Return to Transcripts main page

Live From...

Interview with Anderson Family

Aired December 24, 2002 - 14:20   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.


KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: In several countries around the Persian Gulf, American troops are spending this Christmas waiting for a possible order to act against Iraq. Well, we've arranged a reunion, of sorts. Let's go now to CNN's Alessio Vinci at Camp Commando.
ALESSIO VINCI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Kyra, can you hear me today?

PHILLIPS: I sure can. Can you hear me all right? We had a little mixup in video there, Alessio.

VINCI: We're not very lucky today, Kyra. This is the second one we're doing in the last hour, and we're having a lot of troubles. But we are out here in the middle of the desert, and somewhere in Kuwait, so, I think our viewers will pardon us.

Well, Kyra, were thousands of miles away from home and it has been really a long day here for us with the Marines here at this camp. This is the headquarters of the first Marine expeditionary force. They have been deployed here -- a bulk of the force arrived here about a month ago.

And of course, it is Christmas Eve, also, here. The Marines here received a visit from Santa. They did receive presents, both from Kuwaiti nationals here who, as a gesture of thank you for the Marines here, sent them some presents. But also, as you can see here behind me, there is a post office here, so a lot of the Marines received also presents from back home and we saw dozens and dozens of boxes and letters being delivered here, so far away from home. And certainly, that lifted up a little bit of the spirits of the Marines here.

It's been a long day. The Marines opened up their day with a formation run, I understand, but then the rest of the day was very much concentrated into celebrating this Christmas Eve. They had caroling, they had a candlelight vigil a little bit later on. And then I understand tomorrow they're going to have turkeys, so it's been a pretty good -- a couple of good days here for them in the desert.

Kyra?

PHILLIPS: All right. Now, I understand you have somebody with you, Alessio, is that right?

VINCI: That is correct. Here with us we have Lieutenant Colonel Rich Anderson. He is a Marine. He has been deployed here about a month ago, and I understand you also have a guest on your end, right?

PHILLIPS: That's right. We might as well bring them together. He's the brother of Becky Anderson, who's here in Atlanta with us. And Becky, I'm going to let you take it away.

BECKY ANDERSON: Well, hey Ollie (ph). It's Betsy, and I was just wondering if they're eating right over there, because I'm a little worried about you getting enough to eat?

LT. COL. RICH ANDERSON, USMC: Well, I've been eating quite a bit and I've been getting some packages in the mail from Aunt Jerry, but I like the Kuwaiti food and I have been drinking a lot of Kuwaiti tea, too, so I'm doing just fine, thanks. How about you?

B. ANDERSON: I have been eating fine, thank you, Ollie (ph). But I was wondering what are they going to do for Christmas for you over there?

R. ANDERSON: Well, I can use some socks.

B. ANDERSON: Is there any kind of celebration planned tomorrow or anything like that?

R. ANDERSON: Oh, yes. We have a big meal, which is the best celebration you can have, as far as I'm concerned. And then a lot of us are going to go over to the weight room here in Jackson Steel..

B. ANDERSON: Awesome Ollie (ph). I've been jacking steel, too, and I'm getting big, and it's awesome. So I'm very proud of my brother.

R. ANDERSON: Well, good.

B. ANDERSON: And I was wondering, did you get my package?

R. ANDERSON: I have not gotten your package yet.

B. ANDERSON: OK, well, those cookies are...

R. ANDERSON: I heard about it a little while ago, but I have not gotten it.

B. ANDERSON: All right. Those cookies are going to be stale. So, hopefully, you'll get it, like, maybe the day after Christmas.

PHILLIPS: Now, Ollie (ph).

R. ANDERSON: I'm sure they'll be fine. I really appreciate it.

PHILLIPS: Ollie (ph), can you hear me OK? This is Kyra?

R. ANDERSON: I can hear you.

PHILLIPS: All right. Now, I understand that you've always been -- protected your sister for a number of years. She says when she always got into fights with her two sisters you were always there and you guys have always had this special relationship. What's been so special about having Betsy in your life. She talks about you a lot, that's for sure. R. ANDERSON: Well, I'm very proud of my big sister Betsy and I'm really proud of her barefoot water skiing and I hope she goes pro and keeps jacking that steel and really whoops up on the competition.

PHILLIPS: Well, we also know -- we know she's a great water skier and she's even taught you how to water ski. A matter of fact, she taught you how to barefoot, I understand. We're looking at a picture of the two of you, when you were a lot young, and there you are. Now, I understand when she taught you how to do this, you lost your shorts, is that true?

R. ANDERSON: I did lose my shorts, yes.

PHILLIPS: You have any secrets on Betsy?

R. ANDERSON: Oh, sure. I can tell you about the potty training I went through, trying to get that young lady to go in the pan the right way. We won't go into that here.

PHILLIPS: Oh, of course, not, but we'll give her a hard time when we get off the air, that's for sure.

R. ANDERSON: Yes.

Now, Ollie (ph), I know you've got this nickname, this nickname, Ollie (ph), because that's what you guys called your grandfather. I understand that both of you loved your father very much, too. He served in Vietnam. I know we have a picture of him. What a wonderful way to remember him and here you are serving in the military. Why don't you brag a little bit about dad.

R. ANDERSON: Say again?

PHILLIPS: Why don't you tell us a little bit more about your father.

R. ANDERSON: Oh, my father was a special forces officer for 20 years, 82nd Airborne, was a ranger, served in Korea, served in Vietnam for many tours. Very proud of him and he's very compassionate and generous, especially towards kids. And he really loved his grandkids. A special man and he liked to be towed behind the boat himself, but wouldn't ski, just sit in an inner tube, but it was all right.

PHILLIPS: Betsy, it sounds like your brother is a lot like your father.

B. ANDERSON: He is a lot like my father. He is a very good Marine and a really a attribute to our country. And I'm very proud that my brother is over there serving our country today and I miss him for Christmas and I wish I could be with him. But if anybody has to be over there, my brother is the best man to do it.

PHILLIPS: Wow. All right. Now, that you have us all being very emotional right now, Betsy, and Ollie (ph), why don't you guys sign off.

B. ANDERSON: Well, Ollie (ph), you take care and you...

R. ANDERSON: All right.

B. ANDERSON: ... keep jacking steel, keep eating right, take your vitamins, get lots of sleep and don't let anybody push you around the desert, OK?

R. ANDERSON: OK. I'll do that and you do the same there at CNN. Don't let them push you around.

B. ANDERSON: I won't.

PHILLIPS: Ollie (ph) and Betsy...

R. ANDERSON: OK.

PHILLIPS: ... Anderson. Oh, thank you guys so much. Happy holidays.

B. ANDERSON: Thanks, Kyra.

R. ANDERSON: Happy holidays.

PHILLIPS: What a pleasure.

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 24, 2002 - 14:20   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: In several countries around the Persian Gulf, American troops are spending this Christmas waiting for a possible order to act against Iraq. Well, we've arranged a reunion, of sorts. Let's go now to CNN's Alessio Vinci at Camp Commando.
ALESSIO VINCI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Kyra, can you hear me today?

PHILLIPS: I sure can. Can you hear me all right? We had a little mixup in video there, Alessio.

VINCI: We're not very lucky today, Kyra. This is the second one we're doing in the last hour, and we're having a lot of troubles. But we are out here in the middle of the desert, and somewhere in Kuwait, so, I think our viewers will pardon us.

Well, Kyra, were thousands of miles away from home and it has been really a long day here for us with the Marines here at this camp. This is the headquarters of the first Marine expeditionary force. They have been deployed here -- a bulk of the force arrived here about a month ago.

And of course, it is Christmas Eve, also, here. The Marines here received a visit from Santa. They did receive presents, both from Kuwaiti nationals here who, as a gesture of thank you for the Marines here, sent them some presents. But also, as you can see here behind me, there is a post office here, so a lot of the Marines received also presents from back home and we saw dozens and dozens of boxes and letters being delivered here, so far away from home. And certainly, that lifted up a little bit of the spirits of the Marines here.

It's been a long day. The Marines opened up their day with a formation run, I understand, but then the rest of the day was very much concentrated into celebrating this Christmas Eve. They had caroling, they had a candlelight vigil a little bit later on. And then I understand tomorrow they're going to have turkeys, so it's been a pretty good -- a couple of good days here for them in the desert.

Kyra?

PHILLIPS: All right. Now, I understand you have somebody with you, Alessio, is that right?

VINCI: That is correct. Here with us we have Lieutenant Colonel Rich Anderson. He is a Marine. He has been deployed here about a month ago, and I understand you also have a guest on your end, right?

PHILLIPS: That's right. We might as well bring them together. He's the brother of Becky Anderson, who's here in Atlanta with us. And Becky, I'm going to let you take it away.

BECKY ANDERSON: Well, hey Ollie (ph). It's Betsy, and I was just wondering if they're eating right over there, because I'm a little worried about you getting enough to eat?

LT. COL. RICH ANDERSON, USMC: Well, I've been eating quite a bit and I've been getting some packages in the mail from Aunt Jerry, but I like the Kuwaiti food and I have been drinking a lot of Kuwaiti tea, too, so I'm doing just fine, thanks. How about you?

B. ANDERSON: I have been eating fine, thank you, Ollie (ph). But I was wondering what are they going to do for Christmas for you over there?

R. ANDERSON: Well, I can use some socks.

B. ANDERSON: Is there any kind of celebration planned tomorrow or anything like that?

R. ANDERSON: Oh, yes. We have a big meal, which is the best celebration you can have, as far as I'm concerned. And then a lot of us are going to go over to the weight room here in Jackson Steel..

B. ANDERSON: Awesome Ollie (ph). I've been jacking steel, too, and I'm getting big, and it's awesome. So I'm very proud of my brother.

R. ANDERSON: Well, good.

B. ANDERSON: And I was wondering, did you get my package?

R. ANDERSON: I have not gotten your package yet.

B. ANDERSON: OK, well, those cookies are...

R. ANDERSON: I heard about it a little while ago, but I have not gotten it.

B. ANDERSON: All right. Those cookies are going to be stale. So, hopefully, you'll get it, like, maybe the day after Christmas.

PHILLIPS: Now, Ollie (ph).

R. ANDERSON: I'm sure they'll be fine. I really appreciate it.

PHILLIPS: Ollie (ph), can you hear me OK? This is Kyra?

R. ANDERSON: I can hear you.

PHILLIPS: All right. Now, I understand that you've always been -- protected your sister for a number of years. She says when she always got into fights with her two sisters you were always there and you guys have always had this special relationship. What's been so special about having Betsy in your life. She talks about you a lot, that's for sure. R. ANDERSON: Well, I'm very proud of my big sister Betsy and I'm really proud of her barefoot water skiing and I hope she goes pro and keeps jacking that steel and really whoops up on the competition.

PHILLIPS: Well, we also know -- we know she's a great water skier and she's even taught you how to water ski. A matter of fact, she taught you how to barefoot, I understand. We're looking at a picture of the two of you, when you were a lot young, and there you are. Now, I understand when she taught you how to do this, you lost your shorts, is that true?

R. ANDERSON: I did lose my shorts, yes.

PHILLIPS: You have any secrets on Betsy?

R. ANDERSON: Oh, sure. I can tell you about the potty training I went through, trying to get that young lady to go in the pan the right way. We won't go into that here.

PHILLIPS: Oh, of course, not, but we'll give her a hard time when we get off the air, that's for sure.

R. ANDERSON: Yes.

Now, Ollie (ph), I know you've got this nickname, this nickname, Ollie (ph), because that's what you guys called your grandfather. I understand that both of you loved your father very much, too. He served in Vietnam. I know we have a picture of him. What a wonderful way to remember him and here you are serving in the military. Why don't you brag a little bit about dad.

R. ANDERSON: Say again?

PHILLIPS: Why don't you tell us a little bit more about your father.

R. ANDERSON: Oh, my father was a special forces officer for 20 years, 82nd Airborne, was a ranger, served in Korea, served in Vietnam for many tours. Very proud of him and he's very compassionate and generous, especially towards kids. And he really loved his grandkids. A special man and he liked to be towed behind the boat himself, but wouldn't ski, just sit in an inner tube, but it was all right.

PHILLIPS: Betsy, it sounds like your brother is a lot like your father.

B. ANDERSON: He is a lot like my father. He is a very good Marine and a really a attribute to our country. And I'm very proud that my brother is over there serving our country today and I miss him for Christmas and I wish I could be with him. But if anybody has to be over there, my brother is the best man to do it.

PHILLIPS: Wow. All right. Now, that you have us all being very emotional right now, Betsy, and Ollie (ph), why don't you guys sign off.

B. ANDERSON: Well, Ollie (ph), you take care and you...

R. ANDERSON: All right.

B. ANDERSON: ... keep jacking steel, keep eating right, take your vitamins, get lots of sleep and don't let anybody push you around the desert, OK?

R. ANDERSON: OK. I'll do that and you do the same there at CNN. Don't let them push you around.

B. ANDERSON: I won't.

PHILLIPS: Ollie (ph) and Betsy...

R. ANDERSON: OK.

PHILLIPS: ... Anderson. Oh, thank you guys so much. Happy holidays.

B. ANDERSON: Thanks, Kyra.

R. ANDERSON: Happy holidays.

PHILLIPS: What a pleasure.

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