Success Story

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Honor Bob Woodruff at Building Bridges 2009
June 3

On June 3rd, IAVA Member Veterans attended the 2009 Building Bridges Gala in NYC.  The event, hosted by the Mental Health Association (MHA) of NYC, was held in honor of two inspirational New Yorkers, Bob Woodruff, former Co-Anchor of ABC’s “World News Tonight,” and his wife Lee Woodruff.  Bob suffered severe head injuries from a roadside bomb while reporting from the war in Iraq, and Lee was instrumental in his recovery.  Bob suffered severe head injuries from a roadside bomb while reporting from the war in Iraq, and Lee was instrumental in his recovery.  Together, Bob and Lee Woodruff established the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which focuses on helping veterans who have suffered head injuries and psychological wounds to successfully re-integrate into society.

At the beginning of the Building Bridges Gala, MHA Co-Chair Joseph Peyronnin III called on IAVA veteran members to stand and be recognized by name; a humbling gesture considering the truly accomplished and influential men and women in attendance.  During their speech, Bob and Lee Woodruff addressed the audience on the topic of Bob’s Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and the “situational depression” Lee encountered during Bob’s recovery.  Lee specifically addressed the stigma associated with receiving treatment for mental illness and mental injuries.  Lee’s words resonated with several of the veterans in the room. 

"The stigma associated with receiving mental health treatment is the most serious obstacle facing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffering from both psychological and neurological injuries," said IAVA Member Veteran Associate Stephen Taylor.  "It's reassuring to know that the Mental Health Association of NYC and Woodruff Foundation are committed to combating the stigma associated with receiving mental health."

Interested in learning more about the Woodruffs' work with veterans and military families?   Click here for more details.