2025 Phelps Award Recipient Bob Woodruff

ABC News correspondent Bob Woodruff was injured in 2006 while reporting on the war in Iraq. A roadside bomb struck his vehicle, inflicting a life-threatening brain injury and a 36-day coma.

Bob’s recovery journey was from emergency surgery in Iraq to stabilization in Germany and then to Bethesda Naval Hospital where he healed alongside our nation’s brave wounded service members. The Woodruffs: Bob, his wife Lee and his brother Dave saw that not all veterans had the same access to care.

Inspired by the strength and resilience of military families, the Woodruff family vowed to help our nation’s service members and veterans get the resources they need to thrive after service.

And they have stayed true to their commitment, working to ensure veterans and their families receive the support they need to lead fulfilling lives.