Injured CBS Reporter McCormick in Stable Condition
UPDATED: Could return to U.S. as early as Sept. 1
By Marisa Guthrie -- Broadcasting & Cable, 8/30/2009 8:19:31 PM
CBS News correspondent Cami McCormick, who was injured Aug. 28 in Afghanistan when a military transport she was riding in was hit by an IED, has been stabilized and will be returning to the U.S. possibly as early as Tuesday, Sept. 1.McCormick sustained multiple injuries including fractures to her arms and legs. She was treated at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.
She will undergo further treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
Spc. Abraham S. Wheeler III, 22, of Columbia, S.C. was killed in the attack, which occurred near Logar Province. Two other soldiers were also injured. The Department of Defense has not released their names.
"Cami is a respected and loved colleague and this is a very difficult time," Harvey Nagler, vice president of CBS Radio, said in a statement. "We are grateful for the outpouring of concern from so many people and want particularly to acknowledge with gratitude the incredible medical care Cami has been receiving."
Eighteen journalists were killed in Afghanistan between 1992 and 2008, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. There are 25 confirmed deaths of journalists in 2009, says the CPJ, with no confirmed deaths in Afghanistan this year. (There is one unconfirmed death in Afghanistan: Jawed Ahmad, a freelance field producer who was working for CTV. He was shot in March in Kandahar, according to The Canadian Press and Agence France-Presse).
McCormick's injuries come weeks after two Associated Press journalists were injured in Afghanistan. Emilio Morenatti and Andi Jatmiko were embedded with the U.S. military in southern Afghanistan when their transport was struck by a roadside bomb on Aug. 12. Morenatti had his foot amputated. Jatmiko sustained leg injuries.
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Spc Wheeler of our town was one fine young man and mankind is diminished by his passing as are all who have been killed and whose fate may be the same in this questionable attempt to change a culture that refuses to change. Joe Pinner
Joe Pinner - 9/8/2009 11:06:15 PM EDT -
Cami McCormick graciously shared with me how she covered Hurricane Katrina for CBS Radio for my book, The Media and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. She is one tough and dedicated reporter! I was saddened to hear of her injury in Afghanistan, and I certainly wish her well.
Judith Sylvester - 9/8/2009 5:13:10 PM EDT -
Cami McCormick probably has spent more time in Iraq and Afghanistan than any of the troops that she reports on, besides about 5 weeks on an aircraft carrier during the first Iraq war. She is notable for the distinct clearness of her voice. I've only heard her on radio, but never had seen a picture of her until now. We wish her a speedy and full recovery. One can only "spit in the devil's face" so many times; maybe it is time to let some of the newcomers take over!
Max Trummer - 8/31/2009 8:27:04 PM EDT -
I've seen and heard Ms. McCormick's work and I'm saddened to hear of her injuries in the line of duty. I hope she will recover fully. No one thinks about the risks reporters go through on such assignments. As a former newspaper reporter I know few people are interested in the problems of reporters and I fully understand that. I just hope she is okay.
steve cannizaro - 8/31/2009 1:13:28 PM EDT -
My thanks to all the journalists that ut themselves in harms way to keep the rest of us informed. Mu prayers are with Cami for a speedy recovery and for the family of the fallen soldier for their loss.
Margaret J. Aldinger - 8/31/2009 12:48:11 PM EDT
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