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J. Ainsworth — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 20:37:21 GMT

I am very sorry about the loss of both of your colleagues.

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Lynn G., Minneapolis, MN — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 20:57:23 GMT

Oh Brian, I'm so sorry! You seem to be enduring too many losses of wonderful people in your life these last couple of months. I hope for all of you at NBC that the memories of Mr. Wishnie will bring you some smiles and comfort in the days ahead. My condolences to you, to your colleagues and to his family.

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Darlene M, Wausau, WI — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 21:01:43 GMT

Brian--
How horrible to lose two close friends in such a short time. Your words honor their memories well. May you have continued strength and courage to do what you do so well.

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Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 21:31:39 GMT

Good Evening Mr.Williams, I am deeply sorry for the loss of Mr. Wishnie and Mr.Snyder. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families. Too young and too soon for any of these fine people to leave us. Keep strong Mr. Williams and always remember that they will always be with you in spirit. Again, my condolences to you and all of your colleagues at NBC on this terrible loss. Peace.

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Michael — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 22:03:34 GMT

Brian, I have enjoyed you immensely with NBC News for years and it's very, very sad to find you are going through these terrible losses. My heart goes out to you, Dawn Frantangelo as well as all of you at NBC News.

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Gena Fitzgerald — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 22:11:03 GMT

How perfect to re-read Eric's words...and for him to remind us all of the meaning of a picture and small moments. Eric Wishnie was a master of storytelling, especially the small moment....one of those rare people who could make a difference with the stories that he produced. He was deeply funny and deeply human, and so loved by his friends and colleagues.

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G.C. Christie — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 22:21:28 GMT

When great men and women slip away, they leave us a small part of themselves. And it is that small part, our memories of them, that allows them to live on for us. And for others. Deepest sympathies.

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Beth Bradford, Rome, GA — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 22:46:22 GMT

Several times in the past years when I had commented on a story or two in the blog, Eric had sent me an email to expand on what I had written and express his thoughts in more detail...usually on the topics of music and baseball. Although I never met him I enjoyed his small bits of conversation. My sympathies to his NBC family and to his wife.

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David M. Branham, Fredericksburg, VA — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 22:58:32 GMT

Brian: I was both shocked and saddened to learn of Eric's death today. I still have a picture of Eric, Tom Brokaw and myself on the flightline at Andrews Air Force Base when Tom anchored the Nightly News from the base flightline one Spring evening in 2003. As the former base Public Affairs Officer at Andrews, I was Tom's press escort that day. I was impressed with Eric from the get-go. Although he was operating at a mile-a-minute pace, he seemed to be totally relaxed, with a sense of peacefulness that surrounded him. Brian, thank you for this Blog which you put so much energy into. Without it, we would not be able to understand that which needs to be understood, celebrate the things that should be celebrated, and stop to remember those in remembrance like Eric and Gen Downing. Sincerely, Dave

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Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:16:19 GMT

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Again, I wish to express my deepest sympathies to you and all of the people of NBC on the loss of Mr. Wishnie. Those pictures you showed at the end of the broadcast were lovely and evoked all kinds of memories I'm sure for everyone who knew him. Now if I may with regards to the broadcast and Lisa Myers report on the Iraqi hospitals not receiving enough supplies for medical care. It is just terrible that a country would have this happen. I do hope things change and the people who need medical care are able to receive it quickly. Mr Williams we have lost too many good people today and I hope that tomorrow is brighter. I guess the only thing I can say is that all of these people we have lost are never really gone as long as we remember them. Keep them in our hearts and minds forever. Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Stay strong. Peace to all.

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Lou Davis Brashers — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:16:35 GMT

Brian
Sorry for loss of your friends! We watch you faithfully and have com to love you. Will be praying for you, their families and other friends.
It always helps to remember your loss is heavens gain. And we are told in the book of Psalms that "precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His saints".

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Amanda - Ridgewood, NJ — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:18:08 GMT

The loss of so many wonderful human beings today and I dare say no matter their ages, they were all too young to depart us now.

The tributes in particular to Tom Snyder and Eric Wishnie were very moving and fitting tributes. The local NY NBC station also had a touching piece about Mr. Snyder, I remember him well.

My sympathies to all, especially Ms. Frantangelo. May all of the good times be foremost in your thoughts.

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Stephanie Umbro, Maine — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:20:16 GMT

All you have to do is read this post, Brian, to know how much Eric meant to you and how much it hurts to report on the death of another dear friend. Please accept my condolences and share them with the entire NBC family, as well as the Wishnie family. Top it off with the lost of Tom Synder today... and Gen. Downing a few short weeks ago, and I can only imagine the sorrow in the air over 30 Rock. My prayers are with you.

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Selina Kelley, America, Illinois — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:28:16 GMT

I was very saddened to hear that Gen. Downing had died. And now, Mr.Wishnie, also. It must be very surreal to you, Mr. Williams, to realize that two very energetic and vocal colleagues of yours have gone on, especially when we need their expertise in their related fields so much these days i.e. Gen. Downing and his wisdom on war, and Mr. Wishnie on his public coverage of the war. Again, my condolences to everyone at NBC, to Gen.Downing's family, and to Mr. Wishnie's family.

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Norma aart, New York, NY — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:29:08 GMT

I would like to join all those woh have expressed their condolences so movigly before me. You honor your lost colleagues by the way in which you write about them and you help us all by reminding us that each of us can matter, can make a difference, if we choose to live in such a way as to do so.

A few years ago, someone who cared about me gave me a copy of a book by Studs Turkel. I believe it was called, "Working." In the introduction, Turkel shared a quotation from George Bernard Shaw, one which expressed my own sentiments so well lthat I was delighted to have it to share with those whom I love and with others whom I feel deserve to know it. I shall search my Mac and send it to you later this evening, in hopes that you wil derive comfort from feeling that it applies to your friends.

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Norma Hart — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:38:18 GMT

Upon checking, I find that the Turkel book is "Coming of Age." The quotation from Shaw is, ""I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle for me. It is sort of a splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."

I truly hope that this brings you comfort, as I am sure that this is how your two colleagues lived their lives.

Norma Hart

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ladytechie — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:11:03 GMT

Usually I read the blog before watching the show, my time zone makes me a late comer to the blog. So it is tonight, you've just gone off air here. I can't begin to express my sympathies to you and the staff of the Nightly News.

From what I read here there is a story behind this untimely death, and hard as it maybe, many of us would like to hear it, please let us know what happened.

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Zara A., PA. — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:22:52 GMT

Dear Mr. Williams,
Today must have been tough for you. I, too feel very terrible for you. Two close colleagues gone in one short day must feel heartbreaking. I understand how Mr. Wishnie was very kind and a good friend after reading his last blog entry. He sounds like a kind-hearted man. Mr. Synder is well known over the states. I feel so sorry for you and their families. But good times are ahead...

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April Mellody Philadelphia — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:25:17 GMT

What a great guy. Such a terrible loss. An unusually bright smile and caring soul on the campaign bus, I will always remember him fondly. My condolences to his wife, his family and all of you at NBC.

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Vince, St. Petersburg, FL — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:26:27 GMT

Hello Brian,I really like when you do a "Final Thoughts/Words" at the end of your broadcast.
It really makes for a good finality, whether it is joyous, sad, or a mixture of both. I
think Tom Brokaw did this wonderfully and I know this can't be done every night especially
with all the news but I think it adds a touch of personality and uniqueness to your
broadcast. I've been an avid fan and supporter of Nightly News even back when Tom Brokaw
was still the anchor. Keep up the good work that you and your staff are doing; you will
regain #1 soon enough! On a sad note, I'm sorry for your loss but glad that you were able to express your feelings during your broadcast.

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Christopher Gilalrd, Melbourne Beach, FL — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 01:05:17 GMT

Mr. Williams,
It truly is a dark day. I watched a lot of Tom Snyder, I followed the general's accounts and Eric sounds like a grand man. Take solace in the memories of your friends and as always I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night.

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Dan, Jefferson, ME — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 01:36:34 GMT

Brian,

The losses you have had were large, by all accounts. If anything, two great minds were lost today. Tom Snyder, was a man who's intellect and demeanor where something that you don't much at all today. It is too bad that he was relegated to late night T.V. because the world could have used someone like him during the daytime that would have people slow down, realize that there is more to life that money, sex and other things that the 21st century has burdened this world with, not all for the better. Tom Snyder gave us the opportunity to look beyond our bias by bringing us famous, but in some cases contraversal as a John Lennon amongst others. He will be SORELY missed, and heaven will be there waiting for him, on the big T.V. Screen in the sky.

As for Eric, not much known, but as I read seemed to be a unique person, of enormous intellect and quality that you don't find much in this world. In this world, there are those who give of themselves as truly great people to have valued to have known, and give of themselves with the great amount of intellect and generosity they bring to many in this world, that go unnoticed by the many. It seems Eric fit that bill, that will be sorely missed.

Having watched you many times, I feel your pain, Brian, and please the best qualities of Tom and Eric go on in their memory. The would have wanted it that way.

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Caryn Schutzler, Seattle, WA — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 01:46:49 GMT

My tear is still drying on my face. Any story with a dog (except pit bulls)(ok, cats, elephants,tapirs...)

I thought perhaps it was taken with the two photographers that were killed with David Snow? (geez, the last name eludes me...it will come to me...)

It just struck me that my sister has not spoken with me since before 911. We both love dogs. Maybe you could do a reconilation story...I haven't called Dr. Phil yet...

Anyway, always, the human interest stories grab me, especially when an animal is involved. I always wondered if the dog on Oprah, the dog that walks on her hind legs (Faith)could be a "Dog of Hope" for all the injured soldiers. What a mascot.

Thank you for sharing your personal stories.

I never know if my emails get through, but felt pulled by the story of Eric.

Thank you.

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Anita Lewis, Pendleton, Oregon — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 03:21:45 GMT

We, the television audience, never get to know the wonderful, hard-working people associated with bringing us our news and entertainment. We see the anchors, reporters and the actors/actresses but not the nuts and bolts--what makes it work in our homes each day. I know it may seem a heavy burden to bring sad news of the death of a co-worker, especially those who should have had more life left to live. But we do appreciate and respect your duty to do so. Our deepest sympathies to you and your co-workers as well as to the family of Eric Wishnie.

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Jun Nishihara, Japan — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 03:59:04 GMT

My prayers are with you for the loss of both of your colleagues. Thank you for the broadcast tonight and peace to all.

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Steve and Evellen Jewett , Winter Park, Florida — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 04:22:31 GMT

Brian-He really admired you. Reading your words its clear the feeling was mutual. Although we are heartbroken for our loss which made it difficult to watch-we thought your Nightly piece was perfect.Thank you for telling everyone else about Eric and what we have been lucky enough to experience.

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Norman Charles, NYC — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 07:52:03 GMT

Once again, NBC Nightly News reported on a GlaxoSmithKline product without informing viewers that GSK is a major sponsor of your broadcast. Tonight your subject was Avandia, joining Alli and Requip as GSK products that have also recently been the focus of NBC News stories. GSK isn't merely an advertiser--they are a major inside-the-show sponsor. In the past three months, GSK and their products have sponsored Nightly News segments (either "What Works" or "Making A Difference") a total of 14 times. (As recently as July 27, three days before your Avandia story, "Making A Difference" was sponsored by Requip.) Yet I have never once heard Brian Williams offer viewers a simple disclosure statement--something along the lines of "Avandia is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, a regular sponsor of our broadcast." I have always believed that news organizations cannot simply avoid impropriety, they must avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Failure to disclose your advertising relationship with GSK while you report on their products could be interpreted as appearing improper. Did NBC News actually display any favoritism or partiality towards Avandia when presenting Monday's story? No one outside the NBC brain trust is really in a position to say. But by failing to disclose your relationship with GSK, you deprived many of your viewers of an important tool that would have helped them to make an informed determination. Nancy Snyderman reported that GSK earns an estimated $3.2 billion a year from Avandia, some of which goes directly to NBC News for segment sponsorships. As such, I believe that Brian Williams should offer a statement of disclosure informing viewers of NBC's relationship with GSK or any company that sponsors segments on your broadcast.

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Joan Chapman, Cheshire, CT — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 12:28:30 GMT

Brian -

Please accept my condolences for the loss of your friends. I know how hard it is to accept.
It has been a difficult time for me as well - I live in Cheshire, CT.
At times like this, prayer works wonders.

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Joyce, Royal Oak, MI — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:28:23 GMT

You have suffered so many losses lately, Brian. My sincere condolences.

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Loretta Poggio,Hackensack, NJ — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:34:04 GMT

How wonderful to remember individuals that have been on loan to us from the universe. May the light that shines from them shine on us all.

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JG — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 17:14:58 GMT

Lost to us all is nbt just a fine producer but truely nice and caring person in a business where "nice" is in too short a supply.

We're all the poorer for it.

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David Waters — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 17:23:43 GMT

The ripples of the smallest stone are not forgoten by the river,
We all leave them behind both for good and bad,
With fondness of love, the bad forgoten, the good never...

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SHERRY THOMPSON, ALCOLU, SC — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 19:27:45 GMT

DEAR MR. WILLIAMS,
I GRIEVE FOR THE LOSSES YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS. KNOW THAT GOD IS WITH YOU AND WITH THE FAMILY OF ERIC AND THE GENERAL. I READ THE PIECE BY ERIC OF THE PHOTO PROJECT AND IT MADE ME WISH I HAD KNOWN HIM. PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.

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John Doe, Washington, DC — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 02:14:36 GMT

Obviously Mr. Wishnie was a wonderful person. What happened to him along the way that lead to his tragic death? Did NBC try to help him with his addictions and personal problems before firing him?

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H Perez, Philadelphia, PA — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 02:42:36 GMT

Eric was one of my first mentors at NBC. I bought my first sportscoat in order to look more like him. (I never told him... I think he knew.) He will be missed.

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Penelope Canan — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:06:12 GMT

I find it hard to think of Eric sad or troubled. He always seemed calm, relaxed and interested in others. His smile was ready. His wit, charming.

I am one of a lot of people in Orlando, Florida who will miss him when we go to the Jewetts' -- he quietly added to lovely evenings. And we are sad for the Jewetts who loved Eric so much.