Responding to 'Roberts Ridge'
Dateline NBC received numerous e-mails when we originally broadcast 'Rescue of Roberts Ridge.' Below are a few.
I have never been so touched emotionally by a story as that of these brave young men, who fought in that battle. My heart broke to hear Nate Self tell of the men he loved and fought with, who did not come home. As a mother of a veteran, I simply wanted to wrap my arms around him and tell him "job well done" You honor these men by living and telling the story of theirs and your bravery. Many tears were shed watching this program. God Bless all our men and women in Iraq. --Susan Hubby, Clovis, N.M.
"Rescue On Roberts Ridge" was an outstanding piece, deserving of an award - an incredibly well balanced treatment of the technical and emotional aspects of a military operation and its personal aftermath. Stone, you and your team nailed that one. Great job! And it would be wrong if I didn't mention the subjects of the piece. What amazing people we have defending our country. --Paul Alessandroni
Thank you for airing Robert's ridge. It shows what our boys went through and maybe people will see that. People may think the job they are doing isn't worth it but to them it is very important. I am an army mom and my son who is 19 is now with the 101 st and is in Iraq.
I am also a member of the Soldiers Angels that send lettters and packages to soldiers. Thank you again. A proud Army mom, --Linda Russo
Please compliment Mr. Stone Phillips for his absolutely excellent report on the mission to rescue our Rangers and Special Forces folks during Operation Anaconda in the mountains of Afghanistan. Superb reporting and sensitive interviewing of those involved. Mainstream media often does not tell a story without trying to sell a political point of view. This time NBC did it right. You told the story as it happened, highlighted the heroism, and reported on what was possibly the root cause of the loss of life during that operation. Well done. Carpe diem! --Ted McAdam, Las Vegas
Thank you Mr. Phillips for an outstanding piece of journalism. You presented a very sensitive, thoughtful and unbiased report on our brave young heros of Operation Anaconda. I have twin sons and a daughter who are officers and all three were in the gulf when the war started. If I had not had my faith to hold onto I do not think I could have survived those first few months of not knowing where my children were and if they were safe. Since then they have all been back over there. Two of them are over there again. All three of my children believe in this country and are proud to be serving in the military for the freedoms this country stands. I know how Oscar Escano's mother felt. This would not have been my first choice of a career for my children. As a mother we want to protect our children from harm physically and emotionally. I sat spell bound for two hours and cried as I watched this program and saw the tapes of these fine young men being killed and wounded. Nate Self was an extraordinary leader who maintained a calmness and professionalism throughout this ordeal. All of these young men remind me that we still have heros in this mighty country. I pray for their 'healing'.--VernaRae Oraker, Wa.
I was incredibly moved by the two hour broadcast, Roberts Ridge, for a multiple of reasons. Congratulations on a spectacular piece. At each commercial break I pushed the mute button so I could reflect on the segment just passed and appreciate what your program was telling me about the bravery, expertise, and dedication these special soldiers demonstrated. When the end came after your poignant depiction of the soldiers' lives in the aftermath, I wanted to just have a quiet moment to reflect on the mood, the feelings, the appreciation I felt for all that was portrayed in your wonderfully crafted program. --Belinda
That was a great story on the Army Rangers tonight. I really appreciate the effort that went into putting the pieces together to accurately reflect on what happened on that mission. --Matt Johnson, Flower Mound, Texas
That was an amazing story on what are troops had to go thru. A very well put together feature that inspired our whole family. Is there a copy that I can obtain, and if so how can I purchase and/or receive one. --Gus Passias
Thank you for making this public and for getting at the truth of this unfortunate incident. I thought the General was very candid and it brought out some very serious mis-steps in the organization, planning and command control. I would like to know if this has been thoroughly reviewed and corrected. Perhaps a footnote could follow in one of your forthcoming Dateline shows that explain how Command and Control is now set up in Afghanistan. I really think NBC generally is a liberal, biased news organization, but stories such as this could begin to change my perception….I hope this direction continues and you cover more events of valor and honor that this nation could use right about now. Many thanks again for doing this good work…keep it up. --Alan M., Smithfield, Va.
I just watched the special on the Rescue on Roberts Ridge. A heartbreaking special on just what our men or doing in this war. We see the news and know that our men ( young men) are dying , but, you do not really realize just what they are going through until you see
shows like this one. I am so sorry that so many lives have to be lost. I am proud to be an American and thank all the men and women in our military who put their lives
on the line everyday for our freedom. Thank you so much for bringing these special to make us more aware of just what is going on, and just how brave our military men and women are. Stone Phillips is excellent. Don't let him get away from NBC. --Jane London, Hampton, Va.
One powerful show! Thank you for sharing this story. Please continue to follow up on the Captain and his family. Don't let the military let him down. See that he continues to get help. I don't need to know what happens. I just don't want us to forget what this man did. We, as a nation, needs to see that he gets the help he needs for as long as it takes. His family needs all of him. --Bob
