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Bob Woodruff returns to the newsroom
June 13, 2006 7:05 PM
View a slide show of his visit here: [VIEW SLIDE SHOW]
We've also posted a video excerpt: [WATCH VIDEO]
Charles Gibson closed tonight's broadcast with a note about Bob:
Finally tonight, many of you who watch this broadcast -- and even many who don't -- have been kind enough in recent weeks to inquire about the welfare of Bob Woodruff.
Bob, you'll recall, was seriously injured while he was reporting for this broadcast -- doing what he knew and loved.
For the first time since his injuries, he came back to the newsroom today -- back to this studio.
Bob Woodruff: "Missed you all, missed you all."
As you might expect, he attracted a crowd.
David Westin, ABC News President: "So, the plan was not to mob you, right? This was beautifully executed."
Bob was unconscious -- asleep he says -- for 36 days after the IED explosion in Iraq.
Bob Woodruff: "I woke up in this hospital and I looked up and I just thought about you guys and I thought about everything that I wanted badly to come back to."
His wife Lee:
Lee Woodruff: "Bob is the luckiest guy in the world, as his surgeons have said, but I also think a large part of healing is being surrounded by people who care about you and love you and he has had that from everyone here."
He has had it for the past five months… And he's got it for the future...
Bob Woodruff: "Man, it's good to be here..."
June 13, 2006 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (51)
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Our prayers have been answered. I hope the road to complete recovery and good health continue. Thank you so very much for your work overseas. Sadly, the war continues. God bless your family.
Posted by: Barb Wood | Jun 13, 2006 11:50:11 PM
It's great to see Bob. I'm a bit confused though. Was he "asleep" for 36 days or 36 hours? In the video Charlie said "days", but an article by Reuters said "hours". Which is it?
Posted by: chjbe | Jun 13, 2006 11:55:52 PM
Bob and family,
I have prayed without ceasing since the accident.
I know you were spared because there is a wonderful purpose for your life. The hand of God is upon you and I am excited about your future.
You and your wonderful family are an inspiration!
Posted by: genie cortez | Jun 14, 2006 5:13:33 AM
Charlie Sheaffer said, the public feels a close connection to Bob Woodruff and feels they know him. Of course we don't, but we appreciate his talents, his joy, the stories he covers, the risk he will take to get the truth for the American public. We miss him and hope that he is back soon. I know that I am not the only one that feels like the ABC updates are a blessing, esepcially June 13th's update.
Bob, thank you for working hard to get back so quickly. I know your family is your motivation. But we are grateful and blessed to see you doing so well.
God Bless you
Teresa
Posted by: Teresa Ingeneri | Jun 14, 2006 8:46:31 AM
It's great to see Bob back again. I recently returned from Iraq in January after working for a Security Company and survived 9 direct hits from Roadside Bombs, and over 70 ambushes. And have even kept a type of diary of the time there. So, I know what he has gone through in many ways. Bob now belongs to an elite and exclusive group that no one really wants to belong to. I watched the news clip of his return and am looking forward to seeing him reporting STATESIDE news again soon. Welcome Back Bob, and Thank You. Respectfully, Louis W. Powell Sr. "Hoosier"
Posted by: Louis W. Powell | Jun 14, 2006 8:56:16 AM
What a joy it is to see Bob for a moment. You look great. We are so happy for you and your family. And thank you again for showing us what is still going on over in Iraq.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all still.
The Schippers Family
Posted by: Schippers Family | Jun 14, 2006 9:21:07 AM
It was pretty exciting to see Bob Woodroof as he visited in the news room last evening. Very happy that he is getting better. God's blessings on him as his recovery continues. Blessings on his entire family as well.
JJ
Posted by: Joyce Jones | Jun 14, 2006 9:36:06 AM
Bob, it's great to see you again!
I have kept my fingers off the key pad until now. It was to emotional for me, to see you looking so well. Yes, with my own eyes. Prayers have been answered. My favorite story was the Ice Cream in Iraq! So heart warming in the middle of a war. Looking forward to MORE! JC
Posted by: Judith | Jun 14, 2006 9:39:07 AM
It was so nice to see Bob on Nightly News.
I have tried to send well wishes, but having trouble w/my email.
I wish you continued recovery success and hopefully, you'll be back on TV only in the future.
God Speed.
Posted by: Lynn | Jun 14, 2006 9:39:43 AM
Dear Charlie,
I want to wish YOU continued success and congratulations on your assignment.
You certainly do the newsdesk well/justice.
I have always appreciated your statue and personal personae during all GMA episodes.
Looking forward to many more years of TV with you during the morning/evening.
Much Success.
Sincerely.
Posted by: Lynn | Jun 14, 2006 9:43:08 AM
It was great to see Bob looking so good. What a wonderful inspiration for people who have been seriously ill or injured. God Bless you, Doug, and your families. And when you are back behind the news desk, just imagine - two handsome hunks -Bob and Charlie. I can't wait!!!
Posted by: Maureen Pekny | Jun 14, 2006 10:20:53 AM
I can relate in part to what Bob has and will go through in recovery. I had brain surgery (not because of war wounds). I do know this it will take 12-18 months until he is fully healed. Walking on hard surfaces for long stretches will cause some hard to discribe feelings. It took me 8 months before I could run on a hard surface and the hole in my head was the size of a quarter. It would be along time before he wil be able to cover stories like in Iraq or Afghanistan.He has been fortunate there has not been any signifigant brain damage.
Posted by: DJP | Jun 14, 2006 10:56:53 AM
It's wonderful to hear that you are recovering and are well enough to visit your newsroom colleagues. My prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by: Cynthia (a viewer) | Jun 14, 2006 11:28:35 AM
I can't believe after all this man went through for the benefit of ABC News, he is now without his anchor job. Why was it necessary to replace him with Charlie Gibson (comes off pompous and arrogant)but rather hold the position open for Woodruff when he is fully recovered? That would be the ultimate in showing your appreciation and dedication for him and the risk he took for your ratings. Apparently there is no brain damage and how hard it it to read a teleprompter. Shame on you ABC! I for one will not be watching anymore.
Posted by: Dr. Richard M. Tebbano | Jun 14, 2006 11:52:15 AM
What a wonderful surprise to see Bob. I have been wondering how he was recovering. Thanks to Bob and ABC for the update. I was saddened, however, that he will no longer be in the anchor's chair. Not that I don't like Charlie, but I have become accustomed to Charlie with GMA and Bob with WNT. I certainly hope that when Bob is ready to return, ABC will be ready for Bob. God bless you and your family!!
Posted by: Michelle Smith | Jun 14, 2006 12:45:32 PM
It was so great to see Bob Woodruff walking up that newsroom hallway lastnight on the evening news. We could not wait long enought to see him back in the saddle. We know that it has been and will be a long recovery back home. Linda and I will be praying for all of you there as somethings get back to normal in the newsroom.
Bob, take your time and listen to your WIFE. Why, because she knows you better then anyone does.
Charlie, it will be a great evening news program tonight as you give us what you have see with your friend and pal coming back to the newsroom.
Congratulations Charlie on the evening news, but Linda and I will miss you greatly on GMA in the furture. The team is one of a kind and very very hard to find another team like it anywhere?
God's Blessings to all of you at ABC and keep reporting the TRUTH as you know it.
Posted by: Les and Linda Burch | Jun 14, 2006 12:56:25 PM
Bob,what a wonderful surprise to see you walk into the newsroom last night.You look GREAT. Many of us were praying for your recovery. I must make mention of your excellent medical team too. We ABC News viewers are indebted to them for giving you back to us.
We're looking forward to seeing you on the air in the future. Don't worry about rushing it though,
Charlie is a distinguished replacement.
Get Better!
Posted by: beth u. | Jun 14, 2006 1:54:18 PM
ROBERT: THE DAY COULD NOT HAVE GOTTEN ANY BRIGHTER THAN TO SEE YOUR SMILING FACE. AREN'T YOU JUST THE SWEETEST THING ALIVE!
Posted by: MARIKAY JOHNSTON | Jun 14, 2006 1:55:13 PM
What a wonderful story of survival! God has more for you to do, Bob!! Could have kissed you through the screen as you walked passed the camera last night!! So good to see you well. Hope your bud in France is well, also.
Love to see you come back although we love Charlie, too, and Elizabeth!!
God bless all of you and come back to us soon!!
Love ya!!!
Posted by: Kathleen D. | Jun 14, 2006 3:44:36 PM
I cannot tell you how sorry I am that I missed the return. While I haven't written to inquire I've keep my eyes and ears doing double time for information about Bob. I am so grateful for his recovery and hope that we all get to see him again very soon. I wish him the best of luck and pray for continued successful recovery.
Posted by: Tanda | Jun 14, 2006 3:45:07 PM
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