Return to Transcripts main page
CNN Live Saturday
Christmas in Iraq; Wheelchair Gifts
Aired December 25, 2004 - 12:00 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.
TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Well, it is 12:00 p.m. on the East coast and 9:00 a.m. out West. Good afternoon -- good morning, depending where you are. I'm Tony Harris at CNN's global headquarters.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Betty Nguyen. Ahead this hour:
Christmas in Iraq: We'll check in with soldiers in Ramadi to see how they're marking this holiday. Plus this:
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The most important thing is showing somebody that you care. We got so many people this -- need that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HARRIS: One man's worldwide mission to spread hope coming up.
NGUYEN: And some big name reunions on the court just in time for Christmas. Tony, I know you're ready for this one.
HARRIS: Can you feel the love?
NGUYEN: Oh, no.
HARRIS: But, first, a look at the top stories in the news, now.
NGUYEN: Two key leaders of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's terrorist network are now in coalition custody in Iraq. The U.S. military says the suspects were captured by American soldiers earlier this month during a sweep of Ramadi, which is just west of Baghdad.
More than a dozen people are still in critical condition after a suicide bomber exploded a tanker truck in a Baghdad neighborhood. Nine people were killed in yesterday's bombing. The neighborhood is home to many prominent Iraqi politicians.
Here in the U.S., this Christmas day is one for the record books in parts of south Texas. Look at this video. Heavy snow has been falling in Houston and Galveston. Victoria, which is 120 miles southwest of Houston, is having its first white Christmas in 86 years.
HARRIS: Oh, a dangerous place far from home, but men and women in uniform found ways to celebrate the season this Christmas day in Iraq. Wounded troops mark the day in a military hospital in Baghdad. They were able to celebrate mass while recuperating and British troops rang in the day in Basra. They held services including singing hymns and hearing a Christmas day lesson. And despite threats of violence, Syrian Christians held their Christmas mass today in Baghdad.
NGUYEN: Four Americans on duty in Iraq, one day can seem like the next, except when they're reminded they're not home for the holidays. CNN's Chris Lawrence reports now from Ramadi.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Inside the relative safety of this base, if only for half an hour, this corporal can almost imagine being back home and forget about what's really on his mind: A new bride half a world away.
CPL. ELMER MIGUEL, U.S. ARMY: The holidays, especially, get -- get a little harder.
LAWRENCE: Elmer Miguel got married last January, but shipped out to Ramadi seven months later.
MIGUEL: I missed a lot of our first everything together this year.
LAWRENCE: Miguel put up a stocking his wife sent from home, but he's spending Christmas with men he considers his family.
MIGUEL: Whether that's just sitting around here in camp or out in a fire fight, they become your brother.
LAWRENCE: The 2nd Battalion 5th Marine Regimen is serving in one of the most dangerous areas of Iraq, this Christmas, and they only go into Ramadi's neighborhoods with full body armor, riding in armored convoys.
(on camera): There is nothing here that says "Christmas" and a lot of Marines would completely forget if it wasn't for their families reminding them.
CPL. EDWIN HILL, U.S. ARMY: You know, we try to -- try not to pay a lot of attention to it, because it's not Christmas out here.
LAWRENCE (voice-over): Corporal Edwin Hill has a wife back home in Georgia. She's the one who told him about the suicide attack on the mess hall in Mosul. But, it's not something the men here dwell on.
HILL: Our families are worried about it, which in turn -- you know, worries us a little bit and -- you know, we're kind of kept in the dark a lot here, which helps out quite a bit -- you know, as far as the guys not being too, too worried.
LAWRENCE: And this Christmas, the Marines may be praying for peace on earth, but this Christmas, they'll settle for a small corner of Iraq. (END VIDEOTAPE)
HARRIS: Well, some of the people who call Fallujah home are returning to the city to inspect what remains of their homes. The U.S.-led offensive to push insurgents out of the city didn't leave much behind but rubble. Iraqi officials say that more than 200,000 people fled the fighting. The government is giving residents $4,000 for damage to their homes. Many say that's not enough.
NGUYEN: Reestablishing Iraqi control in Iraq has been a challenge. Sometimes Iraqis recruited for security service and the military turn out to be insurgents bent on terrorist attacks. Officials say the suicide bomber in Mosul was wearing an Iraqi military uniform. CNN military analyst and retired Air Force Major General Don Shepperd joins us by phone to talk about the problems of finding trust in Iraq.
Good morning to you, general.
MAJ. GEN. DON SHEPPERD, U.S. AIR FORCE (RET.): Good morning, Betty.
NGUYEN: Well, let's talk about the situation in Mosul. This suicide bomber was believed to have been carrying a device in his vest. How does that go undetected?
SHEPPERD: Well, it's hard to say. The question is how did he get it on the base itself? There's a possibility he actually wore it on the base and came to -- you know, came on the base in the morning, although, they should be vetted through security mechanisms and checked before coming on base. And it's also possible he had some help and had it shipped in either all at once or over time and then donned it from supplies that were taken into the base on a daily basis. It's a big base that required lots of supplies, Betty.
NGUYEN: OK, let's take this apart piece by piece. This vetting, how extensive is the vetting? And how do they track Iraqis who are helping the U.S. military?
SHEPPERD: Yeah, well, first of all, both -- both going into the military and those working on the bases are vetted. You hire contractors, basically, to do this and the contractors work with local Iraqis. They do it just like applying for a job in the U.S. You fill out a resume, you fill out an application, and they are supposed to check your references and check with your families and that type of thing out there, but people get through and sneak through, and you make mistakes and you always assume that some of these people, whether they're workers or whether in the military or police, some of these people are dirty. You just accept that fact and you're going to make some mistakes, there's no question about it. Some bad guys are going to get through.
NGUYEN: And as they get through -- let's talk about this case in Mosul with that suicide bomber. Any indication he may have had some help? Because if that is, indeed, the case, then there could be others still inside. SHEPPERD: Well, as you know, the investigation is still going on. It's very important to do this and found out what really happened: How did he get there? Who did he associate with? Who hired him? What checkpoint did he come through? All of that. The fact is that, again, you are going to -- you are going to make some mistakes, no matter what you design in the way of procedures. People are going to get through. And once you plug all the holes in the process, people are going to find new ways to do it. It's just a fact of life. You're not going to be 100 percent successful.
NGUYEN: Now, this bombing raised a lot of questions for people at home, people watching, even the military, just about whether troops should be wearing their flack jackets in ding facilities regardless of where they are. Let's talk about that because I want to show you some video now of Donald Rumsfeld's trip to Iraq yesterday, which was a surprise visit. He is ding with troops in Mosul at a hall, there. Now, they are not wearing flack jackets. Is that a concern for you, especially after the bombing in Mosul on Tuesday?
SHEPPERD: It's just impractical. In other words, these things are hot, they're bulky. You can't wear that stuff all the time. And you don it quickly again if you have it with you -- you can put it on very quickly. But it's just like -- you're vulnerable to gas attack around the area. You don't wear gas masks all the time. And so it's just simply not something that you can do. There are soft facilities. These places are shelled and rocketed from time to time. Most of the things don't hit because the weapons are very, very inaccurate. But it's a risk you accept in wartime there, Betty.
NGUYEN: All right, General Don Shepperd, we appreciate your insight today. Merry Christmas to you.
SHEPPERD: Same to you, Betty.
NGUYEN: Thank you -- Tony.
HARRIS: And, back home, celebrations are often muted by the losses. Loved ones have suffered while in harm's way. The recent bomb attack on a base in Mosul has hit one town has been hit particularly hard. Miguel Marquez has the latest from Washington.
No Miguel. Oh, we got him.
Hi, Miguel. Merry Christmas.
MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Merry Christmas to you, Tony. How are you? The memorials and the tributes have started to pour for those six members of the Striker Brigade combat team here, stationed here at Fort Lewis; six of the 22 who died there at Mosul were from here. One of them was a captain, 31-year-old William Jacobsen, who's the father of four. Is he was the company commander there in Mosul. You know, he had talked to his father, his father had served in Vietnam and he had talked to him before he left about his wish. His wish was to bring all of his troops that are under his command home safely.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BILL JACOBSEN, FATHER: And almost to the person, they said, to bring us all back from Iraq, and that was Bill's goal. Having served in the Army as a second lieutenant in Vietnam, I knew that the chances of that were slim, and we talked about that, and Bill knew that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MARQUEZ: And sadly, it was Captain Jacobsen who did not make it home safely. At this point, another person who died in that blast was Sergeant Darren VanComben (ph), 33 years old from Bluefield, West Virginia. His sister spoke from her home near Olympia, Washington and says that her brother was a free spirit who never looked back.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PAM WHITE, SISTER: He needed to be there. And he also told me he wasn't afraid of dying. So -- and that made me feel good because I knew if he was going to be OK with it, then I could be OK with it.
MARQUEZ: Are you OK with it?
WHITE: Yeah, I am. I am. I miss him. I really do, but it's OK. It's OK. I know where he's at. He's in heaven with my dad and my sister.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MARQUEZ: On this very rainy, Christmas morning here at Fort Lewis, Washington, the gates of Fort Lewis, Washington, a memorial service is being planned for the six who died there. That'll be held on Wednesday -- Tony.
HARRIS: OK. Miguel Marquez. Fort Lewis, Washington. Miguel, thank you.
NGUYEN: Hitting the high seas for the New Year, why is it not too late to get away for the holidays? Well, we will tell you how to find those deals a little later in the hour.
HARRIS: Plus, it's a big day for the NBA. We're just a few hours away from the Shaq-Kobe showdown.
NGUYEN: And, for the first time since their November brawl, the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons will take to the court against each other today. Up next, is all this hype good for the game or bad for the NBA's image? We'll talk with a sports business analyst, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hi, I'm (UNINTELLIGIBLE) from (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Arkansas, I just want to say happy holidays to everybody. Hi, mom. I love you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Love those greetings, especially on a holiday like today. Well, just minutes from now, an attention-grabbing rematch gets underway in Indianapolis. The Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers face off on the court once again just weeks after the big brawl. Last month's melee in Detroit involved players from both teams and then spilled into the stands, as you see here.
Pacers' star, Jermaine O'Neal, who was suspended for his role in that brawl, will be in the starting line-up for today's game. O'Neal, who's accused of punching a Pistons fan and is allowed to play while a federal judge considers a lawsuit involving his suspension.
Now, another NBA game is getting a lot of hype. I'm sure you've heard about it. Bickering former teammates, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, well they face off when the Lakers host the Miami Heat, later today. It marks O'Neal's return to Los Angeles since he bolted from Miami in the Lakers' post-season shake-up. More now, from CNN's Steve Overmyer.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
STEVE OVERMYER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): When Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant were brought in the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996, a dynasty was born. But so was a soap opera. Despite three straight NBA championships, the two stars found it difficult to coexist and complained about each other through the media. The rift grew wider in the summer of 2003 when Bryant was accused of rape by a Colorado woman. During a conversation with police, Bryant implied that O'Neal had extramarital affairs and had paid those women to keep the encounters quiet.
Finally, in June, after being swept by the Pistons in the NBA finals, Lakers management made changes. Phil Jackson was not retained as head coach and O'Neal was traded to Miami amid reports that Bryant had a hand in both their departures.
JACK MCCALLUM, "SPORTS ILLUSTRATED": I think Kobe probably needed new teammates because I think with the old Lakers -- Kobe had pretty much alienated most of the Lakers.
OVERMYER: On Christmas Day, in a nationally televised game, O'Neal will return to LA. to face Bryant and the Lakers for the first time.
SHAQUILLE O'NEAL, MIAMI HEAT: Christmas is just going to be just a normal game, two good teams going at it. And of course, ABC and all the marketing firms are trying to hype it up, but to me it's just going to be a regular game.
CHARLES BARKLEY, TNT NBA ANALYST: This is really an ego game, because Shaq want to prove to them something. I always say this. You always hate your ex-wife, you want to see them suffer.
MAGIC JOHNSON, TNT NBA ANALYST: I want to see them smack each other. It would be great, because, see, like Charles said, if it was me coming back, I am smacking some people.
KENNY SMITH, TNT NBA ANALYST: Kobe has to try to dunk on Shaq the first play of the game. That's what I want to see. I want to see if Shaq levels him or Kobe dunks on him.
KOBE BRYANT, LA LAKERS: We've had our share of battles in practice and nobody really had an opportunity to see it, but we'd go at it, man. I don't back away from anything and if I have to go to the basket and go to the rim, I'm going to go to the rim.
OVERMYER: And many will be going to their TVs to see if this game lives up to its hype.
Steve Overmyer, CNN, Atlanta.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HARRIS: Oh, can't anyone just get along? What's up with this violence and bickering in the NBA? It's a game. And what's likely to happen in both of today's marquis match-ups, CNN's sports analyst, Rick Harrow, is with us now from West Palm Beach, Florida. He will be with us on every weekend on CNN SATURDAY MORNING to go beyond the game.
Rick, how you doing?
RICK HARROW, CNN SPORT ANALYST: Hey man, you know, Merry Christmas again.
HARRIS: Rick.
HARROW: Yeah, and I thought the Christmas present was to get you -- now, I got you twice today. Hey, when's dinner?
HARRIS: You know, you got that lump of coal, didn't you? That's what you ended up with.
HARROW: I hear you, man.
HARRIS: Why don't we start off with the Indiana game? And what are you expecting in that game? And are there some extra security measures in place here? I guess, if you're an Indiana fan, you're looking to hoot and holler at Ben Wallace a little bit.
HARROW: Well, everybody is going to hoot and holler at everybody else.
HARRIS: Yeah.
HARROW: That's the beauty of these two games, but there were 200 extra security people at the next Pistons game after that November 19 brawl, there's no reason to believe that ain't happening here. But remember, the violence issue is as old as the hills. There's about $20 billion spent in stadiums and arenas this last 10 years and a lot of that is from security money. Now in England and soccer stadiums, we've got moats separating the players from the fans and the fans from the players, we may even have that here. This is not a new phenomenon. Umpire George Bradley got hit by a fan in Cincinnati when -- 1886, everybody said it's the end of civilization as we know it. It's not, but just remember it's an old problem requiring some new solutions.
HARRIS: You know what? I'm one of those guys who happens to believe these rivalries are good for the game. Now, this obviously goes too far, all this punching and fan involvement, and that's a little crazy and over the top, of course. But I'm one of the guys that actually thinks it's good to have very strong rivalries in the game, but has this brawl effected, impacted the image of the sport?
HARROW: Well, of course. It's a $3 billion business, 212 countries. They've got MBA superstars on postage stamps in St. Vincent and Palau and Sierra Leone.
HARRIS: Yeah.
HARROW: It's an international game now. The point is, that the NBA values were about 15 million bucks when David Stern came in 20 years ago. It's about $300 billion now and every image impact story affects the NBA pocketbooks to be sure, Tony.
HARRIS: I see. OK, so going forward, the marketability of these players, Jermaine O'Neal, who's back in the line-up today, Ron Artest, Ben Wallace, you believe their marketability has been impacted by the fight?
HARROW: Yeah, I think so. You know, and we'll talk about Kobe in a minute, but the Pacers situation is interesting, because it's a call to order, now. Corporations will only be involved if they see the NBA clean their own house. And 140 games of suspensions by David Stern is a start. He's now has a referee code of conduct. And he's got a personality test he's administering to make sure we got non- confrontational referees. How's that one? We've got a code of conduct for fans. And the civil and criminal courts step in only as a last resort. So, the NBA sees the issue and is trying to solve the problem themselves.
HARRIS: Kobe-Shaq, the marketers have fueled this thing. Media has fueled this thing. It's out of control. It's going to be huge today. Right?
HARROW: Well, you know, we heard Shaq say "it's just another game." My buddies at ticketofamerica.com tell me the tickets are going at eight times face value and seven grand for a court-side seat.
HARRIS: This is crazy.
HARROW: It is the most anticipated regular season match-up ever. And by the way, Tony, the NBA has a $730 million annual deal with television. You're darn straight this is an important game for them. Keep talking about it, it's good for the league.
HARRIS: All right, the bickering itself has been going on for years between these two. Can we pinpoint, in your mind, who's to blame for it? Is it Shaq or is it Kobe?
HARROW: Well, you know, I'm not a psychologist. I don't really care who's to blame, to be honest with you. The bottom line is that McDonalds has suspended Kobe's sponsorship, Nike is looking at it. You know, the bickering is fine as long as people understand it's entertainment, if it goes father than that, then it becomes a little counterproductive, too.
HARRIS: Rick Harrow, sports analyst, the man who knows where the dollars are in professional sports. Rick, see you next weekend.
HARROW: Yeah, one quick comment. I heard you were singing pretty well a couple of hours ago.
HARRIS: Oh.
HARROW: Hey Betty, what is that all about huh?
NGUYEN: You want a replay, don't you?
HARRIS: No.
NGUYEN: Everyone's been requesting it.
HARROW: Hey, I want the tape. I want the tape for a Christmas present.
HARRIS: OK. Satellite time is gone. The window's closing. Goodbye, Rick. You know Rick...
HARROW: See you, man.
HARRIS: Merry Christmas to you. Thanks for that -- thank you. Rick mentioned college football bowl games, or did he? Take a look at this is he going to broadcast live from seven bowl games in six days here on CNN. He kicks it all off in Charlotte at the Continental Tire Bowl on December 30 and then we'll check back with him throughout the bowl season.
Christopher Reeves' legacy is living on in the life of a 14-year- old boy. Still to come, the heart-warming story of one quadriplegic teen's wish and how it came true.
NGUYEN: And up next, giving one Atlanta family the chance to personally wish their soldier in Iraq a very merry Christmas. We'll bring that to you soon.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MAJ. ASHLAND ELLIOT, U.S. ARMY: I'm Major Ashland Elliot, I'm the operations chief for 2nd Battalion 5th Marines in al-Ramadi, Iraq. I'd like to say "Merry Christmas and happy New Year to my wife, Cheryl, and my children back in the U.S. As well as thank my family for their support. We'll be home soon. (END VIDEO CLIP)
HARRIS: Oh, you are going to love this. Thousands of American men and women are spending the holidays in Iraq and on this Christmas day, we are reuniting some of those troops with their loved ones here at home. Private 1st Class Andy Lee is serving in U.S. Army in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. His family is here in Atlanta. Let me introduce you to his family. There is Dad, Luke.
Say hello, Luke.
LUKE TJO, FATHER: Andy, merry Christmas.
PRIVATE 1ST CLASS ANDY LEE, U.S. ARMY: Hi.
TJO: You're looking good.
A. LEE: Merry Christmas, dad.
HARRIS: Let me finish the introductions, so that I can just sort of get out of the way and let you guys talk to one another. Theresa Jo is your mom, Andy, and she is here. Mary Ann, your sister, is here. Danny Joe, your, your brother is here.
A. LEE: Hi.
HARRIS: Joey Lee, your bother, is here. And I am out of the way. And dad, take it away, spend some time with your son.
TJO: Andy, you're looking good.
A. LEE: Hi, everyone.
TJO: You're looking healthy and...
A. LEE: Thank you.
TJO: We thank CNN for giving us this opportunity for -- some difference, you know that? Different. And here's mom.
A. LEE: Yeah, sorry you guys had to miss church.
TJO: Oh, well, priority, you know, talking to you is priority for us. So, how wonderful. Wonderful. We thank god.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We had to sit through it for two hours last night, so it's OK.
THERESA JO LEE, MOTHER: Hi, son young. How are you?
A. LEE: Hi, ma.
T. LEE: OK.
A. LEE: Good. How are you? How do I look?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They say the camera adds about 10 pounds.
A. LEE: Does it really? Do I look fat?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, you grew out your hair. You grew out your hair.
A. LEE: Huh?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You grew out your hair. It looks pretty bad actually.
A. LEE: I didn't want to shave it, because...
T. LEE: OK.
A. LEE: You can't take a shower for a month.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You can get a lot of girls saying that on TV.
A. LEE: Yeah.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Make sure you get one before you come back, though.
T. LEE: I'm waiting for you...
A. LEE: I'll take a long shower when I get home.
(CROSSTALK)
A. LEE: I'm waiting too, I'm waiting to come home next month.
T. LEE: OK. January, we meet, OK?
A. LEE: OK.
T. LEE: Thank you.
TJO: Andy, she'll be looking forward.
A. LEE: OK.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, I got a cold beer waiting for you at home Papa Mack -- me and you.
A. LEE: Papa Mack, I want a New Castle, a tall New Castle.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We got that for you.
TJO: Looking healthy.
A. LEE: OK.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, where did you find that tree in the back?
A. LEE: I wish I could see you guys.
MARY ANN LEE, SISTER: Oh, you can't see us?
A. LEE: The tree?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yeah.
A. LEE: I don't know. It was here when I got here.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Nice decoration. You did it yourself? Looks good.
A. LEE: No, I didn't do it, but only half the lights work.
HARRIS: So, Andy, tell us, what has it been like overseas, so far away from home? And I know you're missing your family. Give us a sense of what it's been like for you over there. And just how much do you miss this wonderful family of yours?
A. LEE: Oh, I miss them terribly. I think about them every day. I pray for them and I know that they're praying for me, but I'm over here with the guys and we're doing something good. So, I just want to do my job and just come home soon safely and in one piece.
HARRIS: I don't think we've heard from your sister yet. Is there anything you want to say to your brother?
MARY ANN LEE, SISTER: Well, you look good. Just keep up the good work. Have a positive attitude.
A. LEE: You're learning.
M. LEE: What? I'm lying? No, I mean, we'll see you soon. And keep up the...
A. LEE: Thanks for coming.
M. LEE: ...phone calls as much as you can. We love you.
A. LEE: OK. I love you too.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, everyone at church is praying for you, so, we're waiting for you. All the kids too, all the Sunday school kids.
A. LEE: Sorry you had to miss mass.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yeah, I know. It's all right.
T. LEE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) mass.
A. LEE: Everything's OK.
HARRIS: And Dad, let me ask you, as we start to close this up a little bit, Dad, some final thoughts you want to share with your son? TJO: Andy, as we always do, even though physically we are in different location, but we know we always meet you in prayers. So, we keep it up and the all the families at the church, they support you. Our nation supports you. CNN supports you. There's wonderful people around and as Joey (UNINTELLIGIBLE) said, think positively. And that's our motto. Our -- you know, we share a lot, so let's keep it up. OK? We all love you and have a merry Christmas.
A. LEE: OK.
T. LEE: (SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
A. LEE: (SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
HARRIS: Well, that was wonderful. Andy, anything you -- any final words you want to share with your family?
A. LEE: I have so much to say, I don't know where to start, but just I want to go home and sleep for a really long time and use the toilet, be able to flush it and take a nice, long shower. There's so much I want to do, but I know I'll get there soon. But thanks for having me and my family.
HARRIS: It has been our pleasure. Private First Class Andy Lee and the Tjo family, his family here in Atlanta, in Alfaretta, Georgia. It has been great having you here. Andy, get home safely and catch up with this wonderful family of yours. Be safe.
A. LEE: OK. Thank you so much.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: See ya.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Bye.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Bye.
NGUYEN: And we'll be having another reunion as well. Using technology to reunite families separated by war. Up next, a soldier stationed in Iraq gets to talk with his family in Buffalo, New York.
And still to come, giving the gift of mobility. We'll tell you about one organization that does not wait until Christmas to make dreams come true.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HARRIS: Now in the news, word that two men believed to be leaders of a terror cell in Iraq were arrested by U.S. troops this month. The military statement says the pair are cell leaders of a group connected to Abu Musab al Zarqawi and his terrorist network. They were arrested during a military sweep in Ramadi.
More arrests, these connected to last Sunday's explosion in Najaf. The local governor says six suspects belong to what he called a terrorist cell. No group has claimed responsibility for that explosion. More than 50 people were killed in a blast that targeted a funeral procession.
The two-man crew of the international space station has reason to celebrate this Christmas. A special delivery should arrive today. Food supplies are running very low on the station for the American and the Russian on board. A Russian supply ship bringing more food and other supplies should dock with the station sometime today.
NGUYEN: Throughout this Christmas day, CNN is reuniting U.S. troops overseas with their loved ones right here in the U.S. Right now we want to bring together Sergeant Christopher Johnson with the U.S. Army in Ramadi, Iraq, there he is, and his wife and family that we will try to get to. There they are, live in New York. We have Laquisha Johnson.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That is the wrong guy.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Wrong husband.
NGUYEN: Wrong family. Let's speak with Christopher Johnson this morning since we don't have the family right now. If you would, tell me, how is Christmas being spent where you are?
SGT. CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON: Christmas here has been nice. We didn't do too much today. It's been a pretty easy day, a little guard (ph) later on, but everything is going well.
NGUYEN: Well, we must tell you that we apologize for the mix-up. We were trying to reunite you with their family, but we understand that there has been some kind of difficulty there, whether it's technically or just some miscommunication. But we want to give you the opportunity right now to say a little something to your family, if you would, on this Christmas Day.
JOHNSON: OK. I just want to tell them all Merry Christmas and I love them very much and I will be home soon.
NGUYEN: All right. Wonderful. Staff Sergeant Christopher Johnson. We appreciate your time with us today. Hopefully, we can get this message to your family and maybe at some point, we'll be able to get them linked up with you. Thank you for your time and have a Merry Christmas.
JOHNSON: You too. Thank you.
NGUYEN: Well, it may still be Christmas, but you might be wondering what I can do to ring in the New Year. Tony?
HARRIS: And some bubbly on the high seas. Up next, last minute cruise deals for next weekend's holiday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CAPT. CHRIS GIBSON: Captain Chris Gibson, 25, Ramadi, Iraq. I'm from Danville, Kentucky. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year to all my friends and family. Things are going well over here. Wish I could be back home but maybe next year. To my wife, I miss you and love you. Good luck with the delivery here in a few days. To my little girl, Alex, I love you very much and I'll see you soon.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HARRIS: Lots of folks have extra time off over the holidays and a new year's cruise might seem like the perfect weekend get away. With just a week to go, is it too late to book? Joining us from Albany, New York is Stephanie Oswald. She is editor in chief and co- founder of "Travel Girl" magazine. How are you Stephanie?
STEPHANIE OSWALD, TRAVEL GIRL MAGAZINE: Hi, Tony. I'm doing great. Merry Christmas.
HARRIS: Merry Christmas to you. But you know what, I think you're selling us a lump of coal here. There is no way in the world this late date, less than a week to go here, that you can tell me with a straight face that I can still book a cruise to some fabulous destination. There's no way. You're setting me up for the big gotcha, aren't you?
OSWALD: That's not true. That's not true. There are a lot of places out there where you can get a great cruise. Just yesterday I was on ecruises.com and there were two cruises to the western Caribbean.
HARRIS: Get out of here. Really?
OSWALD: Yes, and the prices were not so bad, between $2,000 and $3,000 for two people, all inclusive and the key is flexibility. You really need to be flexible and if you're not picky, you can find a good deal, even a week before New Year's.
HARRIS: All right. What was that site you mentioned and are there some others where you can sort of search around?
OSWALD: A few others, ecruises.com, travelzoo.com, site59.com and eleventhhourvacations.com and four of the websites that I recommend. And you need to remember that just because you see a deal on the website doesn't mean it still exists. Sometimes those deals are only there for a few hours or sometimes there are only one or two spots left and if you're lucky, you'll get one. But you also have to remember that just because you don't see something on the web doesn't mean you have to stay home this New Year's. The best tip is to do your shopping online, but then get on the phone with a travel agent or some other travel expert from one of these organizations and have them walk you through your options.
HARRIS: I see. OK, so Stephanie, what about prices? I saw some prices up there just a moment ago. Are prices pretty good?
OSWALD: Prices are not so bad. Now the pickier you are, the more it will cost you. That's what you have to remember. Some of these websites on site59.com, you can actually pick a theme such as food and wine or beach or family and you can just put in a theme or put in the dates you want to travel if you know you have specific dates. Or if you know a specific amount of money you want to spend. If you put in one qualifier and then the website will come back with several different options for you.
HARRIS: OK. I'm going to take your advice on this. That's Stephanie Oswald, editor-in-chief of co-founder of "Travel Girl" magazine. Stephanie, Merry Christmas to you.
OSWALD: Merry Christmas Tony and take off. Safe travels in 2005.
HARRIS: And to you. Thank you.
NGUYEN: All right. We want to get back to our military family reunions. Remember Sgt. Christopher Johnson in Ramadi who we just spoke with? Well guess what, we do have his family after all and the one that popped up a little bit earlier was, indeed, his family in Buffalo, New York. They just had the wrong monitor so the person they were seeing was not their family member, but, indeed, there he is, Sergeant Christopher Johnson is with us. And Christopher, want to let you know that Laquisha, your wife, is here as well as your children. So Laquisha, since he cannot see you, tell him who you have there with you and how great it is to see him on this Christmas.
LAQUISHA JOHNSON: We have his daughter, Brittany (ph), his son, Todd, his daughter, Tabiana (ph) and his son, Christopher and his goddaughter, Isis.
NGUYEN: Wonderful. As you see him today, boy, this must be a great Christmas gift for you. How does he look to you?
L. JOHNSON: He looks great. It's just really good to see him. I haven't seen him physically in six months. So, it was a big surprise when they called. And it was a very tearful moment for my daughter and I.
NGUYEN: Now you all have done some planning because I see a sign there. Tell him what you made and what you've brought today.
L. JOHNSON: We brought a sign that's just saying Merry Christmas to daddy. We were all trying to sign it but we didn't get a chance to all sign it. The kids are all wearing their Christmas outfits. We wanted to look nice for daddy.
NGUYEN: And they do look really wonderful. Sergeant Johnson, I know you've been listening to this. So I'm going to step out of the way and let you talk to your family.
C. JOHNSON: Hey. How are you all doing?
L. JOHNSON: Hi, honey. How are you?
UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: Hi, daddy.
C. JOHNSON: Hey, y'all, how are you?
L. JOHNSON: We're good. C. JOHNSON: Is everybody having a Merry Christmas?
L. JOHNSON: Yes. How is your Christmas going? Are you OK down there?
C. JOHNSON: It's going. It's going good. Yeah, I'm doing fine. I'm doing just fine.
L. JOHNSON: Were you busy today?
C. JOHNSON: Can little Chris see me?
L. JOHNSON: Yeah, he can see you. Say hi to daddy, sweetie.
C. JOHNSON: Hey, Chris.
UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: Hi, daddy.
L. JOHNSON: Say hi.
C. JOHNSON: Hey, Ta Ta.
L. JOHNSON: We even got the dog here. Put your hands down, sweetie. I don't even know what to say. I'm just happy to see you again. I haven't seen you physically moving around and alive. I mean, we got all the letters telling us that you're fine, but I haven't been able to see it for myself and this is just a big, wonderful Christmas. I'm trying not to cry.
C. JOHNSON: As you can see, baby, I'm doing fine.
NGUYEN: Sergeant Johnson, how wonderful is it to hear from your family and know that they have all gathered, including the dog, to see you today and say a big Merry Christmas.
C. JOHNSON: It feels great. It just really made this day today. Hey, Todd, how are you doing?
NGUYEN: Now, I understand Chris, Jr., will be three years old next month, I guess this is a little bit of an early birthday present for him, huh?
C. JOHNSON: Yes. Yes, his birthday is three days after mine. I wish I could be home for it but I'll be a little late.
NGUYEN: Yeah. You've been gone, I guess, just before father's day is that correct?
C. JOHNSON: Yes. Yes. Last time I was home was June 12th.
NGUYEN: So, Laquisha, how has the family changed since he has been gone? Have they grown quite a bit?
L. JOHNSON: The children, yeah. Yeah. The baby is being potty trained right now and we're so excited, because he can go like a man.
NGUYEN: I don't think I've heard that one on live television. Hey, Ta Ta, anything you want to say to your father?
L. JOHNSON: She's a little emotional right now. She hasn't seen him in a long time. She's nervous. Say hi.
TABIANA JOHNSON: Hi, daddy.
C. JOHNSON: Hey, Ta Ta. How are you doing, sweetie?
T. JOHNSON: I want you to come home.
NGUYEN: Well, Laquisha, we are --
C. JOHNSON: I'll be home soon.
NGUYEN: And we sure do hope you come home soon. Laquisha, we are on limited time. So I'm going to give you an opportunity to say some last few things to your husband before we run out of that time. The floor is all yours.
L. JOHNSON: They're all crying. I just want to let him know that the baby has really been asking about you the last couple of days. He has brought me to tears twice. He wants to know where his daddy is. I can only tell him that he is at work. It's pretty emotional here, because Chris and I have very rarely spent any time apart. So, this is kind of hard for us. Since the day we met, we have been together, side by side. They even gave us a nickname. They call us J-Lo for J and Lola. So we've just been side by side. So it's really hard, but I would like to thank you guys for bringing us together today. It's really wonderful. Thank you.
NGUYEN: Sure. Sergeant Johnson --
L. JOHNSON: Honey, I love you.
C. JOHNSON: I love you, too, sweetheart.
L. JOHNSON: Stay safe out there.
NGUYEN: Sergeant Johnson, you got a few last words to say to your family before we run out of time?
C. JOHNSON: Yes. I just wanted to say Merry Christmas to them all and I will see you soon. Thanks for everybody's prayers back there. Lola, let them all know that I said hi and I love everyone. Thank you.
L. JOHNSON: We love you too. Merry Christmas, honey.
UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: Call us later on today?
NGUYEN: We thank you all for allowing us to share a little time with you on this Christmas.
UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: Bye.
L. JOHNSON: Stay safe. NGUYEN: So nice to see those family reunions. What an emotional time. Such a special day. Well, it is a Christmas gift that means new freedom for a New Hampshire teenager.
HARRIS: After the break, how the legacy of Christopher Reeve is making one boy's dreams come true.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
Hi. I'm (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Alabama. I want to say (UNINTELLIGIBLE) that mommy loves you very much and she misses you and she'll be home safe. Merry Christmas, mom and dad. I love you all.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: We want to show you a super gift from a super man. That's what wide-eyed 14-year old Tyler Howard got for Christmas. Howard is a quadriplegic and has been confined to a wheelchair for 10 years. Christopher Reeve's family gave Howard the late actor's specially modified van.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TYLER HOWARD, RECEIVED REEVE'S VAN: I was stunned, happy, couldn't believe it, didn't seem real.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: The van gives Howard the freedom to attend school functions, visit his friends and go on family outings.
HARRIS: All over the world, disabled people are receiving the gift of mobility. The wheelchair foundation and one very special man are making it happen. Gary Nuremberg has our story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GARY NUREMBERG, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Fire fighters in a Virginia suburb of Washington, D.C., delivering a much-needed wheelchair to 37-year-old Laura Harsh (ph).
LAURA HARSH: It's red. Hey, I won't get lost in the dark.
NUREMBERG: It's happening worldwide, the Wheelchair Foundation providing wheelchairs to the disabled who, like this woman in Zimbabwe often have to crawl to get where they want to go. Founder Ken Behring (ph) sometimes makes the gift in person.
KENNETH BEHRING, THE WHEELCHAIR FOUNDATION: The most important thing is showing somebody that you care. So many people just need that.
NUREMBERG: When this man in Guatemala told Behring doctors wanted $100 to amputate his leg, $25 more to provide anesthesia, Behring counted out $125.
BEHRING: He handed the $25 back to me and said I don't have to be put to sleep. I said, no, no. I want you to be put to sleep. He couldn't believe somebody was helping, giving him this.
NUREMBERG: A week later, Behring gave him a call.
BEHRING: They didn't have (ph) his leg off. It was successful. He was in his wheelchair. His wife had found a job. He was home taking care of the children and doing the cooking and that they were a happy family. It meant his life and not only his life, but the life of the family.
NUREMBERG: The Wheelchair Foundation has handed out 350,000 wheelchairs worldwide, but Behring says 20 million are needed. All he wants in return, he says, is a smile.
HARSH: Awesome. Thank you. Thank you so much.
BEHRING: You're welcome.
NUREMBERG: In Fairfax, Virginia, Gary Nuremberg for CNN.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HARRIS: You give, you give and all you want is a smile and a thank you.
NGUYEN: That feels so good.
HARRIS: And Merry Christmas to you.
NGUYEN: Merry Christmas to you, Tony.
HARRIS: Up next, CNN's encore presentation of military family reunions, then at 2:00 Eastern, it's CNN presents the mystery of Jesus.
NGUYEN: We want to thank you for joining us today. Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hi. I'm Gunnery Sergeant James Betencourt (ph) from second battalion fifth Marines. I'm in (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Iraq. Just want to tell everybody at home Merry Christmas, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Michelle and Melody, I love you with all my heart and daddy's going to make it home from this second trip again.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
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 December 25, 2004 - 12:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Well, it is 12:00 p.m. on the East coast and 9:00 a.m. out West. Good afternoon -- good morning, depending where you are. I'm Tony Harris at CNN's global headquarters.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Betty Nguyen. Ahead this hour:
Christmas in Iraq: We'll check in with soldiers in Ramadi to see how they're marking this holiday. Plus this:
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The most important thing is showing somebody that you care. We got so many people this -- need that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HARRIS: One man's worldwide mission to spread hope coming up.
NGUYEN: And some big name reunions on the court just in time for Christmas. Tony, I know you're ready for this one.
HARRIS: Can you feel the love?
NGUYEN: Oh, no.
HARRIS: But, first, a look at the top stories in the news, now.
NGUYEN: Two key leaders of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's terrorist network are now in coalition custody in Iraq. The U.S. military says the suspects were captured by American soldiers earlier this month during a sweep of Ramadi, which is just west of Baghdad.
More than a dozen people are still in critical condition after a suicide bomber exploded a tanker truck in a Baghdad neighborhood. Nine people were killed in yesterday's bombing. The neighborhood is home to many prominent Iraqi politicians.
Here in the U.S., this Christmas day is one for the record books in parts of south Texas. Look at this video. Heavy snow has been falling in Houston and Galveston. Victoria, which is 120 miles southwest of Houston, is having its first white Christmas in 86 years.
HARRIS: Oh, a dangerous place far from home, but men and women in uniform found ways to celebrate the season this Christmas day in Iraq. Wounded troops mark the day in a military hospital in Baghdad. They were able to celebrate mass while recuperating and British troops rang in the day in Basra. They held services including singing hymns and hearing a Christmas day lesson. And despite threats of violence, Syrian Christians held their Christmas mass today in Baghdad.
NGUYEN: Four Americans on duty in Iraq, one day can seem like the next, except when they're reminded they're not home for the holidays. CNN's Chris Lawrence reports now from Ramadi.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Inside the relative safety of this base, if only for half an hour, this corporal can almost imagine being back home and forget about what's really on his mind: A new bride half a world away.
CPL. ELMER MIGUEL, U.S. ARMY: The holidays, especially, get -- get a little harder.
LAWRENCE: Elmer Miguel got married last January, but shipped out to Ramadi seven months later.
MIGUEL: I missed a lot of our first everything together this year.
LAWRENCE: Miguel put up a stocking his wife sent from home, but he's spending Christmas with men he considers his family.
MIGUEL: Whether that's just sitting around here in camp or out in a fire fight, they become your brother.
LAWRENCE: The 2nd Battalion 5th Marine Regimen is serving in one of the most dangerous areas of Iraq, this Christmas, and they only go into Ramadi's neighborhoods with full body armor, riding in armored convoys.
(on camera): There is nothing here that says "Christmas" and a lot of Marines would completely forget if it wasn't for their families reminding them.
CPL. EDWIN HILL, U.S. ARMY: You know, we try to -- try not to pay a lot of attention to it, because it's not Christmas out here.
LAWRENCE (voice-over): Corporal Edwin Hill has a wife back home in Georgia. She's the one who told him about the suicide attack on the mess hall in Mosul. But, it's not something the men here dwell on.
HILL: Our families are worried about it, which in turn -- you know, worries us a little bit and -- you know, we're kind of kept in the dark a lot here, which helps out quite a bit -- you know, as far as the guys not being too, too worried.
LAWRENCE: And this Christmas, the Marines may be praying for peace on earth, but this Christmas, they'll settle for a small corner of Iraq. (END VIDEOTAPE)
HARRIS: Well, some of the people who call Fallujah home are returning to the city to inspect what remains of their homes. The U.S.-led offensive to push insurgents out of the city didn't leave much behind but rubble. Iraqi officials say that more than 200,000 people fled the fighting. The government is giving residents $4,000 for damage to their homes. Many say that's not enough.
NGUYEN: Reestablishing Iraqi control in Iraq has been a challenge. Sometimes Iraqis recruited for security service and the military turn out to be insurgents bent on terrorist attacks. Officials say the suicide bomber in Mosul was wearing an Iraqi military uniform. CNN military analyst and retired Air Force Major General Don Shepperd joins us by phone to talk about the problems of finding trust in Iraq.
Good morning to you, general.
MAJ. GEN. DON SHEPPERD, U.S. AIR FORCE (RET.): Good morning, Betty.
NGUYEN: Well, let's talk about the situation in Mosul. This suicide bomber was believed to have been carrying a device in his vest. How does that go undetected?
SHEPPERD: Well, it's hard to say. The question is how did he get it on the base itself? There's a possibility he actually wore it on the base and came to -- you know, came on the base in the morning, although, they should be vetted through security mechanisms and checked before coming on base. And it's also possible he had some help and had it shipped in either all at once or over time and then donned it from supplies that were taken into the base on a daily basis. It's a big base that required lots of supplies, Betty.
NGUYEN: OK, let's take this apart piece by piece. This vetting, how extensive is the vetting? And how do they track Iraqis who are helping the U.S. military?
SHEPPERD: Yeah, well, first of all, both -- both going into the military and those working on the bases are vetted. You hire contractors, basically, to do this and the contractors work with local Iraqis. They do it just like applying for a job in the U.S. You fill out a resume, you fill out an application, and they are supposed to check your references and check with your families and that type of thing out there, but people get through and sneak through, and you make mistakes and you always assume that some of these people, whether they're workers or whether in the military or police, some of these people are dirty. You just accept that fact and you're going to make some mistakes, there's no question about it. Some bad guys are going to get through.
NGUYEN: And as they get through -- let's talk about this case in Mosul with that suicide bomber. Any indication he may have had some help? Because if that is, indeed, the case, then there could be others still inside. SHEPPERD: Well, as you know, the investigation is still going on. It's very important to do this and found out what really happened: How did he get there? Who did he associate with? Who hired him? What checkpoint did he come through? All of that. The fact is that, again, you are going to -- you are going to make some mistakes, no matter what you design in the way of procedures. People are going to get through. And once you plug all the holes in the process, people are going to find new ways to do it. It's just a fact of life. You're not going to be 100 percent successful.
NGUYEN: Now, this bombing raised a lot of questions for people at home, people watching, even the military, just about whether troops should be wearing their flack jackets in ding facilities regardless of where they are. Let's talk about that because I want to show you some video now of Donald Rumsfeld's trip to Iraq yesterday, which was a surprise visit. He is ding with troops in Mosul at a hall, there. Now, they are not wearing flack jackets. Is that a concern for you, especially after the bombing in Mosul on Tuesday?
SHEPPERD: It's just impractical. In other words, these things are hot, they're bulky. You can't wear that stuff all the time. And you don it quickly again if you have it with you -- you can put it on very quickly. But it's just like -- you're vulnerable to gas attack around the area. You don't wear gas masks all the time. And so it's just simply not something that you can do. There are soft facilities. These places are shelled and rocketed from time to time. Most of the things don't hit because the weapons are very, very inaccurate. But it's a risk you accept in wartime there, Betty.
NGUYEN: All right, General Don Shepperd, we appreciate your insight today. Merry Christmas to you.
SHEPPERD: Same to you, Betty.
NGUYEN: Thank you -- Tony.
HARRIS: And, back home, celebrations are often muted by the losses. Loved ones have suffered while in harm's way. The recent bomb attack on a base in Mosul has hit one town has been hit particularly hard. Miguel Marquez has the latest from Washington.
No Miguel. Oh, we got him.
Hi, Miguel. Merry Christmas.
MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Merry Christmas to you, Tony. How are you? The memorials and the tributes have started to pour for those six members of the Striker Brigade combat team here, stationed here at Fort Lewis; six of the 22 who died there at Mosul were from here. One of them was a captain, 31-year-old William Jacobsen, who's the father of four. Is he was the company commander there in Mosul. You know, he had talked to his father, his father had served in Vietnam and he had talked to him before he left about his wish. His wish was to bring all of his troops that are under his command home safely.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BILL JACOBSEN, FATHER: And almost to the person, they said, to bring us all back from Iraq, and that was Bill's goal. Having served in the Army as a second lieutenant in Vietnam, I knew that the chances of that were slim, and we talked about that, and Bill knew that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MARQUEZ: And sadly, it was Captain Jacobsen who did not make it home safely. At this point, another person who died in that blast was Sergeant Darren VanComben (ph), 33 years old from Bluefield, West Virginia. His sister spoke from her home near Olympia, Washington and says that her brother was a free spirit who never looked back.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PAM WHITE, SISTER: He needed to be there. And he also told me he wasn't afraid of dying. So -- and that made me feel good because I knew if he was going to be OK with it, then I could be OK with it.
MARQUEZ: Are you OK with it?
WHITE: Yeah, I am. I am. I miss him. I really do, but it's OK. It's OK. I know where he's at. He's in heaven with my dad and my sister.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MARQUEZ: On this very rainy, Christmas morning here at Fort Lewis, Washington, the gates of Fort Lewis, Washington, a memorial service is being planned for the six who died there. That'll be held on Wednesday -- Tony.
HARRIS: OK. Miguel Marquez. Fort Lewis, Washington. Miguel, thank you.
NGUYEN: Hitting the high seas for the New Year, why is it not too late to get away for the holidays? Well, we will tell you how to find those deals a little later in the hour.
HARRIS: Plus, it's a big day for the NBA. We're just a few hours away from the Shaq-Kobe showdown.
NGUYEN: And, for the first time since their November brawl, the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons will take to the court against each other today. Up next, is all this hype good for the game or bad for the NBA's image? We'll talk with a sports business analyst, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hi, I'm (UNINTELLIGIBLE) from (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Arkansas, I just want to say happy holidays to everybody. Hi, mom. I love you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Love those greetings, especially on a holiday like today. Well, just minutes from now, an attention-grabbing rematch gets underway in Indianapolis. The Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers face off on the court once again just weeks after the big brawl. Last month's melee in Detroit involved players from both teams and then spilled into the stands, as you see here.
Pacers' star, Jermaine O'Neal, who was suspended for his role in that brawl, will be in the starting line-up for today's game. O'Neal, who's accused of punching a Pistons fan and is allowed to play while a federal judge considers a lawsuit involving his suspension.
Now, another NBA game is getting a lot of hype. I'm sure you've heard about it. Bickering former teammates, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, well they face off when the Lakers host the Miami Heat, later today. It marks O'Neal's return to Los Angeles since he bolted from Miami in the Lakers' post-season shake-up. More now, from CNN's Steve Overmyer.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
STEVE OVERMYER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): When Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant were brought in the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996, a dynasty was born. But so was a soap opera. Despite three straight NBA championships, the two stars found it difficult to coexist and complained about each other through the media. The rift grew wider in the summer of 2003 when Bryant was accused of rape by a Colorado woman. During a conversation with police, Bryant implied that O'Neal had extramarital affairs and had paid those women to keep the encounters quiet.
Finally, in June, after being swept by the Pistons in the NBA finals, Lakers management made changes. Phil Jackson was not retained as head coach and O'Neal was traded to Miami amid reports that Bryant had a hand in both their departures.
JACK MCCALLUM, "SPORTS ILLUSTRATED": I think Kobe probably needed new teammates because I think with the old Lakers -- Kobe had pretty much alienated most of the Lakers.
OVERMYER: On Christmas Day, in a nationally televised game, O'Neal will return to LA. to face Bryant and the Lakers for the first time.
SHAQUILLE O'NEAL, MIAMI HEAT: Christmas is just going to be just a normal game, two good teams going at it. And of course, ABC and all the marketing firms are trying to hype it up, but to me it's just going to be a regular game.
CHARLES BARKLEY, TNT NBA ANALYST: This is really an ego game, because Shaq want to prove to them something. I always say this. You always hate your ex-wife, you want to see them suffer.
MAGIC JOHNSON, TNT NBA ANALYST: I want to see them smack each other. It would be great, because, see, like Charles said, if it was me coming back, I am smacking some people.
KENNY SMITH, TNT NBA ANALYST: Kobe has to try to dunk on Shaq the first play of the game. That's what I want to see. I want to see if Shaq levels him or Kobe dunks on him.
KOBE BRYANT, LA LAKERS: We've had our share of battles in practice and nobody really had an opportunity to see it, but we'd go at it, man. I don't back away from anything and if I have to go to the basket and go to the rim, I'm going to go to the rim.
OVERMYER: And many will be going to their TVs to see if this game lives up to its hype.
Steve Overmyer, CNN, Atlanta.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HARRIS: Oh, can't anyone just get along? What's up with this violence and bickering in the NBA? It's a game. And what's likely to happen in both of today's marquis match-ups, CNN's sports analyst, Rick Harrow, is with us now from West Palm Beach, Florida. He will be with us on every weekend on CNN SATURDAY MORNING to go beyond the game.
Rick, how you doing?
RICK HARROW, CNN SPORT ANALYST: Hey man, you know, Merry Christmas again.
HARRIS: Rick.
HARROW: Yeah, and I thought the Christmas present was to get you -- now, I got you twice today. Hey, when's dinner?
HARRIS: You know, you got that lump of coal, didn't you? That's what you ended up with.
HARROW: I hear you, man.
HARRIS: Why don't we start off with the Indiana game? And what are you expecting in that game? And are there some extra security measures in place here? I guess, if you're an Indiana fan, you're looking to hoot and holler at Ben Wallace a little bit.
HARROW: Well, everybody is going to hoot and holler at everybody else.
HARRIS: Yeah.
HARROW: That's the beauty of these two games, but there were 200 extra security people at the next Pistons game after that November 19 brawl, there's no reason to believe that ain't happening here. But remember, the violence issue is as old as the hills. There's about $20 billion spent in stadiums and arenas this last 10 years and a lot of that is from security money. Now in England and soccer stadiums, we've got moats separating the players from the fans and the fans from the players, we may even have that here. This is not a new phenomenon. Umpire George Bradley got hit by a fan in Cincinnati when -- 1886, everybody said it's the end of civilization as we know it. It's not, but just remember it's an old problem requiring some new solutions.
HARRIS: You know what? I'm one of those guys who happens to believe these rivalries are good for the game. Now, this obviously goes too far, all this punching and fan involvement, and that's a little crazy and over the top, of course. But I'm one of the guys that actually thinks it's good to have very strong rivalries in the game, but has this brawl effected, impacted the image of the sport?
HARROW: Well, of course. It's a $3 billion business, 212 countries. They've got MBA superstars on postage stamps in St. Vincent and Palau and Sierra Leone.
HARRIS: Yeah.
HARROW: It's an international game now. The point is, that the NBA values were about 15 million bucks when David Stern came in 20 years ago. It's about $300 billion now and every image impact story affects the NBA pocketbooks to be sure, Tony.
HARRIS: I see. OK, so going forward, the marketability of these players, Jermaine O'Neal, who's back in the line-up today, Ron Artest, Ben Wallace, you believe their marketability has been impacted by the fight?
HARROW: Yeah, I think so. You know, and we'll talk about Kobe in a minute, but the Pacers situation is interesting, because it's a call to order, now. Corporations will only be involved if they see the NBA clean their own house. And 140 games of suspensions by David Stern is a start. He's now has a referee code of conduct. And he's got a personality test he's administering to make sure we got non- confrontational referees. How's that one? We've got a code of conduct for fans. And the civil and criminal courts step in only as a last resort. So, the NBA sees the issue and is trying to solve the problem themselves.
HARRIS: Kobe-Shaq, the marketers have fueled this thing. Media has fueled this thing. It's out of control. It's going to be huge today. Right?
HARROW: Well, you know, we heard Shaq say "it's just another game." My buddies at ticketofamerica.com tell me the tickets are going at eight times face value and seven grand for a court-side seat.
HARRIS: This is crazy.
HARROW: It is the most anticipated regular season match-up ever. And by the way, Tony, the NBA has a $730 million annual deal with television. You're darn straight this is an important game for them. Keep talking about it, it's good for the league.
HARRIS: All right, the bickering itself has been going on for years between these two. Can we pinpoint, in your mind, who's to blame for it? Is it Shaq or is it Kobe?
HARROW: Well, you know, I'm not a psychologist. I don't really care who's to blame, to be honest with you. The bottom line is that McDonalds has suspended Kobe's sponsorship, Nike is looking at it. You know, the bickering is fine as long as people understand it's entertainment, if it goes father than that, then it becomes a little counterproductive, too.
HARRIS: Rick Harrow, sports analyst, the man who knows where the dollars are in professional sports. Rick, see you next weekend.
HARROW: Yeah, one quick comment. I heard you were singing pretty well a couple of hours ago.
HARRIS: Oh.
HARROW: Hey Betty, what is that all about huh?
NGUYEN: You want a replay, don't you?
HARRIS: No.
NGUYEN: Everyone's been requesting it.
HARROW: Hey, I want the tape. I want the tape for a Christmas present.
HARRIS: OK. Satellite time is gone. The window's closing. Goodbye, Rick. You know Rick...
HARROW: See you, man.
HARRIS: Merry Christmas to you. Thanks for that -- thank you. Rick mentioned college football bowl games, or did he? Take a look at this is he going to broadcast live from seven bowl games in six days here on CNN. He kicks it all off in Charlotte at the Continental Tire Bowl on December 30 and then we'll check back with him throughout the bowl season.
Christopher Reeves' legacy is living on in the life of a 14-year- old boy. Still to come, the heart-warming story of one quadriplegic teen's wish and how it came true.
NGUYEN: And up next, giving one Atlanta family the chance to personally wish their soldier in Iraq a very merry Christmas. We'll bring that to you soon.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MAJ. ASHLAND ELLIOT, U.S. ARMY: I'm Major Ashland Elliot, I'm the operations chief for 2nd Battalion 5th Marines in al-Ramadi, Iraq. I'd like to say "Merry Christmas and happy New Year to my wife, Cheryl, and my children back in the U.S. As well as thank my family for their support. We'll be home soon. (END VIDEO CLIP)
HARRIS: Oh, you are going to love this. Thousands of American men and women are spending the holidays in Iraq and on this Christmas day, we are reuniting some of those troops with their loved ones here at home. Private 1st Class Andy Lee is serving in U.S. Army in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. His family is here in Atlanta. Let me introduce you to his family. There is Dad, Luke.
Say hello, Luke.
LUKE TJO, FATHER: Andy, merry Christmas.
PRIVATE 1ST CLASS ANDY LEE, U.S. ARMY: Hi.
TJO: You're looking good.
A. LEE: Merry Christmas, dad.
HARRIS: Let me finish the introductions, so that I can just sort of get out of the way and let you guys talk to one another. Theresa Jo is your mom, Andy, and she is here. Mary Ann, your sister, is here. Danny Joe, your, your brother is here.
A. LEE: Hi.
HARRIS: Joey Lee, your bother, is here. And I am out of the way. And dad, take it away, spend some time with your son.
TJO: Andy, you're looking good.
A. LEE: Hi, everyone.
TJO: You're looking healthy and...
A. LEE: Thank you.
TJO: We thank CNN for giving us this opportunity for -- some difference, you know that? Different. And here's mom.
A. LEE: Yeah, sorry you guys had to miss church.
TJO: Oh, well, priority, you know, talking to you is priority for us. So, how wonderful. Wonderful. We thank god.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We had to sit through it for two hours last night, so it's OK.
THERESA JO LEE, MOTHER: Hi, son young. How are you?
A. LEE: Hi, ma.
T. LEE: OK.
A. LEE: Good. How are you? How do I look?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They say the camera adds about 10 pounds.
A. LEE: Does it really? Do I look fat?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, you grew out your hair. You grew out your hair.
A. LEE: Huh?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You grew out your hair. It looks pretty bad actually.
A. LEE: I didn't want to shave it, because...
T. LEE: OK.
A. LEE: You can't take a shower for a month.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You can get a lot of girls saying that on TV.
A. LEE: Yeah.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Make sure you get one before you come back, though.
T. LEE: I'm waiting for you...
A. LEE: I'll take a long shower when I get home.
(CROSSTALK)
A. LEE: I'm waiting too, I'm waiting to come home next month.
T. LEE: OK. January, we meet, OK?
A. LEE: OK.
T. LEE: Thank you.
TJO: Andy, she'll be looking forward.
A. LEE: OK.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, I got a cold beer waiting for you at home Papa Mack -- me and you.
A. LEE: Papa Mack, I want a New Castle, a tall New Castle.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We got that for you.
TJO: Looking healthy.
A. LEE: OK.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, where did you find that tree in the back?
A. LEE: I wish I could see you guys.
MARY ANN LEE, SISTER: Oh, you can't see us?
A. LEE: The tree?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yeah.
A. LEE: I don't know. It was here when I got here.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Nice decoration. You did it yourself? Looks good.
A. LEE: No, I didn't do it, but only half the lights work.
HARRIS: So, Andy, tell us, what has it been like overseas, so far away from home? And I know you're missing your family. Give us a sense of what it's been like for you over there. And just how much do you miss this wonderful family of yours?
A. LEE: Oh, I miss them terribly. I think about them every day. I pray for them and I know that they're praying for me, but I'm over here with the guys and we're doing something good. So, I just want to do my job and just come home soon safely and in one piece.
HARRIS: I don't think we've heard from your sister yet. Is there anything you want to say to your brother?
MARY ANN LEE, SISTER: Well, you look good. Just keep up the good work. Have a positive attitude.
A. LEE: You're learning.
M. LEE: What? I'm lying? No, I mean, we'll see you soon. And keep up the...
A. LEE: Thanks for coming.
M. LEE: ...phone calls as much as you can. We love you.
A. LEE: OK. I love you too.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, everyone at church is praying for you, so, we're waiting for you. All the kids too, all the Sunday school kids.
A. LEE: Sorry you had to miss mass.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yeah, I know. It's all right.
T. LEE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) mass.
A. LEE: Everything's OK.
HARRIS: And Dad, let me ask you, as we start to close this up a little bit, Dad, some final thoughts you want to share with your son? TJO: Andy, as we always do, even though physically we are in different location, but we know we always meet you in prayers. So, we keep it up and the all the families at the church, they support you. Our nation supports you. CNN supports you. There's wonderful people around and as Joey (UNINTELLIGIBLE) said, think positively. And that's our motto. Our -- you know, we share a lot, so let's keep it up. OK? We all love you and have a merry Christmas.
A. LEE: OK.
T. LEE: (SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
A. LEE: (SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
HARRIS: Well, that was wonderful. Andy, anything you -- any final words you want to share with your family?
A. LEE: I have so much to say, I don't know where to start, but just I want to go home and sleep for a really long time and use the toilet, be able to flush it and take a nice, long shower. There's so much I want to do, but I know I'll get there soon. But thanks for having me and my family.
HARRIS: It has been our pleasure. Private First Class Andy Lee and the Tjo family, his family here in Atlanta, in Alfaretta, Georgia. It has been great having you here. Andy, get home safely and catch up with this wonderful family of yours. Be safe.
A. LEE: OK. Thank you so much.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: See ya.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Bye.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Bye.
NGUYEN: And we'll be having another reunion as well. Using technology to reunite families separated by war. Up next, a soldier stationed in Iraq gets to talk with his family in Buffalo, New York.
And still to come, giving the gift of mobility. We'll tell you about one organization that does not wait until Christmas to make dreams come true.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HARRIS: Now in the news, word that two men believed to be leaders of a terror cell in Iraq were arrested by U.S. troops this month. The military statement says the pair are cell leaders of a group connected to Abu Musab al Zarqawi and his terrorist network. They were arrested during a military sweep in Ramadi.
More arrests, these connected to last Sunday's explosion in Najaf. The local governor says six suspects belong to what he called a terrorist cell. No group has claimed responsibility for that explosion. More than 50 people were killed in a blast that targeted a funeral procession.
The two-man crew of the international space station has reason to celebrate this Christmas. A special delivery should arrive today. Food supplies are running very low on the station for the American and the Russian on board. A Russian supply ship bringing more food and other supplies should dock with the station sometime today.
NGUYEN: Throughout this Christmas day, CNN is reuniting U.S. troops overseas with their loved ones right here in the U.S. Right now we want to bring together Sergeant Christopher Johnson with the U.S. Army in Ramadi, Iraq, there he is, and his wife and family that we will try to get to. There they are, live in New York. We have Laquisha Johnson.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That is the wrong guy.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Wrong husband.
NGUYEN: Wrong family. Let's speak with Christopher Johnson this morning since we don't have the family right now. If you would, tell me, how is Christmas being spent where you are?
SGT. CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON: Christmas here has been nice. We didn't do too much today. It's been a pretty easy day, a little guard (ph) later on, but everything is going well.
NGUYEN: Well, we must tell you that we apologize for the mix-up. We were trying to reunite you with their family, but we understand that there has been some kind of difficulty there, whether it's technically or just some miscommunication. But we want to give you the opportunity right now to say a little something to your family, if you would, on this Christmas Day.
JOHNSON: OK. I just want to tell them all Merry Christmas and I love them very much and I will be home soon.
NGUYEN: All right. Wonderful. Staff Sergeant Christopher Johnson. We appreciate your time with us today. Hopefully, we can get this message to your family and maybe at some point, we'll be able to get them linked up with you. Thank you for your time and have a Merry Christmas.
JOHNSON: You too. Thank you.
NGUYEN: Well, it may still be Christmas, but you might be wondering what I can do to ring in the New Year. Tony?
HARRIS: And some bubbly on the high seas. Up next, last minute cruise deals for next weekend's holiday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CAPT. CHRIS GIBSON: Captain Chris Gibson, 25, Ramadi, Iraq. I'm from Danville, Kentucky. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year to all my friends and family. Things are going well over here. Wish I could be back home but maybe next year. To my wife, I miss you and love you. Good luck with the delivery here in a few days. To my little girl, Alex, I love you very much and I'll see you soon.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HARRIS: Lots of folks have extra time off over the holidays and a new year's cruise might seem like the perfect weekend get away. With just a week to go, is it too late to book? Joining us from Albany, New York is Stephanie Oswald. She is editor in chief and co- founder of "Travel Girl" magazine. How are you Stephanie?
STEPHANIE OSWALD, TRAVEL GIRL MAGAZINE: Hi, Tony. I'm doing great. Merry Christmas.
HARRIS: Merry Christmas to you. But you know what, I think you're selling us a lump of coal here. There is no way in the world this late date, less than a week to go here, that you can tell me with a straight face that I can still book a cruise to some fabulous destination. There's no way. You're setting me up for the big gotcha, aren't you?
OSWALD: That's not true. That's not true. There are a lot of places out there where you can get a great cruise. Just yesterday I was on ecruises.com and there were two cruises to the western Caribbean.
HARRIS: Get out of here. Really?
OSWALD: Yes, and the prices were not so bad, between $2,000 and $3,000 for two people, all inclusive and the key is flexibility. You really need to be flexible and if you're not picky, you can find a good deal, even a week before New Year's.
HARRIS: All right. What was that site you mentioned and are there some others where you can sort of search around?
OSWALD: A few others, ecruises.com, travelzoo.com, site59.com and eleventhhourvacations.com and four of the websites that I recommend. And you need to remember that just because you see a deal on the website doesn't mean it still exists. Sometimes those deals are only there for a few hours or sometimes there are only one or two spots left and if you're lucky, you'll get one. But you also have to remember that just because you don't see something on the web doesn't mean you have to stay home this New Year's. The best tip is to do your shopping online, but then get on the phone with a travel agent or some other travel expert from one of these organizations and have them walk you through your options.
HARRIS: I see. OK, so Stephanie, what about prices? I saw some prices up there just a moment ago. Are prices pretty good?
OSWALD: Prices are not so bad. Now the pickier you are, the more it will cost you. That's what you have to remember. Some of these websites on site59.com, you can actually pick a theme such as food and wine or beach or family and you can just put in a theme or put in the dates you want to travel if you know you have specific dates. Or if you know a specific amount of money you want to spend. If you put in one qualifier and then the website will come back with several different options for you.
HARRIS: OK. I'm going to take your advice on this. That's Stephanie Oswald, editor-in-chief of co-founder of "Travel Girl" magazine. Stephanie, Merry Christmas to you.
OSWALD: Merry Christmas Tony and take off. Safe travels in 2005.
HARRIS: And to you. Thank you.
NGUYEN: All right. We want to get back to our military family reunions. Remember Sgt. Christopher Johnson in Ramadi who we just spoke with? Well guess what, we do have his family after all and the one that popped up a little bit earlier was, indeed, his family in Buffalo, New York. They just had the wrong monitor so the person they were seeing was not their family member, but, indeed, there he is, Sergeant Christopher Johnson is with us. And Christopher, want to let you know that Laquisha, your wife, is here as well as your children. So Laquisha, since he cannot see you, tell him who you have there with you and how great it is to see him on this Christmas.
LAQUISHA JOHNSON: We have his daughter, Brittany (ph), his son, Todd, his daughter, Tabiana (ph) and his son, Christopher and his goddaughter, Isis.
NGUYEN: Wonderful. As you see him today, boy, this must be a great Christmas gift for you. How does he look to you?
L. JOHNSON: He looks great. It's just really good to see him. I haven't seen him physically in six months. So, it was a big surprise when they called. And it was a very tearful moment for my daughter and I.
NGUYEN: Now you all have done some planning because I see a sign there. Tell him what you made and what you've brought today.
L. JOHNSON: We brought a sign that's just saying Merry Christmas to daddy. We were all trying to sign it but we didn't get a chance to all sign it. The kids are all wearing their Christmas outfits. We wanted to look nice for daddy.
NGUYEN: And they do look really wonderful. Sergeant Johnson, I know you've been listening to this. So I'm going to step out of the way and let you talk to your family.
C. JOHNSON: Hey. How are you all doing?
L. JOHNSON: Hi, honey. How are you?
UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: Hi, daddy.
C. JOHNSON: Hey, y'all, how are you?
L. JOHNSON: We're good. C. JOHNSON: Is everybody having a Merry Christmas?
L. JOHNSON: Yes. How is your Christmas going? Are you OK down there?
C. JOHNSON: It's going. It's going good. Yeah, I'm doing fine. I'm doing just fine.
L. JOHNSON: Were you busy today?
C. JOHNSON: Can little Chris see me?
L. JOHNSON: Yeah, he can see you. Say hi to daddy, sweetie.
C. JOHNSON: Hey, Chris.
UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: Hi, daddy.
L. JOHNSON: Say hi.
C. JOHNSON: Hey, Ta Ta.
L. JOHNSON: We even got the dog here. Put your hands down, sweetie. I don't even know what to say. I'm just happy to see you again. I haven't seen you physically moving around and alive. I mean, we got all the letters telling us that you're fine, but I haven't been able to see it for myself and this is just a big, wonderful Christmas. I'm trying not to cry.
C. JOHNSON: As you can see, baby, I'm doing fine.
NGUYEN: Sergeant Johnson, how wonderful is it to hear from your family and know that they have all gathered, including the dog, to see you today and say a big Merry Christmas.
C. JOHNSON: It feels great. It just really made this day today. Hey, Todd, how are you doing?
NGUYEN: Now, I understand Chris, Jr., will be three years old next month, I guess this is a little bit of an early birthday present for him, huh?
C. JOHNSON: Yes. Yes, his birthday is three days after mine. I wish I could be home for it but I'll be a little late.
NGUYEN: Yeah. You've been gone, I guess, just before father's day is that correct?
C. JOHNSON: Yes. Yes. Last time I was home was June 12th.
NGUYEN: So, Laquisha, how has the family changed since he has been gone? Have they grown quite a bit?
L. JOHNSON: The children, yeah. Yeah. The baby is being potty trained right now and we're so excited, because he can go like a man.
NGUYEN: I don't think I've heard that one on live television. Hey, Ta Ta, anything you want to say to your father?
L. JOHNSON: She's a little emotional right now. She hasn't seen him in a long time. She's nervous. Say hi.
TABIANA JOHNSON: Hi, daddy.
C. JOHNSON: Hey, Ta Ta. How are you doing, sweetie?
T. JOHNSON: I want you to come home.
NGUYEN: Well, Laquisha, we are --
C. JOHNSON: I'll be home soon.
NGUYEN: And we sure do hope you come home soon. Laquisha, we are on limited time. So I'm going to give you an opportunity to say some last few things to your husband before we run out of that time. The floor is all yours.
L. JOHNSON: They're all crying. I just want to let him know that the baby has really been asking about you the last couple of days. He has brought me to tears twice. He wants to know where his daddy is. I can only tell him that he is at work. It's pretty emotional here, because Chris and I have very rarely spent any time apart. So, this is kind of hard for us. Since the day we met, we have been together, side by side. They even gave us a nickname. They call us J-Lo for J and Lola. So we've just been side by side. So it's really hard, but I would like to thank you guys for bringing us together today. It's really wonderful. Thank you.
NGUYEN: Sure. Sergeant Johnson --
L. JOHNSON: Honey, I love you.
C. JOHNSON: I love you, too, sweetheart.
L. JOHNSON: Stay safe out there.
NGUYEN: Sergeant Johnson, you got a few last words to say to your family before we run out of time?
C. JOHNSON: Yes. I just wanted to say Merry Christmas to them all and I will see you soon. Thanks for everybody's prayers back there. Lola, let them all know that I said hi and I love everyone. Thank you.
L. JOHNSON: We love you too. Merry Christmas, honey.
UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: Call us later on today?
NGUYEN: We thank you all for allowing us to share a little time with you on this Christmas.
UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: Bye.
L. JOHNSON: Stay safe. NGUYEN: So nice to see those family reunions. What an emotional time. Such a special day. Well, it is a Christmas gift that means new freedom for a New Hampshire teenager.
HARRIS: After the break, how the legacy of Christopher Reeve is making one boy's dreams come true.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
Hi. I'm (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Alabama. I want to say (UNINTELLIGIBLE) that mommy loves you very much and she misses you and she'll be home safe. Merry Christmas, mom and dad. I love you all.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: We want to show you a super gift from a super man. That's what wide-eyed 14-year old Tyler Howard got for Christmas. Howard is a quadriplegic and has been confined to a wheelchair for 10 years. Christopher Reeve's family gave Howard the late actor's specially modified van.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TYLER HOWARD, RECEIVED REEVE'S VAN: I was stunned, happy, couldn't believe it, didn't seem real.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: The van gives Howard the freedom to attend school functions, visit his friends and go on family outings.
HARRIS: All over the world, disabled people are receiving the gift of mobility. The wheelchair foundation and one very special man are making it happen. Gary Nuremberg has our story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GARY NUREMBERG, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Fire fighters in a Virginia suburb of Washington, D.C., delivering a much-needed wheelchair to 37-year-old Laura Harsh (ph).
LAURA HARSH: It's red. Hey, I won't get lost in the dark.
NUREMBERG: It's happening worldwide, the Wheelchair Foundation providing wheelchairs to the disabled who, like this woman in Zimbabwe often have to crawl to get where they want to go. Founder Ken Behring (ph) sometimes makes the gift in person.
KENNETH BEHRING, THE WHEELCHAIR FOUNDATION: The most important thing is showing somebody that you care. So many people just need that.
NUREMBERG: When this man in Guatemala told Behring doctors wanted $100 to amputate his leg, $25 more to provide anesthesia, Behring counted out $125.
BEHRING: He handed the $25 back to me and said I don't have to be put to sleep. I said, no, no. I want you to be put to sleep. He couldn't believe somebody was helping, giving him this.
NUREMBERG: A week later, Behring gave him a call.
BEHRING: They didn't have (ph) his leg off. It was successful. He was in his wheelchair. His wife had found a job. He was home taking care of the children and doing the cooking and that they were a happy family. It meant his life and not only his life, but the life of the family.
NUREMBERG: The Wheelchair Foundation has handed out 350,000 wheelchairs worldwide, but Behring says 20 million are needed. All he wants in return, he says, is a smile.
HARSH: Awesome. Thank you. Thank you so much.
BEHRING: You're welcome.
NUREMBERG: In Fairfax, Virginia, Gary Nuremberg for CNN.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HARRIS: You give, you give and all you want is a smile and a thank you.
NGUYEN: That feels so good.
HARRIS: And Merry Christmas to you.
NGUYEN: Merry Christmas to you, Tony.
HARRIS: Up next, CNN's encore presentation of military family reunions, then at 2:00 Eastern, it's CNN presents the mystery of Jesus.
NGUYEN: We want to thank you for joining us today. Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hi. I'm Gunnery Sergeant James Betencourt (ph) from second battalion fifth Marines. I'm in (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Iraq. Just want to tell everybody at home Merry Christmas, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Michelle and Melody, I love you with all my heart and daddy's going to make it home from this second trip again.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
