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CNN Live At Daybreak

3,500 Soldiers From Fort Bening, Georgia Shipping Out

Aired January 07, 2003 - 05:38   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Back in the United States, 3,500 soldiers from Fort Bening, Georgia are shipping out to Kuwait and the possibility of battle with Iraq. Soldiers facing the possibility of war often find it hard to say good-bye. There are hugs and tears and the mixed feelings of pride and dread.
JOHN VAUSE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Our Gary Tuchman was there for all the sad farewells.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GARY TUCHMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): They're in the infantry, on their way to the Persian Gulf. They don't know what's in store for them. They don't know when they'll be back home.

STAFF SGT. CALVIN SHERMAN: I'm kind of proud to go over and serve my country. At the same time, I just kind of feel pretty heartbroken about leaving my family.

TUCHMAN: Staff Sergeant Calvin Sherman's family was with him to say good-bye. His 10-year-old son, his 9-year-old daughter and his wife Christine.

(on camera): What was the last thing you told him when he walked away?

CHRISTINE SHERMAN: I love him. And take care.

TUCHMAN: Sorry to intrude on your (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

(voice-over): The moments before their loved ones left Fort Bening, Georgia, were full of tenderness and tears. This little boy was told to give his father a hug and kiss good-bye. When the young son finished, he thought he'd better go back and do it a second time.

UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: I love you.

TUCHMAN: Children told their parents the things that soldiers want to keep fresh in their minds as long as they're away. Spouses shared moments as intimate as they could respectably do in public.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm just frightened because so much is going on and I just want him to come home.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Jose!

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, sir, sergeant. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Vollin (ph)!

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, sir, sergeant.

TUCHMAN: After roll call, these men, who will be on the battle field if and when there's a ground war, were processed and then boarded buses for a trip to Warner Robins Air Force Base for their flights to Kuwait.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm really scared. I'm really scared. Just, just because I, if something happens, I'd have to explain it to him and --

TUCHMAN (on camera): To your little boy?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Right. And I just don't know if I can handle that emotionally.

TUCHMAN (voice-over): Eight packed buses pulled out of the parking lot. By the time the week is over, some 3,500 Fort Bening soldiers will be in the Gulf.

Gary Tuchman, CNN, Fort Bening, Georgia.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com






Aired January 7, 2003 - 05:38   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Back in the United States, 3,500 soldiers from Fort Bening, Georgia are shipping out to Kuwait and the possibility of battle with Iraq. Soldiers facing the possibility of war often find it hard to say good-bye. There are hugs and tears and the mixed feelings of pride and dread.
JOHN VAUSE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Our Gary Tuchman was there for all the sad farewells.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GARY TUCHMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): They're in the infantry, on their way to the Persian Gulf. They don't know what's in store for them. They don't know when they'll be back home.

STAFF SGT. CALVIN SHERMAN: I'm kind of proud to go over and serve my country. At the same time, I just kind of feel pretty heartbroken about leaving my family.

TUCHMAN: Staff Sergeant Calvin Sherman's family was with him to say good-bye. His 10-year-old son, his 9-year-old daughter and his wife Christine.

(on camera): What was the last thing you told him when he walked away?

CHRISTINE SHERMAN: I love him. And take care.

TUCHMAN: Sorry to intrude on your (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

(voice-over): The moments before their loved ones left Fort Bening, Georgia, were full of tenderness and tears. This little boy was told to give his father a hug and kiss good-bye. When the young son finished, he thought he'd better go back and do it a second time.

UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: I love you.

TUCHMAN: Children told their parents the things that soldiers want to keep fresh in their minds as long as they're away. Spouses shared moments as intimate as they could respectably do in public.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm just frightened because so much is going on and I just want him to come home.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Jose!

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, sir, sergeant. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Vollin (ph)!

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, sir, sergeant.

TUCHMAN: After roll call, these men, who will be on the battle field if and when there's a ground war, were processed and then boarded buses for a trip to Warner Robins Air Force Base for their flights to Kuwait.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm really scared. I'm really scared. Just, just because I, if something happens, I'd have to explain it to him and --

TUCHMAN (on camera): To your little boy?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Right. And I just don't know if I can handle that emotionally.

TUCHMAN (voice-over): Eight packed buses pulled out of the parking lot. By the time the week is over, some 3,500 Fort Bening soldiers will be in the Gulf.

Gary Tuchman, CNN, Fort Bening, Georgia.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com