FORT HOOD T.X. – LTC Allen West, Congressman John Carter (R-TX31) and Congressman Bill Flores (R-TX17) hosted a press conference this morning on the issues and legislation regarding the November 5, 2009 Fort Hood Shooting. After the radical jihadist Nidal Hasan opened fire on Fort Hood and killed 13 adults and one unborn child, Congressman Carter has been fighting tirelessly to help the victims and overturn the Obama Administration’s classification of the attack as workplace violence.

Congressman John Carter and Congressman Roger Williams introduced the Fort Hood Heroes Act (H.R. 3111) to ensure the victims of the tragic Nov. 5, 2009 terrorist attack on Fort Hood receive their due benefits and awards. Most recently, language was introduced into the House’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would allow victims and families of the attack to be eligible for Purple Hearts, benefits and closure.

“Since day one, when Nidal Hasan screamed out ‘Allah Akbar’ while attacking our soldiers we knew the shooting was an act of terror,” said Congressman John Carter, representative of Fort Hood and co-chair of the House Army Caucus.  “Since that day the Obama Administration has been hiding behind political correctness and four and a half years later they still can’t face the truth. This was an act of terror, plain and simple. The victims and families of this attack deserve recognition from their government and a chance to finally move on with their lives. I urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to quickly pass the NDAA to finally give the victims and families the restitution they deserve.” 

"A military installation is a place where our Warriors and their families find safety, security, solace, and a respite to enjoy themselves and the camaraderie of their fellow Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen. However, on November 5, 2009, that quiet place for our service members was violated by the heinous attack, by one wearing their own uniform. The terrorist attack on Ft. Hood must be referred to as such, not as workplace violence. The victims and survivors must receive the appropriate military recognition so that they receive the right and proper benefits owed to them. The modern 21st century battlefield in which Islamic terrorists operate has no borders or boundaries, and on that fateful day the battle was engaged on Ft. Hood -- no different than combat theaters such as Iraq or Afghanistan. Special accolades to Rep. Carter and others who with HR 3111, Honoring the Heroes of Ft. Hood, are rectifying the wrong that has been done -- which should be retroactive," said LTC  Allen West.

“Americans everywhere are disappointed that the Obama administration has failed to deem the November 2009 act of terrorism at Fort Hood as a combat environment. Those killed and wounded at Fort Hood deserve to receive the same benefits and honors as their counterparts who are wounded or killed in combat or in a terrorist attack. By supporting the Fort Hood Heroes Act, we are working to honor their sacrifices and ensure that their families are granted the equal treatment and benefits they deserve,” said Congressman Bill Flores.

In addition to the Fort Hood shooting victims and families, those who were in attendance were Bell County Judge, Jon Burrows; Temple Mayor, Danny Dunn; Belton Mayor, Marion Grayson; Killeen Mayor, Scott Cosper; Civilian Aide to Secretary of the Army, Jean Shine; MOMM Central Texas Chapter President, Dick Archer; Army Marathon Coordinator, Ed Bandas; and Chairman/CEO Fort Hood National Bank, Terry Tuggle.