The U.S. flag flies at half mast in front of the Army’s III Corps headquarters at Fort Hood, Texas, Friday, Nov. 6, 2009.                                      (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Soldiers observe the lowering of the American flag to half staff Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C. A moment of silence and prayer was offered to the victims and their families of the shooting at Fort Hood, Texas.      (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

The news is filled with information, photos, and comment regarding the shootings at Fort Hood on Thursday, 5 November.  This morning I was at Naval Station Mayport, FL for an appointment.  In sight of the half-masted station flag, I paused in silence for the dead, the wounded, their families, our Soldiers,  their leaders, and chaplain colleagues at Fort Hood. 

On behalf of the Military Chaplains Association,  National President Michael McCoy and I join with countless others in expressing condolences for the victims and their families.  We especially mourn those who died.   We ask the God of all consolation and tender mercies to bring comfort and strength for all who are touched by this tragedy. 

 Chaplain Gary Pollitt, MCA Executive Director