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Veterans Supporting Veterans; Latest From Falluja; Entertainment News

Aired November 11, 2004 - 14:30   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.


DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: British Prime Minister Tony Blair is on his way to Washington for two days of talks with President Bush. It will be Mr. Bush's first meeting with an international leader since he won reelection last week. Mr. Blair, a staunch ally of the U.S. in Iraq expected to pressure the White House to take action in the Middle East now for peace and making that a top priority.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: President Bush marked this wartime Veteran's Day at Arlington National Cemetery. The commander-in-chief laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. He honored veterans of past wars, as well as conflicts going on right now.

Mr. Bush says American fighters in Iraq are, quote, "making us proud."

Well, when we think of Veteran's Day commemorations, we often think of silver-haired men and women who wear emblems of war service with tremendous pride. Well, our next guests are living proof that vets can be 20-something, and they cane be just as proud of their service and their comrades.

Veterans J.R. Martinez and Josh Forbess are part of the Coalition To Salute America's Heroes, a group that provides wounded veterans with emotional support job training. Gentleman, it's an honor to have both of you here today.

J.R. MARTINEZ, IRAQ WAR VETERAN: Thanks for having us on.

JOSH FORBESS, IRAQ WAR VETERAN: Thank you.

PHILLIPS: You bet.

J.R., I want to start with you. Take us back to April 5th, 2003, when you were driving your Humvee through Iraq.

MARTINEZ: Well, on the 5th of April, 2003, I was escorting a convoy, because we had received orders to get to Baghdad. When we got to a city named Karbala, we were asked to reroute on an original route that we had planned.

On doing that, I was the driver of the Humvee with three other men in the vehicle with me. And my front left tire hit a land mine. The rest of the guys were thrown out of the vehicle, but all -- they escaped minor injuries. On the other hand, I was trapped inside. The vehicle caught on fire. By the I was able to be pulled out, I had sustained 40 percent burns throughout my body and internal damage from al the smoke that my lungs had been exposed to.

Immediately I was airlifted, went through Longstill (ph), Germany, and finally ended up in an Brooke Army Medical Center where nearly a month later I woke up and started the long process of 19 months of me being there and going through 28 surgeries.

PHILLIPS: Unbelievable. And J.R., I read about how as you were being pulled out, a lot of conflicting emotions obviously going through your mind, but you had a very interesting visit by your sister.

MARTINEZ: Yes, I did. When I was five years old, I actually lost a sister. And when I was in the vehicle and I felt my body going through tremendous amount of pain -- and you know, in my mind, you know, I just thought I wasn't going to make it.

I actually had the presence of my sister appear to me and just told me I couldn't die because my mom needed me. And that right there just made me even -- just even scream even louder -- a desperate call, I guess you could say. And you know, it was just a miracle. And right away, they pulled me out of vehicle.

PHILLIPS: Well, you're definitely being called to a new call of duty.

Josh, let's talk about November 15th, 2003, when you were in your Black Hawk helicopter. What happened?

FORBESS: I really can't tell you a whole lot about what went on that day. I know I was on an aerial quick reaction force where we were just flying around the city of Mosul. Just flying around just in case anything happened, we were there to react quickly.

I don't know really too many of the circumstances or exactly what happened. I woke about eight or nine weeks later, and they had told me I was in a helicopter crash. And I remember asking, you know, where my fiancee was at and how many of my soldiers made it out. Unfortunately, none of my soldiers made it out of the helicopter crash.

PHILLIPS: J.R. and Josh, I want you just to hold tight with us, please.

We have got a bit of breaking news with our Jane Arraf in Iraq, timely of what we're talking about here. Drew is going to handle that from here -- Drew?

GRIFFIN: Jane, tell us what you are and what's happening in Falluja right now.

JANE ARRAF, CNN CORRESPONDENT: We are with an Army unit, Task Force 22, the 1st Infantry Division, and we are pushing into a new sector of the city. The unit is attacking so as to take over the sector.

They met little resistance here, although as part of that was the heavy strikes coming forward from the sector that they were in. They launched airstrikes, there was artillery fired, and they received some resistance as they came through.

But now, we're looking out over this what is a residential district -- empty. There's a house burning in the distance. Someone had fired a rocket-propelled grenade at them, and they fired back. I'm told that airstrikes have killed 15 to 20 suspected insurgents in the last while. And before that, another 20 had been either killed or wounded -- Drew?

GRIFFIN: Jane, I wonder if you could tell us, as you move through the city and what's to your rear is basically cleared, are the people of Falluja making their presence known? Are they coming out at all, the civilian population here?

ARRAF: Drew, it's very, very eerie. There have been no people here. In the industrial sector, it has been know that civilians were forced to leave by the insurgents. The industrial park essentially was rigged to explode. And as we drove through, they shot at a lot of the improvised explosive devices or detonated them, and there are almost constant explosions.

The place is absolutely littered with homemade bombs and land mines. As we're going further south into the residential district -- this is, again, residential, but no sign of civilians here. It's quite amazing, they have either fled the city or gone to other parts of the city. But the only people still here appear to be insurgents -- Drew?

GRIFFIN: And Jane, do you have any idea of how this is going timeline-wise? Are they giving you any indication of when this Falluja offensive will be finished?

ARRAF: Well, we spoke earlier, Drew, to Major General Richard Natonski with the 1st Marine Division, who was telling us he believed that they were actually ahead of schedule.

Now, one of the things about this battle has been it has been quite fierce, but they have used such heavy firepower that that perhaps has meant there has been less of an opposition than they had first believed. The insurgents, some of them are believed to have run away or perhaps are being cornered in another part of town.

So, the timeline, according to the officials is -- again, this is what they tell us -- they say they are ahead of schedule on this -- Drew?

GRIFFIN: Jane Arraf embedded with the troops in Falluja as the war goes on there. Thank you, Jane.

PHILLIPS: Well, you know, over the past few days -- actually the past week, we've talked about that fight in Falluja, the urban combat, the dangers that soldiers face. Two soldiers that have faced that danger head on, J.R. Martinez and Josh Forbess -- we're going to continue talking to them. And what we're talking about is the Coalition To Salute America's Heroes. These two gentlemen went to Operation Iraqi Freedom to fight in that war. They've come back because of injuries that they've experienced. Now they're fighting for the rights of those that do come back injured and the support that they need.

J.R. and Josh, we were talking about what happened to each one of you. J.R., 30 surgeries later -- thank God, you're still alive. Josh, same to you, having to learn to walk all over again after what happened to you in that Black Hawk helicopter.

But I've got to ask you both this, because you both have talked about it, been very candid. J.R., when you came out of basically being knocked out for about a month and having all these surgeries, and you woke up and your looked in the mirror, what happened?

MARTINEZ: Well, when I looked in the mirror, it was actually going through a phase of depression, because I -- for so many number of years of your life, you're used to one certain image. And then in a split second, it's changed and your life is completely changed. And there was something -- I went through that depression, and it was a phase where I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue on the way I was.

But somebody came to me, which was my mother, and told me that if anybody's going to be affiliated with me in any way, shape, or form, it was going to be because of who I am on the inside, not what my appearance was to be.

And I took that and I ran with it, and I haven't looked back yet. And that's the message I've tried to give to a lot of troops that have the scars on the outside. And I think me and Josh have been able to set that example for a lot of troops that are coming back.

PHILLIPS: Josh, what was it like for you?

FORBESS: Actually, Jose over here, he came to visit me one day after -- shortly after I got out of the intensive care unit. And he was like, "Hey, look at me. I've been doing it for a while. I go out still. I go out in public. I have no problem with it. I am who I am."

And with his motivation, he helped me be able to look in the mirror for the first time. Helped me see who I was. Helped me see who I was deep down inside. I was still the same person, and that's what helped me to start trying to help other soldiers through their process once they've been disabled or injured.

PHILLIPS: Well, now the two of you are part of this Coalition To Salute America's Heroes. I know that we have a Web site; we're going to bring the Web site up.

J.R., what's the mission behind the Coalition To Salute America's Heroes? Maybe can you talk about that. And also, did you feel that you got the support and the money and the care that you deserved coming back from OIF? PHILLIPS: I did feel that I got the support that I needed, my family needed, as well. And it is something that just continues to motivate me, because I said there are a lot of troops that are still over in Iraq, as you just had the breaking news showing right now. That there are troops over there who continue to get wounded.

And the American people need to continue to support these troops. That's what's motivated us as soldier to be able to help the rest of the soldiers out there that are sacrificing the same thing that we sacrificed. And it's just something that people can go to our Web site and please learn how you can help, you know, not only me and Josh, but the rest of the troops out there, because they need the support.

And the support plays a big factor in your recovery. And it's something that, you know, the doctor, you know, they can't give you any medicine and they can do a surgery on that to help that. But it's just something you being able to see that people applaud you and people thank you for everything you do. That means a lot.

And to be able to contribute to the Coalition To Salute America's Heroes and help in any way we can, to us that means a lot. And I encourage your viewers please go to our Web site.

PHILLIPS: Real quickly -- we've got to go -- but I've got to ask you both this. Josh, you first quickly, was the war worth what you're experiencing now?

FORBESS: I have no problem. I love my job. I love my soldiers. And whatever this country asks me to do, I have no problem doing it. I will take care of whatever mission is given to me, anytime, anyplace, anywhere.

PHILLIPS: I have a feeling you're going to say the same thing, J.R.

MARTINEZ: That's right. You know, it's something that you support your commander-in-chief from day one that you enlist in the military. And we continue to support our commander-in-chief, and we support all the troops that are over there. That's more important.

PHILLIPS: Well, we salute you both.

MARTINEZ: Thank you.

FORBESS: Thank you.

PHILLIPS: And by the way, you are both extremely handsome men, inside and out. Thanks, guys.

MARTINEZ: Thank you.

FORBESS: Thank you.

PHILLIPS: All right -- Drew? GRIFFIN: Another reminder on this Veteran's Day of just how chaotic war can be. In some cases, the fates of missing or captured troops remain unknown. Back home, families are left in limbo.

CNN Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr has the story of one such soldier from the Iraq War, and his family and commanders who are just not going to give up.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BARBARA STARR, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's been seven months since Specialist Keith Matthew Maupin's convoy came under attack outside Baghdad. Seven months since the world last heard from the 21-year-old Army Reservist.

SPEC. KEITH MATTHEW MAUPIN, U.S. ARMY RESERVIST: My name is Keith Matthew Maupin.

STARR: The young soldier clearly fearful, unsure what will happen next. Matt Maupin's parents came to the Pentagon just before Veteran's Day for the emotional opening of a display including their son, and the enduring message for all veterans that no one is left behind on the battlefield ever.

GEN. PETER SCHOOMAKER, ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF: So, I'd like to especially recognize today the Maupin family.

STARR: Sergeant Major of the Army, Kenneth Preston, has a poster of Maupin just outside his office.

SGT. MAJ. KENNETH PRESTON, U.S. ARMY: You talk to those veterans who have been in captivity before, in the past, that the one thing that they always fell back on while they were in captivity is that they knew someone was out there looking for them, that somebody was going to come for them.

STARR: In Maupin's case, the uncertainty now agonizing for his family.

KEITH MAUPIN, FATHER OF CAPTURED SOLDIER: It's tough. I don't know what else to say. You know, you do one day at a time. Just try to get by.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: How long are you prepared to wait?

CAROLYN MAUPIN, CAPTURED SOLDIER'S MOTHER: I think myself, right at this moment, for as long as it's going to take, because I'm not going to give up.

STARR: In June, a murky picture appeared to show a man being killed. No one can confirm it is Maupin. Now, DNA tests are done on all human remains when they are found in Iraq. So far, no word on his fate.

(on camera): As thousands of troops continue to serve in Iraq, a reminder here in a Pentagon hallway that one young soldier, Specialist Keith Matthew Maupin, remains listed as captured and his family is still waiting for him to come home.

Barbara Starr, CNN, the Pentagon.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: Some entertainment news now for you. More bizarre headlines surrounding Liza Minnelli, an Oscar-winning actor is warming up vocal chords, and a new Broadway musical will be all about the soul.

CNN entertainment correspondent Sibila Vargas joins us now with details on all of these -- Sibila?

SIBILA VARGAS, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: Well, Drew, it looks like there's more troubles for Liza Minnelli. First, it was her former husband David Gest who accused Minnelli of beating him. Now Minnelli's former assistant is going after the singer, accusing her of forcing him to have sex with her.

According it a six-page complaint filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, M'hammed Soumayah says he was hit and assaulted and forced to have sexual relations with Minnelli. The former bodyguard and chauffeur is seeking more than $100 million in damages. Minnelli is countersuing, accusing Soumayah of breach of contract -- Drew?

GRIFFIN: ... singers like Liza Minnelli usually try acting? But what's this about actor Kevin Spacey? He's going to try to sing?

VARGAS: That's right, Drew. Like some people get the acting bug, but it looks like Kevin Spacey, he has gotten the singing bug.

(MUSIC -- KEVIN SPACEY - "THAT'S ALL")

VARGAS: That's the Academy Award-winning actor who will playing Bobby Darin in the upcoming film "Beyond the Sea." Now, Spacey, by the way, does his own singing in the film. Well, now he's taking his act on the road. Spacey will be singing at the Wiltern in Los Angeles and plans to take the show to eight or nine other markets.

And speaking of music news, Billy Joel's song "Movin' Out" and "Big Shot" were the inspiration behind Broadway's musical "Movin' Out." Now, Earth Wind & Fire hits like "Shining Star" are headed to the Great White Way.

(MUSIC)

VARGAS: Don't you just love it. The group's founder, Maurice White, is teaming up with Tony Award-winning actor and choreographer Maurice Hines for a Broadway musical. Now, if you need more of a refresher, think of hits like "Do you remember, the very first day of September?" And "Boogie Wonderland."

Casting is slated for 2005, and the show's Broadway debut is expected in early 2006. And I'm going to get a call probably from Simon Cowell, "American Idol" Simon Cowell telling me, "Sibila, stick to doing the news. You're not a singer."

GRIFFIN: You're definitely going to get the same call I think Kevin Spacey is about to get.

VARGAS: OK. I'll take that.

PHILLIPS: ... a little more. I want to hear some more. Come on Sibila!

VARGAS: Come on, let's do a duet!

PHILLIPS: OK, now...

VARGAS: If you're up for it.

PHILLIPS: I'll definitely pass now.

GRIFFIN: I need to get some water.

PHILLIPS: Thanks, Sibila.

VARGAS: Thanks, Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Well, first it was Vioxx. Now is another arthritis drug losing its luster? New findings about the pain relieving drug Bextra just ahead on LIVE FROM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: News across America now, an abduction caught on tape. These are pictures of a woman being abducted from a discount mall parking lot in Corona, California. She is forced into the back of this black Toyota Solara. Well, police are trying now to enhance that grainy video and track down the driver of that car.

First Vioxx, now Bextra, researchers say a preliminary study finds Pfizer's painkiller Bextra has a dangerous side effect. It can double the risk of heart attacks and strokes among patients with heart disease. Pfizer disputes that but says it will add a black box to the drug's label warning of another problem, a potentially fatal skin reaction linked to Bextra.

It's not Pamplona, Spain, but this is Dallas, Texas where 100 longhorn cattle were led through the streets in the city center. No injuries reported. The event kicks off a rodeo and concert festival in the city.

Yee-haw!

GRIFFIN: Lazy bulls there.

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

GRIFFIN: That wraps up our Thursday edition of "LIVE FROM".

PHILLIPS: No. They're not edible. "INSIDE POLITICS" is up next. Here's Judy with a preview.

Hi, Judy.

JUDY WOODRUFF, HOST, "JUDY WOODRUFF'S INSIDE POLITICS": Hi, Kyra. Thank you, thanks to Drew. As Democrats lick their wounds from last week's loss, the finger-pointing begins. We'll looked at the rifts in the Democratic Party and ask if they'll be able to get it together before the next election.

Plus a solemn sendoff for Yasser Arafat. As thousands mourn his passing, many wonder if his death will pave the way for peace in the Middle East. We'll talk with former Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger ahead on "INSIDE POLITICS."

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: I'm Kyra Phillips. "Now in the News": Yasser Arafat on a final journey back to the Middle East. His flag-draped coffin headed to Cairo this hour. Live pictures as the military band and supporters wait for the arrival of his body. A military funeral will take place tomorrow. Arafat will then be buried in Ramallah. A live report from the White House next on "INSIDE POLITICS".

U.S. forces are moving deeper into southern Falluja, pounding it by air and entering a new sector on the ground. Eighteen Americans, five Iraqi troops and some 600 insurgents have died in the four-day assault. Wolf Blitzer will have live reports from the Pentagon and Iraq at 5:00 Eastern.

President Bush paid tribute to those fighting in Iraq today as he marked Veteran's Day at Arlington National Cemetery. He says U.S. troops are defeating the terrorists. Mr. Bush laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns and remembered all those who have served in the armed forces.

Now stay tuned. "JUDY WOODRUFF'S INSIDE POLITICS" up next.

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Aired November 11, 2004 - 14:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: British Prime Minister Tony Blair is on his way to Washington for two days of talks with President Bush. It will be Mr. Bush's first meeting with an international leader since he won reelection last week. Mr. Blair, a staunch ally of the U.S. in Iraq expected to pressure the White House to take action in the Middle East now for peace and making that a top priority.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: President Bush marked this wartime Veteran's Day at Arlington National Cemetery. The commander-in-chief laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. He honored veterans of past wars, as well as conflicts going on right now.

Mr. Bush says American fighters in Iraq are, quote, "making us proud."

Well, when we think of Veteran's Day commemorations, we often think of silver-haired men and women who wear emblems of war service with tremendous pride. Well, our next guests are living proof that vets can be 20-something, and they cane be just as proud of their service and their comrades.

Veterans J.R. Martinez and Josh Forbess are part of the Coalition To Salute America's Heroes, a group that provides wounded veterans with emotional support job training. Gentleman, it's an honor to have both of you here today.

J.R. MARTINEZ, IRAQ WAR VETERAN: Thanks for having us on.

JOSH FORBESS, IRAQ WAR VETERAN: Thank you.

PHILLIPS: You bet.

J.R., I want to start with you. Take us back to April 5th, 2003, when you were driving your Humvee through Iraq.

MARTINEZ: Well, on the 5th of April, 2003, I was escorting a convoy, because we had received orders to get to Baghdad. When we got to a city named Karbala, we were asked to reroute on an original route that we had planned.

On doing that, I was the driver of the Humvee with three other men in the vehicle with me. And my front left tire hit a land mine. The rest of the guys were thrown out of the vehicle, but all -- they escaped minor injuries. On the other hand, I was trapped inside. The vehicle caught on fire. By the I was able to be pulled out, I had sustained 40 percent burns throughout my body and internal damage from al the smoke that my lungs had been exposed to.

Immediately I was airlifted, went through Longstill (ph), Germany, and finally ended up in an Brooke Army Medical Center where nearly a month later I woke up and started the long process of 19 months of me being there and going through 28 surgeries.

PHILLIPS: Unbelievable. And J.R., I read about how as you were being pulled out, a lot of conflicting emotions obviously going through your mind, but you had a very interesting visit by your sister.

MARTINEZ: Yes, I did. When I was five years old, I actually lost a sister. And when I was in the vehicle and I felt my body going through tremendous amount of pain -- and you know, in my mind, you know, I just thought I wasn't going to make it.

I actually had the presence of my sister appear to me and just told me I couldn't die because my mom needed me. And that right there just made me even -- just even scream even louder -- a desperate call, I guess you could say. And you know, it was just a miracle. And right away, they pulled me out of vehicle.

PHILLIPS: Well, you're definitely being called to a new call of duty.

Josh, let's talk about November 15th, 2003, when you were in your Black Hawk helicopter. What happened?

FORBESS: I really can't tell you a whole lot about what went on that day. I know I was on an aerial quick reaction force where we were just flying around the city of Mosul. Just flying around just in case anything happened, we were there to react quickly.

I don't know really too many of the circumstances or exactly what happened. I woke about eight or nine weeks later, and they had told me I was in a helicopter crash. And I remember asking, you know, where my fiancee was at and how many of my soldiers made it out. Unfortunately, none of my soldiers made it out of the helicopter crash.

PHILLIPS: J.R. and Josh, I want you just to hold tight with us, please.

We have got a bit of breaking news with our Jane Arraf in Iraq, timely of what we're talking about here. Drew is going to handle that from here -- Drew?

GRIFFIN: Jane, tell us what you are and what's happening in Falluja right now.

JANE ARRAF, CNN CORRESPONDENT: We are with an Army unit, Task Force 22, the 1st Infantry Division, and we are pushing into a new sector of the city. The unit is attacking so as to take over the sector.

They met little resistance here, although as part of that was the heavy strikes coming forward from the sector that they were in. They launched airstrikes, there was artillery fired, and they received some resistance as they came through.

But now, we're looking out over this what is a residential district -- empty. There's a house burning in the distance. Someone had fired a rocket-propelled grenade at them, and they fired back. I'm told that airstrikes have killed 15 to 20 suspected insurgents in the last while. And before that, another 20 had been either killed or wounded -- Drew?

GRIFFIN: Jane, I wonder if you could tell us, as you move through the city and what's to your rear is basically cleared, are the people of Falluja making their presence known? Are they coming out at all, the civilian population here?

ARRAF: Drew, it's very, very eerie. There have been no people here. In the industrial sector, it has been know that civilians were forced to leave by the insurgents. The industrial park essentially was rigged to explode. And as we drove through, they shot at a lot of the improvised explosive devices or detonated them, and there are almost constant explosions.

The place is absolutely littered with homemade bombs and land mines. As we're going further south into the residential district -- this is, again, residential, but no sign of civilians here. It's quite amazing, they have either fled the city or gone to other parts of the city. But the only people still here appear to be insurgents -- Drew?

GRIFFIN: And Jane, do you have any idea of how this is going timeline-wise? Are they giving you any indication of when this Falluja offensive will be finished?

ARRAF: Well, we spoke earlier, Drew, to Major General Richard Natonski with the 1st Marine Division, who was telling us he believed that they were actually ahead of schedule.

Now, one of the things about this battle has been it has been quite fierce, but they have used such heavy firepower that that perhaps has meant there has been less of an opposition than they had first believed. The insurgents, some of them are believed to have run away or perhaps are being cornered in another part of town.

So, the timeline, according to the officials is -- again, this is what they tell us -- they say they are ahead of schedule on this -- Drew?

GRIFFIN: Jane Arraf embedded with the troops in Falluja as the war goes on there. Thank you, Jane.

PHILLIPS: Well, you know, over the past few days -- actually the past week, we've talked about that fight in Falluja, the urban combat, the dangers that soldiers face. Two soldiers that have faced that danger head on, J.R. Martinez and Josh Forbess -- we're going to continue talking to them. And what we're talking about is the Coalition To Salute America's Heroes. These two gentlemen went to Operation Iraqi Freedom to fight in that war. They've come back because of injuries that they've experienced. Now they're fighting for the rights of those that do come back injured and the support that they need.

J.R. and Josh, we were talking about what happened to each one of you. J.R., 30 surgeries later -- thank God, you're still alive. Josh, same to you, having to learn to walk all over again after what happened to you in that Black Hawk helicopter.

But I've got to ask you both this, because you both have talked about it, been very candid. J.R., when you came out of basically being knocked out for about a month and having all these surgeries, and you woke up and your looked in the mirror, what happened?

MARTINEZ: Well, when I looked in the mirror, it was actually going through a phase of depression, because I -- for so many number of years of your life, you're used to one certain image. And then in a split second, it's changed and your life is completely changed. And there was something -- I went through that depression, and it was a phase where I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue on the way I was.

But somebody came to me, which was my mother, and told me that if anybody's going to be affiliated with me in any way, shape, or form, it was going to be because of who I am on the inside, not what my appearance was to be.

And I took that and I ran with it, and I haven't looked back yet. And that's the message I've tried to give to a lot of troops that have the scars on the outside. And I think me and Josh have been able to set that example for a lot of troops that are coming back.

PHILLIPS: Josh, what was it like for you?

FORBESS: Actually, Jose over here, he came to visit me one day after -- shortly after I got out of the intensive care unit. And he was like, "Hey, look at me. I've been doing it for a while. I go out still. I go out in public. I have no problem with it. I am who I am."

And with his motivation, he helped me be able to look in the mirror for the first time. Helped me see who I was. Helped me see who I was deep down inside. I was still the same person, and that's what helped me to start trying to help other soldiers through their process once they've been disabled or injured.

PHILLIPS: Well, now the two of you are part of this Coalition To Salute America's Heroes. I know that we have a Web site; we're going to bring the Web site up.

J.R., what's the mission behind the Coalition To Salute America's Heroes? Maybe can you talk about that. And also, did you feel that you got the support and the money and the care that you deserved coming back from OIF? PHILLIPS: I did feel that I got the support that I needed, my family needed, as well. And it is something that just continues to motivate me, because I said there are a lot of troops that are still over in Iraq, as you just had the breaking news showing right now. That there are troops over there who continue to get wounded.

And the American people need to continue to support these troops. That's what's motivated us as soldier to be able to help the rest of the soldiers out there that are sacrificing the same thing that we sacrificed. And it's just something that people can go to our Web site and please learn how you can help, you know, not only me and Josh, but the rest of the troops out there, because they need the support.

And the support plays a big factor in your recovery. And it's something that, you know, the doctor, you know, they can't give you any medicine and they can do a surgery on that to help that. But it's just something you being able to see that people applaud you and people thank you for everything you do. That means a lot.

And to be able to contribute to the Coalition To Salute America's Heroes and help in any way we can, to us that means a lot. And I encourage your viewers please go to our Web site.

PHILLIPS: Real quickly -- we've got to go -- but I've got to ask you both this. Josh, you first quickly, was the war worth what you're experiencing now?

FORBESS: I have no problem. I love my job. I love my soldiers. And whatever this country asks me to do, I have no problem doing it. I will take care of whatever mission is given to me, anytime, anyplace, anywhere.

PHILLIPS: I have a feeling you're going to say the same thing, J.R.

MARTINEZ: That's right. You know, it's something that you support your commander-in-chief from day one that you enlist in the military. And we continue to support our commander-in-chief, and we support all the troops that are over there. That's more important.

PHILLIPS: Well, we salute you both.

MARTINEZ: Thank you.

FORBESS: Thank you.

PHILLIPS: And by the way, you are both extremely handsome men, inside and out. Thanks, guys.

MARTINEZ: Thank you.

FORBESS: Thank you.

PHILLIPS: All right -- Drew? GRIFFIN: Another reminder on this Veteran's Day of just how chaotic war can be. In some cases, the fates of missing or captured troops remain unknown. Back home, families are left in limbo.

CNN Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr has the story of one such soldier from the Iraq War, and his family and commanders who are just not going to give up.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BARBARA STARR, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's been seven months since Specialist Keith Matthew Maupin's convoy came under attack outside Baghdad. Seven months since the world last heard from the 21-year-old Army Reservist.

SPEC. KEITH MATTHEW MAUPIN, U.S. ARMY RESERVIST: My name is Keith Matthew Maupin.

STARR: The young soldier clearly fearful, unsure what will happen next. Matt Maupin's parents came to the Pentagon just before Veteran's Day for the emotional opening of a display including their son, and the enduring message for all veterans that no one is left behind on the battlefield ever.

GEN. PETER SCHOOMAKER, ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF: So, I'd like to especially recognize today the Maupin family.

STARR: Sergeant Major of the Army, Kenneth Preston, has a poster of Maupin just outside his office.

SGT. MAJ. KENNETH PRESTON, U.S. ARMY: You talk to those veterans who have been in captivity before, in the past, that the one thing that they always fell back on while they were in captivity is that they knew someone was out there looking for them, that somebody was going to come for them.

STARR: In Maupin's case, the uncertainty now agonizing for his family.

KEITH MAUPIN, FATHER OF CAPTURED SOLDIER: It's tough. I don't know what else to say. You know, you do one day at a time. Just try to get by.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: How long are you prepared to wait?

CAROLYN MAUPIN, CAPTURED SOLDIER'S MOTHER: I think myself, right at this moment, for as long as it's going to take, because I'm not going to give up.

STARR: In June, a murky picture appeared to show a man being killed. No one can confirm it is Maupin. Now, DNA tests are done on all human remains when they are found in Iraq. So far, no word on his fate.

(on camera): As thousands of troops continue to serve in Iraq, a reminder here in a Pentagon hallway that one young soldier, Specialist Keith Matthew Maupin, remains listed as captured and his family is still waiting for him to come home.

Barbara Starr, CNN, the Pentagon.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: Some entertainment news now for you. More bizarre headlines surrounding Liza Minnelli, an Oscar-winning actor is warming up vocal chords, and a new Broadway musical will be all about the soul.

CNN entertainment correspondent Sibila Vargas joins us now with details on all of these -- Sibila?

SIBILA VARGAS, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: Well, Drew, it looks like there's more troubles for Liza Minnelli. First, it was her former husband David Gest who accused Minnelli of beating him. Now Minnelli's former assistant is going after the singer, accusing her of forcing him to have sex with her.

According it a six-page complaint filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, M'hammed Soumayah says he was hit and assaulted and forced to have sexual relations with Minnelli. The former bodyguard and chauffeur is seeking more than $100 million in damages. Minnelli is countersuing, accusing Soumayah of breach of contract -- Drew?

GRIFFIN: ... singers like Liza Minnelli usually try acting? But what's this about actor Kevin Spacey? He's going to try to sing?

VARGAS: That's right, Drew. Like some people get the acting bug, but it looks like Kevin Spacey, he has gotten the singing bug.

(MUSIC -- KEVIN SPACEY - "THAT'S ALL")

VARGAS: That's the Academy Award-winning actor who will playing Bobby Darin in the upcoming film "Beyond the Sea." Now, Spacey, by the way, does his own singing in the film. Well, now he's taking his act on the road. Spacey will be singing at the Wiltern in Los Angeles and plans to take the show to eight or nine other markets.

And speaking of music news, Billy Joel's song "Movin' Out" and "Big Shot" were the inspiration behind Broadway's musical "Movin' Out." Now, Earth Wind & Fire hits like "Shining Star" are headed to the Great White Way.

(MUSIC)

VARGAS: Don't you just love it. The group's founder, Maurice White, is teaming up with Tony Award-winning actor and choreographer Maurice Hines for a Broadway musical. Now, if you need more of a refresher, think of hits like "Do you remember, the very first day of September?" And "Boogie Wonderland."

Casting is slated for 2005, and the show's Broadway debut is expected in early 2006. And I'm going to get a call probably from Simon Cowell, "American Idol" Simon Cowell telling me, "Sibila, stick to doing the news. You're not a singer."

GRIFFIN: You're definitely going to get the same call I think Kevin Spacey is about to get.

VARGAS: OK. I'll take that.

PHILLIPS: ... a little more. I want to hear some more. Come on Sibila!

VARGAS: Come on, let's do a duet!

PHILLIPS: OK, now...

VARGAS: If you're up for it.

PHILLIPS: I'll definitely pass now.

GRIFFIN: I need to get some water.

PHILLIPS: Thanks, Sibila.

VARGAS: Thanks, Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Well, first it was Vioxx. Now is another arthritis drug losing its luster? New findings about the pain relieving drug Bextra just ahead on LIVE FROM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: News across America now, an abduction caught on tape. These are pictures of a woman being abducted from a discount mall parking lot in Corona, California. She is forced into the back of this black Toyota Solara. Well, police are trying now to enhance that grainy video and track down the driver of that car.

First Vioxx, now Bextra, researchers say a preliminary study finds Pfizer's painkiller Bextra has a dangerous side effect. It can double the risk of heart attacks and strokes among patients with heart disease. Pfizer disputes that but says it will add a black box to the drug's label warning of another problem, a potentially fatal skin reaction linked to Bextra.

It's not Pamplona, Spain, but this is Dallas, Texas where 100 longhorn cattle were led through the streets in the city center. No injuries reported. The event kicks off a rodeo and concert festival in the city.

Yee-haw!

GRIFFIN: Lazy bulls there.

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

GRIFFIN: That wraps up our Thursday edition of "LIVE FROM".

PHILLIPS: No. They're not edible. "INSIDE POLITICS" is up next. Here's Judy with a preview.

Hi, Judy.

JUDY WOODRUFF, HOST, "JUDY WOODRUFF'S INSIDE POLITICS": Hi, Kyra. Thank you, thanks to Drew. As Democrats lick their wounds from last week's loss, the finger-pointing begins. We'll looked at the rifts in the Democratic Party and ask if they'll be able to get it together before the next election.

Plus a solemn sendoff for Yasser Arafat. As thousands mourn his passing, many wonder if his death will pave the way for peace in the Middle East. We'll talk with former Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger ahead on "INSIDE POLITICS."

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: I'm Kyra Phillips. "Now in the News": Yasser Arafat on a final journey back to the Middle East. His flag-draped coffin headed to Cairo this hour. Live pictures as the military band and supporters wait for the arrival of his body. A military funeral will take place tomorrow. Arafat will then be buried in Ramallah. A live report from the White House next on "INSIDE POLITICS".

U.S. forces are moving deeper into southern Falluja, pounding it by air and entering a new sector on the ground. Eighteen Americans, five Iraqi troops and some 600 insurgents have died in the four-day assault. Wolf Blitzer will have live reports from the Pentagon and Iraq at 5:00 Eastern.

President Bush paid tribute to those fighting in Iraq today as he marked Veteran's Day at Arlington National Cemetery. He says U.S. troops are defeating the terrorists. Mr. Bush laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns and remembered all those who have served in the armed forces.

Now stay tuned. "JUDY WOODRUFF'S INSIDE POLITICS" up next.

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