Reporter's Note: President Obama made a statement expressing his condolences for the soldiers killed in the shootings at Ft. Hood; the subject of my daily letter to the White House.
Tom Foreman | BIO
AC360° Correspondent
Dear Mr. President,
I spent all afternoon and evening in the studio covering the terrible news of those shootings at Ft. Hood. Having grown up in a military family, I appreciated your comments as Commander in Chief, and the moment of silence in Congress. What I really appreciate, however, is the professionalism, dedication, and sacrifice of our troops every day in the name of protecting our nation. Especially when we are at war.
Right now the awful events in Texas are rippling out through our military communities all around the world. Soldiers who are facing armed and dangerous enemies everyday in Iraq and Afghanistan, are now also dealing with the news of this tragedy at home. Those troops deserve our support all the time, but it seems to me that now it may be more important than ever. Sure, as a nation we’ve wrestled with issues about those wars for eight years now, but they’ve fought them.
I’ve covered a good many homicidal rampages, including the one at a cafeteria in Killeen eighteen years ago, which is right next door to Ft. Hood. They are always horrible. I always feel so sad for the families involved. And it never gets easier.
All the more reason I think for everyone in this nation now to keep our troops in their thoughts and prayers.
Regards,
Tom
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Terrorism has once again landed on our shores. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with the familys and friends of these true fallen heros and the wounded. All Powerful God, We honor today those men and women— Our sons and daughters, Husbands and wives, Fathers, brothers, sisters, mothers— Who have laid down their life for their country. Whether weary or emboldened, quiet or defiant, Vulnerable or ready when You called them home, Their sacrifice is too humbling for words except these uttered in prayer. Loving Lord, bless them forever in Your eternal peace. Let the sounds of strife, the cries of battle, the wounds of war be calmed for all eternity in Your loving and endless grace. Let these great warriors find rest at last, Ever reminded that we who are left behind Cherish their spirit, honor their commitment, send them our love, and will never forget the service that they gave. We thank them 1 and all for the freedom we enjoy everyday.
Fighting an endless war is discouraging.
Loss of precious lives is saddening.
The shooter in this case was a doctor who was brought into the Army for his professional training. His allegiance to the country was not important, just the fact that the Army needed his professional talent. A recent article in the Army Times highlighted another new doctor who was granted an accommodation to uniform polices so he could “follow the principles of his religion”. He is a Sikh and was allowed to wear his turban, full beard and uncut hair while in uniform. This is an exception granted solely for him. Other soldiers in the Army must adhere to the uniform policies and are not allowed to wear any items of faith on the outside of their uniform. I hope this shooting will cause the Army to recruit and retain soldiers that above everything are faithful to the country.