Nov 06, 2009
WASHINGTON — The national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. extended his condolences and support today to the families and victims of yesterday's shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas.
"No words can properly convey our condolences to the wounded and families of those murdered," said Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., a Vietnam veteran from Sussex, Wis.
"The entire military family is grieving right now. I just want them to know they do not grieve alone. Our hearts and prayers are with them."
According to reports, the assailant was identified as Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, 39, an Army psychiatrist assigned to Fort Hood's Darnall Army Medical Center. He was shot and apprehended by emergency response officials, but not until after he allegedly murdered 12 fellow soldiers and a civilian law enforcement officer, and wounded 30 others. Hasan had been scheduled to deploy overseas.
"Whether he snapped from the stress of going to war or some other reason is for investigators to uncover," said Tradewell.
"Right now the focus has to be on taking care of the victims and families, and in trying to ensure this type tragedy is never repeated within the confines of a U.S. military installation anywhere."