ABC’s Bob Woodruff returned to Iraq today for the first time since being injured by a roadside bomb in January 2006. He is traveling with Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and will be reporting for ABC News’ broadcasts and platforms. His first report will air tonight on “World News with Charles Gibson.”
Why return now? On the “World Newser” blog, he writes, “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.”
ABC News president David Westin sent a note to staff this morning: “My concern has always been Bob’s health and safety.” More after the jump…
From: Westin, David
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2009 8:27 AM
To: #ABCTV News ALL
Cc: Sweeney, Anne
Subject: Bob Woodruff’s Return to Iraq
As many of you know, Bob’s been eager to get back to Iraq for a while now, and the opportunity to travel with Admiral Mullen presented us with the right set of circumstances for his return. My concern has always been Bob’s health and safety. I was assured that he would be on American bases throughout his trip there, but still be able to report first-hand on the important stories of Iraq.