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American Morning

Marines Abroad Send Holiday Wishes Home

Aired December 24, 2001 - 08:54   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.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: On this Christmas Eve morning, we set out to prove the best gifts aren't always found under the tree. Many of America's men and women stationed overseas would love to spend even a few precious moments with their families on this holiday.

CNN's Bill Hemmer is setting out to make that happen single- handedly make that happen. Bill is in Kandahar, where he is connecting U.S. Marines with their families via the wonders of satellite, albeit with that three-second delay, but so what.

Bill, take it away.

BILL HEMMER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Miles thanks again. Merry Christmas to you.

We just had a C-130, so be patient. A lot of cargo planes coming at nighttime; they can be quite loud.

With us right now, some members from what -- what unit are you?

First LAR Bravo Company, 15th (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

HEMMER: Excellent. We're going to have a quick little name, rank, holiday message.

First up.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Cpl. Clayton Blankenship (ph), from Excelsior Springs, Missouri. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, America.

HEMMER: You want to say anything to your family watching at home?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hi Mom, hi Dad. Thanks for all the cards and letters, America.

That's it, sir.

HEMMER: Excellent. Next in line here.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Lance Cpl. Taylor (ph), from Rockford, Illinois. I'd like to say Happy holidays to my mother and father and (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Merry Christmas.

HEMMER: In the back.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Cpl. Derreck Detrell (ph), Ontario, California. I miss you, Laura Lee (ph). I love you (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Mom, Dad, Brian, Jeff (ph), Chris (ph), happy holidays, and I will be home soon.

HEMMER: Tell them who Dylan is.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Dylan's my son.

I'll be home soon, son. I know that you are walking now, and I will be ready to play ball soon.

HEMMER: That's great.

Next.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Lance Cpl. Hagerman (ph), from (UNINTELLIGIBLE), Kansas. I just want to say Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to my family back home. I can't wait to see you all.

HEMMER: Super.

Lastly here.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Cpl. Brandon Pollock (ph), Ridgecrest, California. Merry Christmas, (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Kids, Daddy loves you. I'll be home soon.

HEMMER: Merry Christmas, men. Appreciate you taking the time. Keep up the great work, OK?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you.

HEMMER: Miles, we will talk more. Christmas in Kandahar, the Operation Happy Holiday continues.

Miles, back to you.

O'BRIEN: Christmas in Kandahar, Bill Hemmer and the Marines. Thank you very much.

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