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Bob Woodruff: Why I’ve Gone Back to Iraq
July 13, 2009 8:20 AM
ABC's Bob Woodruff reports:
Today I have traveled back to Iraq for the first time since I was injured with my cameraman, Doug Vogt, three years ago. It has not been an easy decision to make this trip. I have deliberated with my family, my colleagues at ABC News and the US Military, with whom I am traveling.
I have spent many years covering wars and areas of conflict during my journalism career. I have always had great respect for the military, the contractors, and the reporters who continue to return to these dangerous places either for service, vocation or commitment.
I was in Iraq for the seventh time when I was injured. None of us ever could have imagined then that I would ever be able to go back, or even report again.
I will return this time with different parameters. Covering this war has changed very much since I first embedded during the 2003 invasion. But I have wanted to "get back on the horse again" since my recovery. This will be a different horse, probably not as big, not as fast and without running outside the "wire." This means that I will stay on the US military bases without going out on the streets or battle zones like I have in the past. I owe this not only to myself, but to my family, friends, colleagues and my new "brothers and sisters" also injured in the war whose stories I have been reporting since I've returned.
I have many goals with this trip. I want to visit the doctors, nurses and medics who are putting their own lives at risk to save others. I would like to understand first-hand the status of the war and learn more about what the US role will be. I want to view first-hand the new equipment and vehicles that reduce the numbers of injured.
I feel extremely privileged to be back to reporting and to have recovered as well as I did. It is an honor for me to continue to highlight the stories of this conflict to our audience.
July 13, 2009 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (71)
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Your family is very brave to go along with this. I admire your drive. What you, your wife and family have done to highlight the brain injuries among our troops (your foundation, books, specials) is truly inspiring. I would hope that everyone of our troops would receive the kind of care/rehab you did in order to achieve the same kind of outcome. Keep up the great work and stay safe.
Posted by: J | Jul 13, 2009 8:59:24 AM
Just stay save.
Posted by: Bert | Jul 13, 2009 9:28:38 AM
May our Lord be with you as you make that trip and bring you back safely to your family. Take care.
Posted by: rebecca blea | Jul 13, 2009 9:35:11 AM
Hoorah, Bob!
You are the inspiration for healing from this war and have moved help to so many that would not have seen any. Keep that head down and return safe.
Bless this family with Peace and Comfort.
Posted by: DeeAdams | Jul 13, 2009 9:52:01 AM
Bob, you have done so much to bring important truths to the forefront of American news coverage. I salute you for such honorable service. Please be careful and come back safe and sound. We need you and your unique, courageous journalistic perspective.
Posted by: J. Robinson | Jul 13, 2009 10:16:09 AM
A part of me thinks 'Wow, good for him to be able to come full circle!' Another part of me thinks 'there must be some other way for him to fight his demons." But in the end, someone has to go there and tell the story. Stay safe, and if you're bringing Doug with you, watch each others back. You two have been through enough.
Posted by: mom2laz | Jul 13, 2009 10:23:52 AM
I wish you safe travel and a safe return. And my thoughts will be with your family while you are away.
Posted by: guenthecat | Jul 13, 2009 10:30:31 AM
Your story is one of the most remarkable of the times. It is a shame that the conditions in Iraq are still so dicey for so many. I would like to hear about whether the people of Iraq are being able to find a voice for a common humanity, after all that has happened.
Posted by: ABCNUser | Jul 13, 2009 10:32:26 AM
May God Bless you and protect you and your family. Thank you for your dedication and devotion.
Posted by: bea | Jul 13, 2009 10:43:22 AM
Good luck Bob!
Posted by: coloradorocket123 | Jul 13, 2009 10:52:29 AM
Good luck Bob safe and don't take any chances that you don't need to.Keep reporting,God Bless
Posted by: Rodger n Ingram | Jul 13, 2009 11:11:44 AM
I said this on Tapper's post, but I'm so proud of Woodruff and his family that I want to post it here as well:
Fantastic News. I can't believe that it has been three years!
Bob Woodruff is a remarkably brave reporter. And, while he never hesitates to tell it like he sees it, he has become a great advocate for our solders, sailors, and marines that have returned home with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), etc.
(On a personal note, Bob and his wife are both Colgate University graduates-- Bob and others like Chris Hedges make us alums proud!)
Posted by: DanWill | Jul 13, 2009 12:06:02 PM
Bob, thank you to you and your family for your strength and courage to continue to bring front line news to the US regarding Iraq. Your continued news coverage and the truth of what is happening is greatly appreciated.
Please thank the military medical personnel for me as well. Our own son who is in the US Army suffered a TBI (&PTSD) after being in Iraq last fall for only a few short weeks. He is now awaiting clearance for return to active duty in order to continue his mission to serve his country.
God bless you on your continued journey, God bless our serving soldiers and keep yourself safe.
Posted by: cmnthruparalegal | Jul 13, 2009 12:31:43 PM
Safe travels, Bob. I am glad that you are continuing your work & look forward to your continued advocacy for our military personnel and sufferers of TBI. Godspeed.
Posted by: jyippee | Jul 13, 2009 12:58:37 PM
You know, I do admire your courage to 'get back on the horse'... but after all your wife and children have been through - could you make it a short trip? Just imagine if you came that close to losing your wife - of course you'd support her decision to go back - you'd have a tough time getting through the day, though, with worrying about her. Short trip, Bob. You've got nothing to prove!
Posted by: sevresblue | Jul 13, 2009 1:19:08 PM
Bob, you are the man for having the courage and faith to return back. Props to you and to all the soldiers that show the same courage in going back whether voluntarily or by order. Stay safe out there, look forward to hearing the reports.
Posted by: JohnB | Jul 13, 2009 1:19:46 PM
Good luck, and may God Bless you and all of our men and women serving in the military.
Posted by: Kathy | Jul 13, 2009 1:27:39 PM
Mr. Bob Woodruff: Well I pray for you and your loved ones just as the many other Americans who have served and continue to serve America.
Journalists in a war area are providing so much for the freedoms so many from past eras have sacrificed for all.
May The Lord continue to watch over you in your life's work and profession and provide your family with Blessed assurance of that care.
Sincere Thanks Mr. Woodruff. Return in God's speed.
Mr. Don W. Powers
California.
Posted by: Don W. Powers | Jul 13, 2009 1:34:02 PM
I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Posted by: Brian, Atlanta, GA | Jul 13, 2009 1:37:34 PM
Stay safe.
Posted by: mike m | Jul 13, 2009 1:46:56 PM
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