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CNN Live Saturday

California Serviceman Says Goodbye to His Family

Aired December 01, 2001 - 15:38   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.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: The war on terrorism has many servicemen and women putting their country first and their families on standby. CNN's Thelma Gutierrez has this look at one California couple as they prepare for the call to duty.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

THELMA GUTIERREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It was the day after Thanksgiving, but one young couple celebrated Christmas early. Brent and Melissa had to.

MELISSA: I know that he's leaving soon.

GUTIERREZ: Now the newlyweds count down the hours when Brent will board the USS Pearl Harbor, headed for the Arabian Sea.

MELISSA: A lot of emotion. Mostly tears, trying not to make any sadness because you want to stay strong for them.

BRENT: I worry that Melissa is going to worry too much. I don't want her to worry. I really want her to know I am going to be safe.

MELISSA: This is our map, our tracking system.

GUTIERREZ: It is a way for Melissa to track Brent at sea, but this time it's war.

BRENT: It's kind of that scared exciting feeling, I don't know what's going to happen or anything, so it is a little bit different.

MELISSA: The last time I would have dates and would know when he was going and when they would arrive in their location, and how long they would be there. And I knew everything before it would happen, and this time I don't. I won't know.

GUTIERREZ: Forty-eight hours before Brent ships out, his family comes to say goodbye.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When are you going to be back?

BRENT: June.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: June?

BRENT: Allegedly.

GUTIERREZ: They share a few sandwiches, some laughs, and take lots of pictures. Then, reality sets in.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I have mixed feelings, but he's in God's hands, and he's going to be all right.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Just that I'm so proud of him. You know, it's -- just that I'm proud of him, and just to take care of himself and be safe.

GUTIERREZ: Brent and Melissa say they will miss the small things.

BRENT: I get home about 8:00 in the morning probably. And she is still asleep, and I just -- I love getting in bed, and I'm just falling asleep with her. That's just the way that makes you feel good, so I will miss things like that, little things.

MELISSA: I'm going to miss his encouragement, and his kisses good-night. I'm sorry. But it's only six months. And it could be worse.

GUTIERREZ: San Diego harbor, December 1. A day no one could have prepared them for.

MELISSA: I will miss you.

GUTIERREZ: Thelma Gutierrez, CNN, San Diego.

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