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CNN Sunday Morning
Rescued Apache Pilots Return to Ft. Hood
Aired April 20, 2003 - 09:02 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.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: As we were mentioning, the other two former prisoners, the Apache helicopter pilots, they are based at Fort Hood, Texas, and that's where we find Jamie Colby today. Jamie, good morning.
JAMIE COLBY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, two late-minute substitutions got those freed POWs in the hands of their family members a little quicker. First, the base commander here sent a jet to Fort Bliss that would carry them back quicker than the C-17. And second, a moment the reunion that would have taken place in front of all of the media and the troops was moved to the tarmac so when they deplaned, they were greeted, David Williams by his wife, Michelle, a Black Hawk helicopter pilot stationed here at Fort Hood, and Ronald Young, his parents.
They embraced so long, it was unclear whether they'd ever make it to the ceremony. But they did. And there, as they were congratulated by the base commander and other commanding officers, David Williams, the only freed POW, a returnee, as he's being called now, who had spoken previously from the hospital in Germany, had these words to share with the crowd.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CWO DAVID WILLIAMS, RESCUED POW: I'd like to start off to say how overwhelmed I am with the tremendous support I got from you all. I'm speechless. I think the biggest thing I'd like to say is I'd like to thank you all for staying on the American fence and serving our country, OK? And it feels really good to be home. And just let's keep praying for those soldiers who are still fighting.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLBY: And what we've heard from the Williams family over the last couple of days, in particular, is that they too remember the other soldiers that are left behind, and also, those who lost their lives. Right now, their focus is on a quiet Easter holiday. And David Williams had a special request. He wants a barbecue. And we're not talking hot dogs and hamburgers. He wants steak, and that's what he is going to get. I have a feeling for the next couple of days, I have a feeling he'll get whatever he wants.
KAGAN: I think well deserved. Goes without saying. Jamie Colby, thank you so much.
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 April 20, 2003 - 09:02 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: As we were mentioning, the other two former prisoners, the Apache helicopter pilots, they are based at Fort Hood, Texas, and that's where we find Jamie Colby today. Jamie, good morning.
JAMIE COLBY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, two late-minute substitutions got those freed POWs in the hands of their family members a little quicker. First, the base commander here sent a jet to Fort Bliss that would carry them back quicker than the C-17. And second, a moment the reunion that would have taken place in front of all of the media and the troops was moved to the tarmac so when they deplaned, they were greeted, David Williams by his wife, Michelle, a Black Hawk helicopter pilot stationed here at Fort Hood, and Ronald Young, his parents.
They embraced so long, it was unclear whether they'd ever make it to the ceremony. But they did. And there, as they were congratulated by the base commander and other commanding officers, David Williams, the only freed POW, a returnee, as he's being called now, who had spoken previously from the hospital in Germany, had these words to share with the crowd.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CWO DAVID WILLIAMS, RESCUED POW: I'd like to start off to say how overwhelmed I am with the tremendous support I got from you all. I'm speechless. I think the biggest thing I'd like to say is I'd like to thank you all for staying on the American fence and serving our country, OK? And it feels really good to be home. And just let's keep praying for those soldiers who are still fighting.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLBY: And what we've heard from the Williams family over the last couple of days, in particular, is that they too remember the other soldiers that are left behind, and also, those who lost their lives. Right now, their focus is on a quiet Easter holiday. And David Williams had a special request. He wants a barbecue. And we're not talking hot dogs and hamburgers. He wants steak, and that's what he is going to get. I have a feeling for the next couple of days, I have a feeling he'll get whatever he wants.
KAGAN: I think well deserved. Goes without saying. Jamie Colby, thank you so much.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
