Email   Print   Share By Dave Larsen, Sentinel Editor

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Marsha Gross, from Arlington, places flowers at the main gate of Fort Hood Sunday. Besides floral arrangements placed at the gate and outside the scene of the Nov. 5 shooting spree, thousands of e-mails and social media postings have been received by the Sentinel and the III Corps and Fort Hood Public Affairs Office. Staff Sgt. Joy Pariante, STB, III Corps

Between the III Corps Public Affairs Office and the Sentinel, we’ve received hundreds of condolence letters, e-mails and social media postings this week from around the globe. The outpouring of support has been amazing to me. Here is just a small glimpse:



Troops treasured Down Under



My wife and I were stunned when our local TV ran the unfolding story of the shooting of troops on Fort Hood Base. We send our deepest condolences to the families of those who died, we pray for their souls. To the families of the wounded men, we both pray for their speedy recovery to good health.

When World War II broke out, I was about eight years (old). As a child, I remember the intense bombing we endured when I lived in Devonport, England. I remember vividly to this day the arrival of American troops in Devonport. For us children of Devonport it was an exciting period. The American troops were so kind to us. We needed America then, just as we need America right now to help us secure life in a better world.

The American people rose strongly from the ashes of 9/11, and so will the troops and their families of Fort Hood. Our prayers will be with them.



James and Joan O’Sullivan

Queensland, Australia



Down range



I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the Soldiers and civilians who lost their lives or were injured during the awful tragedy that took place at Ft. Hood. The senseless loss of life in the hands of one of our

own is something that deeply affects every servicemember, but especially those of us assigned to the Great Place. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them and the Central Texas and Fort Hood community.



Maj. Raul E. Maquez

Balad, Iraq



Muslim mourns



The moment I heard the news of shooting and casualties at Fort Hood base, a silent prayer rose from the depth of my heart. O’ God, let this NOT be an evil act by a Muslim. But my worst fear was realized.

The horrific nature of this carnage in a place where patriotism and service to our country is manifested at its highest level is what gets you. We pray for the departed souls and those who were injured in this dastardly incident.

I am glad that Muslim organizations have come out openly and have denounced (the shooting) without reservations.

But more needs to be done by Muslims. Much more in fact: both on individual and community level. I beseech my fellow Americans to view this act of violence at its individuality and not as some Islamic diktat.

Today, my grief is two-fold: as an American and as a Muslim. I hope my co-religionists are able to see their reflection in the innocent blood spilled at Fort Hood.



Abdul-Majeed Azad, Ph.D.

Toledo, Ohio



Dr. Azad’s concern that the Fort Hood shooting be viewed as an isolated incident rather than an act of terrorism by a religious fanatic mirrors that of the Army Chief of Staff, Gen. George Casey. Casey spoke about his concerns during media interviews with several Sunday morning talk shows last weekend.

“I’m concerned that this speculation could cause a backlash against some of our Muslim Soldiers,” he told CNN’s ‘State of the Union.’ “As horrific as this tragedy was, if our diversity becomes a casualty, I think that’s worse.”

We may never know the real reason why so many died and so many others continue suffering from the Nov. 5 tragedy. “Why” is the one thing we all may never know for certain.

But one thing is for certain, and Gen. Casey said it best: “Our diversity, not only in our Army, but in our country, is a strength.” We should all remain Army Strong.