Burke County Woman Has Connection To Fort Hood

Augusta,GA—Like just about everyone around the nation, Heather Menard, and her daughter, are on edge after finding out that an American soldier is accused of going on a killing spree in Killeen, Texas.

Heather Menard, Burke County: “If it can happen in Fort Hood, Texas, it could happen here at Fort Gordon. It could happen at Fort Lewis, where my husband is now.“

Army officials say Major Malik Nadal Hassan opened fire in a crowded building, killing many people and injuring others.

Menard: “How could you take an oath as a soldier to protect this country, and then do this to your own fellow solider.”

These events hit home for Menard, that’s because, two months ago, her husband left Fort Hood to train in Washington State.

Menard: “What if someone tries to copycat this on Fort Lewis? Of course, it terrified my daughter because her father has been at Fort Hood three times.”

Menard says this type of incident opens up wounds from past attacks on U.S. soil.

Menard: “It’s very hard not to stereotype. We try to get away from that since 911 because there are so many peaceful Muslim people.”

Army officials say Hasan and other soldiers were scheduled to be deployed to Afghanistan when the shooting rampage took place. Menard says tragic events like this can paralyze you.

Menard: “You don’t want to lock yourself in your house and become a hermit, or have the fear of going out. You want to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Just pray for the family, pray for the victims’ families, pray for him…he’s going to need it.”