Ft Hood tragedy reaches Chicago area

It's hard to imagine how difficult it must have been for the Pearson family in Bolingbrook last night when they learned their son was one of the Ft. Hood soldiers slain.  Sheryll and Jeff Pearson told the Chicago Tribune their 21 year old son was preparing to be sent to Iraq in January after training for a year to disarm bombs.  Michael was among the 13 killed and 28 injured in a ruthless, cold-blooded massacre perpetrated by a deluded Army major.  

We've visited Ft. Hood on several occasions, and could picture the chaos while the news reports poured in.  Our son-in-law and daughter were recently transferred to another assignment, and it took us a moment in the shock of the news to recall they weren't in danger in Killeen. The Southtown Star called and asked our thoughts while news was still coming in about the tragedy on the nation's largest Army base.

   The base is where soldiers land on their way home from war, she said.

"You get your kids and your husband and your family home, and you think everybody can just breathe," she said. "The big thing is to keep it over there, the fight over there. To have that come back there in their own back yard where they are safe, man, that's got to be really shaking them up."

Our prayers are with all the families of the injured and lost.  Ft. Hood's a huge family of Americans with patriotic servant hearts.  They are unsung heroes and this tragedy is the ultimate physical and psychological betrayal by a fellow soldier, a ranking officer and a trusted mental health counselor. 

This incident will affect everyone at Ft. Hood for a while, and the trauma will affect all who have loved ones there.  We all are reminded it's by God's grace and timing that more of us didn't get that dreaded call.

Comments

[Illinois Patriot]

The Trib is now reporting a second local victim: http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/11/another-ft-hood-shooting-victim-is-from-chicago.html

[?]

My post yesterday on another thread failed for some reason yesterday, so I'll try again.

Prayers for our Solidiers' families that they may soon find some comfort in their warm and loving memories of their time together with their son, daughter, husband, wife, friend, sister, brother, father, mother.

God bless you. You and your loved ones will always be in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsOT5usxkgA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RINqibpWOzQ

[Dennis C. Ryan]

Hey, Bob Schillerstrom! Still against a concealed carry law for Illinois?
How many of these Muslim "sleepers" are among us, Bob? Maybe you don't think a concealed carry law is needed, but I want the legal ability to protect my family, my property and my life.