Ft. Hood: Today a Nation Mourns

As the brave men and women readied themselves to be deployed overseas, a trusted member of the United States Army decided to take actions to assure he would not be deployed on November 28, 2009. He opened fire on his fellow soldiers and the civilian workers employed at Ft. Hood. Thankfully due to the quick response of a civilian female police officer, the gunman was shot to end the carnage he left in his wake. Today the nation mourns for those who were killed and pray for those who were wounded plus the families of the our fallen soldiers.

A military base is a city within a city. It is home to those serving the nation. Ft. Hood is also the base soldiers prepare to deploy and the place for the soldiers to return to when they come home. This is a place where soldiers are supposed to feel safe. The soldiers don’t carry guns unless they are taking a qualifying class and to learn to use the weapons. The base is an extended family area which is based on trust and respect for their fellow soldiers.

When a soldier goes through boot camp, the families of the fellow soldiers become an extended family. They are kept apprised of the trials and tribulations of those sharing the boot camp experience. The graduations of these troops are a sight to behold. It instills a feeling of pride which is hard to put into words. Not only are the families proud of their soldier, there is a pride in the company and units as a whole. These are our American soldiers.

Sharing a shock and grief with the families and friends of the fallen soldiers is only right. Flying a flag at half staff is the least we can do to honor those who lose their life during war time, even if the tragedy happens on American soil. Our heartfelt prayers go out to those surviving this senseless tragedy. It effects us as a nation and hits home with those who have served in the military, have loved ones serving in the military and for our extended families of our great American soldiers.

We share with those brave soldiers and others wounded and killed a salute from the rest of the United States for their service and sacrifice endured during this trying time. We are proud of each and everyone of you.

To the civilians who acted so quickly to provide the ensured safety of our troops, a thank you for you are true heroes.