Salem State will host Woodruff

SALEM – Tickets are still available for the next edition of the Salem State College Speaker Series scheduled for Sept. 22, featuring journalist Bob Woodruff and his wife, Lee.Recently featured on the cover of Parade Magazine, the Woodruffs will share their story of perseverance and strength following Woodruff’s life-threatening scare while covering the Iraq War for ABC News four years ago.A longtime national and international correspondent for ABC News, Woodruff suffered traumatic injuries when a roadside bomb blew up a vehicle he was traveling in near Taji, Iraq. Since the accident, the Woodruffs have published “In an Instant: A Family’s Journey of Life and Healing” in February 2007.The story of the family’s long journey back from Woodruff’s injuries has put a familiar face on the serious issue of traumatic brain injury among veterans and others who have experienced this life-changing event.Woodruff returned to ABC following his recovery, and he now reports on a variety of international and national stories, and continues to cover issues that focus attention on the needs of veterans. He also anchors “Focus Earth with Bob Woodruff,” a new Discovery Channel, Planet Green weekly news program.The recipient of numerous awards for his work, Woodruff won a Peabody Award in 2008 for “Wounds of War: The Long Road Home for Our Nation’s Veterans.” He is also a 2008 recipient of the Daniel Pearl Award for Courage and Integrity in Journalism.Together with her husband, Lee has appeared on national media to talk about their book and her husband’s recovery. This past spring, her new book “Perfectly Imperfect: A Life in Progress was released.” This book is a collection of plain-spoken, poignant and often humorous essays about everyday life.The couple has also founded the Bob Woodruff Foundation to help wounded service members and their families receive the long-term care they need and assist them in successfully reintegrating into their communities.The event will be held in the College’s O’Keefe Athletic Center on Canal Street Sept. 22 beginning at 6:30 p.m.Individual tickets can be purchased online at Mktix.com, by calling 978-542-7555 or by visiting the series box office on the Salem State campus.Tickets are $65 for premium floor seating including a post-lecture reception, $40 for reserved floor seating, $20 for general admission and $10 for any high school or college student with a valid school identification card.For more information visit www.salemstate.edu/series.