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Journalist Bob Woodruff was injured and nearly killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq 17 years ago.
Now, he’s sharing his story in a new documentary called “After the Blast: The Will to Survive.”
“Extra’s” Billy Bush sat down with the prominent newspaper reporter to talk about his return to Iraq and whether he got the closure he was hoping for. Mr. Woodruff also talked about how he is currently supporting veterans.
About finding closure, he said: We returned to the exact spot where we were attacked, walked the streets, and saw a different kind of Baghdad. My son was there too, so it was very emotional. He’s a film director, and he shot it. He was in the car with us. He was 14 years old when this happened. ”
He went on to say, “I have rid my soul of something that has been eating away at me for the past 17-plus years.”
In the doc, Bob becomes emotional as he approaches the explosion site. Mr. Woodruff told Billy about that moment. Billy, it took me a long time to accept and almost come clean that I’m not the same. ”
Did he experience PTSD while there? Woodruff said: “When I was there, I had some flashbacks that made me tear up a little bit and open up. All of a sudden, we were blown away in an instant. It changed our lives. It knocked me out. I couldn’t remember anything for the next 36 days.”
Part of his journey was to rid himself of the guilt he was feeling. The correspondent said: “People feel a strong sense of guilt if they leave the area after an explosion and return while they are caught up in the attack and others are still there, risking their lives.” I think there is,” he explained.
Now, Bob’s mission goes beyond his own healing. He is committed to relentless support for veterans, raising $14 million through the Bob Woodruff Foundation and the annual star-studded event Stand Up for Heroes.
This year’s event was a night of gratitude and a time of remembrance. Legendary rockers Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp sang together, and Rita Wilson also performed.
Prince Harry also took part in the fundraiser and made some laughs with his ginger jokes.
Bob told Billy: No drafts. They volunteered. We have a very powerful military that can protect our freedom. America has an amazing population of veterans, and they need to be treated as much as possible. ”
Watch Bob’s documentary “After the Blast: The Will to Survive” tonight at 8pm and learn more about his organization by visiting BobWoodruffFoundation.org.
This weekend, more stars will honor the military in the special “American Valor: A Salute to Heroes,” scheduled to air on Saturday.
Celebrities include Tom Cruise, Chris Evans, Bradley Cooper, Chris Pine, and more.
The special will be syndicated on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and the CW affiliates. Check your local listings. The military can also watch on the U.S. Military Network.
