touched by the young couples with three little girls…I think her name was Megan. I am having a gatherings of 500 women and would like to ask them to support this young woman with a good word and a donation for their family. I would appreciate it if you cuold give me an address that we can send them our messages of hope and some financial help.
Thank you! Keep up your important work…not only do the soldiers need you…we need you to tell us honestly what is going on.
Pat Duffy

Dear Bob, You are a miracle. There is a reason you are here. G-d wanted you to be a messenger to the public. 2 fold The government needs to let the public know what is going on with all these guys. The need to straighten up the VA system needs to be looked at seriously. Maybe it has begun with Walter Reed. Share the awareness of OT and PT. We are the life line link to rehabilitation. We are who the families look to for the plan and care. My work is home health and I see on a daily basis the needs of the Vets, WW2, Korea, and Vietnam. Be our spokesman and be there too.. Your wife is amazing. As well as your Kids. All the best Keep up the great work. Stop and smell the roses daily. For your sake and your family. Most Sincerely Ann Cobert

Bob,
Great to see you back reporting on TV. I saw your story on Oprah twice and your special. It is amazing what you have achieved through your ordeal. My nephew, Joshua Anderson, was involved in a terrible car accident in April of this year. It is amazing that he survived this accident. He was in the Charleston Area Trauma Center in West Virginia for approximately two months and just recently transferred to a rehabilation center in Parkersburg, WV to further his recovery. He has come a long way but still has far to go. I have great hope for him. The facility that he is in is quite to typical, meaning that while your away little care is given. Could you please respond and tell us what kind of care and where that you received for your brain injury. I have a lot of hope for Josh and I hope that he will have a complete recovery. He was very interested in being an actor and I hope that he will not give up on his dreams. He may not make it in front of the camera but maybe behind it. Your story will give him great hope in recovery. He can recover from this with the right treatment and facility. Though he is not involved in the war, I hope you will convey your help to all brain injuried people. He is only soon to be 27 years old and has a full life ahead of him. Any suggestions in medical treatment would be greatly appreciated. He has a lot to give the world and I hope through this he will be directed in the right direction that God has intended for him.
I will be watching for update on your continued recovery and hope that you will keep in public informed on matters like this.
I wish you and your family much love and best wishes,
Dana Smith