FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Nearly every seat inside the Saroyan Theatre in downtown Fresno was taken by community members and students, ready to soak in every word from renowned ABC News correspondent and wounded veterans advocate Bob Woodruff.<\/p>\n
Before taking the stage, Woodruff met and talked with 10 lucky scholars from various schools, including Central High and Exeter High.<\/p>\n
Conversations with younger generations, Woodruff says, are important.<\/p>\n
“I like to tell them, you think you know what you are going to do, and there are a lot of cases when you will, but it’s very normal not to know where you are ultimately going to end up,” said Bob Woodruff.<\/p>\n
Keyaan Rahman from University High School was prepared with questions and walked away inspired to follow his dreams with an open mind.<\/p>\n
“He also talked about how covering the other stories of war was exciting and sad, so it was good to hear that there was good and bad,” said student Keyaan Rahman.<\/p>\n
He described his journey, from being a young attorney to reporting in war zones and anchoring World News Tonight.<\/p>\n
A moment in his life that changed everything was his near-death experience covering the Iraq war, landing in the hospital after a bomb attack in January of 2006.<\/p>\n
“I was hit badly. I was knocked out for the next 36 days in a coma, and when I woke up, in some ways, it was a new Bob.”<\/p>\n
Decades later, he reflects on the ongoing global conflicts and the importance of journalism.<\/p>\n
“It takes a lot of reporting to show people what is happening. People lose their interest in a war as it drags on, but it’s crucial for people to know what is happening there and to have some kind of influence to end it.”<\/p>\n
His life story of curiosity, resilience, and passion — leaving the local crowd with a heartfelt perspective.<\/p>\n
“You gotta be able to tell stories about things that are not so great and make sure that people realize that everybody has ups and downs. So, if we can get that message out, that is always good.”<\/p>\n
He also started the Bob Woodruff Foundation<\/a> to help raise funds and advocate for veterans.<\/p>\n For news updates, follow Elisa Navarro on Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2025 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n