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Reflections from the Woodruff Team in Baghdad
January 30, 2006 1:00 AM
The above photo shows Bob speaking with soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division -- the unit he was embedded with -- about 30 minutes before the IED attack.
World News Tonight's head writer Josh Landis traveled to Baghdad as part of Bob Woodruff's team. He blogs about what it was like inside the Baghdad Bureau as they learned their colleagues had been injured:
The walls around our compound in Baghdad completely disappeared when we heard our team had been hit. It would have taken far less to erase the fragile feeling of safety that exists in Iraq even at the best of times.
The attack took place about 15 miles north of us and the distance was unbearable. If it had been safe enough to go there, we would have gone in a second.
What we could do was get to the combat support hospital inside Baghdad's Green Zone, where they were taken immediately after the attack, to touch them and tell them that they would be OK as they were carried to a helicopter that would transport them to the Air Force hospital in Balad, where surgeons were waiting to treat them.
We could call our contacts in the U.S. military to make sure they were getting the best care available.
We could pray for them and their families.
Seven of us had spent almost 24 hours a day together traveling through Israel, the Palestinian territories and Jordan. We reported on the Palestinian elections until the last possible minute — making a mad dash for Baghdad in time to experience a slice of peaceful Iraqi life at a neighborhood ice cream parlor and in time for Bob to embed with the U.S. Army on Saturday morning.
He didn't want to cover the State of the Union address without spending time with American troops in the field to see what they are going through. My colleagues Doug Vogt, Vinnie Malhotra and Magnus Macedo wouldn't have let him do it without them.
We know that Bob and Doug are strong, that they knew the danger of what they were doing and believed it was worth the risks to report the story. We believe it still, as they recover from an attack that could have killed them… and as they return to their wives and children, who they love so dearly.
January 30, 2006 | Permalink | User Comments (5)
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Please know that our thoughts here in the US are with not only Bob, Doug and their families but with all of you on their team and at ABC during this sad and trying time.
Here in Southeastern Michigan where Bob grew up, we have been watching so proudly as he took the co-anchor spot at WNT, and now this...we are just heartbroken and all sending all our strongest hopes and best wishes for a speedy recovery for both men, and strength and endurance for their families and collegues.
Godspeed!
Posted by: Christine C. | Jan 30, 2006 11:22:50 AM
It is very sad to see anyone become injured in Iraq and I wish the best for the crew of ABC and their families. With that said I could not help but wonder while I have watched the coverage of this story for the last 3 days there has never been one mention of what may have happened to the soldiers who were with them. I for one feel their story and well being are equally important.
Posted by: jeff | Jan 31, 2006 12:47:37 PM
My heart goes out to the families of Bob Woodruff and Doug Vogt.It is sad however,that it took one of your own being hit by an IED to get the news coverage the last week has shown,compared to the amount of stories the networks have run on this subject before this unfortunate incident.. I am on my third tour in Iraq,and I work for a company that specializes in mine protected vehicles.I have seen countless service members,damaged for life,or killed due to this type of ordnance.VBIED'S,and IED'S are no joke.These people are cabable of making a weapon out of anything,whether it be a 155,south african shell,or a propane can.The IED has no conscience.It does not care where you are from,or what color you are.It is designed for one purpose,and that is to kill.Bob and Doug were extremely lucky,and I wish them the best.Don
Posted by: Don | Jan 31, 2006 4:43:00 PM
I was so upset to hear about Bob and Doug. To hear about this and to someone we see on the news everyday. He's like a member of my family.
With the love and support from their family and friends they'll pull through this with flying colors. Their are so many people that care about you and are praying for you.
Take Care
Posted by: Robin | Feb 6, 2006 5:57:52 PM
Why is it that we hear no news about the condition of Bob Woodruff and Doug Vogt.
Why the silence?
Posted by: Susan | Feb 7, 2006 9:06:00 AM
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