Fort Hood Renders Emotional Farewell to Fallen Comrades

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

FORT HOOD, Texas, Nov. 10, 2009 – Thousands of soldiers, veterans, military family members and civilian employees gathered here beneath brilliant blue skies to bid an emotional farewell to 13 of their own killed during last week\’s shooting rampage, and to support the families left behind.

Many of the 38 wounded during the attack had recovered enough from their injuries to attend today\’s memorial service, which included eulogies by President Barack Obama, Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey Jr. and Army Lt. Gen. Robert W. Cone, the 3rd Corps and Fort Hood commander. 

The service, held in front of the flag-draped 3rd Corps headquarters, opened with the haunting call of bagpipes. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Felt read a roll call, marked by painful silences after the names of the fallen. The 1st Cavalry Division\’s 1st Air Cavalry Brigade broke the quiet with the roaring firing of volleys.