The initial reason that I read Bob and Lee Woodruff's In an Instant was because I have a lifetime connection volunteering with the Veterans Wheelchair Games and I knew his story would only benefit my volunteer experience. But I had no idea how much appreciation and respect I would gain not only from Woodruff's experience in Iraq, but his experience as a journalist.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Bob Woodruff, let me give you a quick rundown. He was involved with ABC News since 1996 and was named co-anchor of "World News Tonight" in December 2005. While reporting in Iraq in January 2006, Woodruff was seriously injured by a roadside bomb. His full recovery and survival was unlikely, but somehow, just 13 months after being injured, he returned to ABC.
Bob Woodruff, ABC journalist, was injured while reporting in Iraq in 2006.Photo: ABC News
Woodruff is not only a well-respected and devoted journalist but he is inspirational to me because of his strength and endurance. You would think that after almost losing your life while doing your job, you would be scared to go back. But he immediately returned to his life as a journalist. Maybe that seems crazy to some, but to me it is a constant reminder that no matter what, you must pursue what you love to do.
I not only appreciate Woodruff's work as a journalist, but his current involvement with the Bob Woodruff Family Fund. This Fund raises awareness of the war's injuries including Traumatic Brain Injury and Combat Stress, and assists service members and their families as they go through the path toward recovery.
Bob Woodruff's life changed in an instant. Yet his dedication to his career is never ending. His book details his life up to and after his injury and I encourage everyone to read it. I always respected Woodruff as a journalist, but it wasn't until after his injury that I truly understood his undying devotion to his career and impacting others' lives.
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