FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – People who live and work on and around Ft. Leavenworth are mourning the victims of Thursday’s shooting at Ft. Hood.
Leavenworth City Commissioner Shay Baker, whose boyfriend is stationed at Ft. Hood, says she was relieved to get an e-mail from him saying he is ok but has to help with preparations for memorial services."
"He's very close to the situation and I know that it's very hard for him emotionally to have to deal with that," said Baker.
Security has been heightened at U.S. military facilities worldwide, but in general, no extraordinary measures have been taken.
Retired Lt. Colonel Charlie Gregor taught at the Command and General Staff College for four and a half years. He said a shooting by someone that unbalanced at the Fort Leavenworth military base would be highly unlikely. Gregor said the personnel there extremely loyal and part of the military elite.
"Those at Fort Leavenworth are very dedicated to their profession and are at the top of their class. They are the best of the best," said Gregor.
Major Allen Crenshaw said the base is very protective of its weapons and he feels quite safe there.
"Yes, I do. I have never had any security issues or ever felt threatened by anything. Yes, I do feel safe," Crenshaw said.
Jeffrey Wingo, Public Affairs Officer at Ft. Leavenworth, issued a statement regarding the Ft. Hood shooting.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to our fellow soldiers and their families at Ft. Hood. We take our force protection very seriously and as always we remain vigilant in order to protect the soldiers, families and civilians working and living on our installation,” Wingo said.
Because there are so many international leaders who train at the Command and General Staff College, Baker hopes that local residents will keep an open mind to those of Middle Eastern descent.
"What I hope is that we don't stereotype those military Middle Eastern officers as terrorists or Middle Eastern people in general because this person was of Jordanian descent,” Baker said.
A national moment of silence was to be observed at 1:34 p.m. central time on Friday. Many local businesses near the base lowered their flags to half-staff.
