FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, November 6, 2009

Contact: Jose Borjon, (202) 225-7742 or (202) 579-2403

ORTIZ OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO THOSE AFFECTED BY FORT HOOD TRAGEDY

WASHINGTON--Today, U.S. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz (D-Texas) offered his thoughts and prayers on the floor of the House of Representatives to the families of the 13 service members killed Thursday at Fort Hood, Texas.

“Madam Speaker,

“Today, I rise in honor of those service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice in support of our nation.  

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the twelve soldiers, and one civilian, who were killed yesterday at Fort Hood, and with the 30 who were wounded.

“At this time, we must not judge, instead, it is imperative that we understand.

“We must understand what prompted a psychiatrist, who has helped so many of his fellow soldiers in the past, to take their lives yesterday.

“We must realize that no one is above the need for mental health counseling, and we have to ensure that this is readily available to all.

“The Army as a whole is under a significant stress in support of the nation’s operations overseas.”

Ortiz, Chair of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, has been in contact with the Department of Defense and the Army as more information is known about the events that transpired Thursday in Fort Hood.

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