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American Morning

World War II Vets Work Against Terrorism in Delray Beach

Aired May 13, 2002 - 09:44   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.
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: In the effort to protect the homeland from terror, it may seem hard for many people to find ways to do their part, but don't tell that to a band of brothers down in Delray Beach, Florida. These aging vets are bringing their special wise touch to homeland security, and here is CNN's Mark Potter.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CHARLIE GOLDBERG, HOMEFRONT SECURITY: Watch your head (ph), Jim, you have got a little good going into...

JIM MORRISSEY, HOMEFRONT SECURITY: Oh, absolutely. Yes. I look good every day, Charlie. What do you say to that part (ph)?

MARK POTTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In Delray Beach, on Florida's East coast, these are the faces of Homefront Security. Charlie Goldberg on the left, Jim Morrissey on the right. Both of them 80 years young.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There he is.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, guys. How are you doing?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Good.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Pretty well.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Your eminence, how are you?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hi, how are you?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Very good, thank you.

POTTER: Charlie and Jim are members of the city's volunteer counter-terrorism patrol, on the alert for hidden danger.

(on camera): Have you guys seen anything suspicious out here when you are on your patrols?

GOLDBERG: So far, we have been lucky we haven't run into anything yet, but, you never know. That is why we are out here, and -- anything can happen at any time.

POTTER (voice-over): They are part of a team of eight seniors brought together by the Delray Beach Police Department. The volunteers range in age from 77 to 85, and have completed a bioterrorism course. All are World War II veterans. Charlie Goldberg was an Army MP, Jim Morrissey was in the U.S. Coast Guard.

MORRISSEY: We feel that we were back in the days when we joined, and this is why we joined.

POTTER (on camera): Getting back to World War II.

MORRISSEY: Absolutely. So, bringing out what -- giving us a second chance, so to speak, at our age.

CHIEF LARRY SCHROEDER, DELRAY BEACH POLICE: They are like a living history book, and they have such a desire in their hearts to help their community, to give back.

MORRISSEY: Good morning. How are you doing?

POTTER (voice-over): Their mission is to patrol the heart of Delray Beach, including City Hall, the Chamber of Commerce, the library, and the water plant, looking for anything unusual. If they find it, they radio the police. Because seven of the September 11 hijackers lived in Delray Beach, the veterans take their mission seriously.

(on camera): You proud of what you are doing?

GOLDBERG: I couldn't be more prouder, and everybody we talk to are proud of us also.

MORRISSEY: Yes.

POTTER: What do people tell you?

GOLDBERG: Hey, you guys are doing a great job. We love to see you here, we -- a lot love our uniforms (ph), but we like you guys, too.

POTTER: And how does that make you feel?

GOLDBERG: Oh, it makes you feel like million bucks, I'll tell you. You can't beat it.

POTTER: And you?

MORRISSEY: When we put on the beret...

POTTER: That is it.

MORRISSEY: That was it. You know, even the police department is saying, wow, let's get into this.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Good morning.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hi.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Carry on.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Carry on.

POTTER (voice-over): They are the eyes and ears of the community. Once again, serving their country.

Mark Potter, CNN, Delray Beach, Florida.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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