This memorial honors the fallen and the survivors of that tragic day on 5 November 2009, when twelve soldiers, a civilian, and an unborn child were killed and thirty-one wounded during a shooting terrorist attack at the SRP Medical Center on Ft Hood Army Post.
On the top of the entrance columns is an American eagle, Eagle of The Republic, rising from a nest of fifty arrows and fifty olive branches, representing the fifty states, signifying the strength of the Nation with our ability to defend peaceful intentions. Placed at the two entrances of the memorial you will find a brick embedded in the sidewalk. Michael Cahill’s widow, Joleen, retrieved these bricks from the Soldiers Readiness Processing Center building # 42003 when it was demolished after the trial ended.
The memorial is built in a circle, or ring that symbolizes unity, strength, with no beginning, and no end. The roof at the center of the pavilion is open to the sky with a large 60-foot flagpole reaching upward. The opening is often referred to as a celestial window. The United States flag is a symbol of victory and self-assertion. Four lights are on the flag facing North, South, East, and West, representing the four corners of America.
At the base of the flagpole is a black granite stone in the shape of a three-sided pyramid. On the first surface are the names of the fallen,and on the next surface are the names of the survivors. On the final surface is a description of the 5 November 2009, event.
On the perimeter of the pavilion is a circle of thirteen black granite columns in the shape of a triangle four-feet high, by eighteen inches wide. This area is referred to as the heart and soul of the memorial. The sides of each of the columns are etched with the fallen hero’s name, an engraved portrait, and a message written by the family or friend about the person honored. On top of the column is a cast bronze created to represent the favorite object of that person while living, The objects range from, books, caps, coffee cups, military awards, or even a Scooby-Doo.
While standing inside the memorial, if you say a prayer, sing a song, or say a poem you can hear an echo. Look around: you can see and feel the heart and soul of this memorial that has been dedicated to the fallen and survivors.
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Victims’ Stories
PFC Frencheska Velez – 1st Bn – 8th Cav, 2nd Brig, 1st Cav Div
Francheska loved her soft Scooby Doo. It brought her comfort and strength as she was anticipating becoming a new mother. The Baby Scooby Doo was created to represent her unborn baby. Several witnesses in the trial stated that Francheska’s last words were “My Baby, My Baby”.
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Chief Warrant Officer Two (Ret) Michael G. Cahill, Civilian – SR
Mike’s favorite books, among many, were Pepys Diary and Ursula LeGuin books. He read everyday, including new articles, and had a love for medicine since childhood. You seldom saw him without his coffee mug and coffee breaks included a cigarette.
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Major Eduardo E. Caraveo, 467th Medical Detachment
He loved soccer, playing all the time and was on the University team during college. His son, John Paul, is following in his footsteps. The shoe-print, a size 13, for his love to run which he did everyday. The bible signifies his Christian beliefs and he was passionate about medicine.
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SSG. Justin M. DeCrow, 62nd Signal Bn – 11th Signal Brigade
Justin’s computer was a part of him and he was always on his computer. He was an avid video gamer, esp. World of Warcraft. That day he did not have the computer with him. the computer was buried with him.
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Captain John Gaffaney, 1908 Medical Detachment
The bronze is the Soldier’s Medal, which was awarded for his heroic efforts to stop the shooter. He came out of retirement from the Navy, wanting to serve again, and after several attempts was accepted into the Army Reserve. He was a lifelong San Diego Padres baseball fan.
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Spec. Frederick Greene, 20th Engineer Bn, 36th Engineer Brigade
Frederick was an avid reader and challenged his soldiers to read. His favorite series included: The Dark Tower, Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The War Hammer. He also loved his tattered Metallica cap, which he wore all the time.
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Specialist Jason (JD) Hunt, 2nd Bn 8th Cavalry 1st Brig 1st Cav
Jason’s grandmother raised greyhounds. He asked if he could adopt one that would not run and he was given Rex. His grandma had made a mistake because Rex could run. He loved chasing cats and scaling a 5-foot fence. Jason was not into sports, drinking or partying – he just wanted to start a family.
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SSG. Amy Kruegar, 467th Medical Detachment
Amy was a vivacious person that had a smile that would light up the room. She loved practicing psychology because she believed it was her calling to help those in need of guidance. The hands that are embracing the open heart show “Amy’s ability to embrace and envelope everyone with her love and lack of judgement”.
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Private First Class Aaron Nemelka, 20th Engineer Bn, 36th Engine
The bronze is about all that Aaron loved to do: snowboarding, skateboarding, golf, bowling, music and spending time with family and friends.
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PFC Michael S. Pearson, 20th Engineer Bn, 36th Engineer Brigade
Michael wore his Fender cap backwards and his Fender hoodie while playing hacky sack, skateboarding and playing music. You always saw him with it on. As a musician, he spoke through his music and loved playing guitar. Music was his life.
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Captain Russell Seager, 467th Medical Detachment
He had a collection of Crayola items and required his medical students to use Crayola’s to color the human anatomy illustrations. The cross belonged to his mother and he spent a lifetime as an educator and working in the medical field.
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Lt. Col. Juanita Warman, 1908th Medical Detachment
She bought the silver Mercedes convertible sports car while stationed in Germany and she and friends zipped all over Europe in it. She was really fun and loved having that little car. Her husband still has the car. TJ Max stores and Grand Marnier drinks were also favorites.
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PFC. Kham S. Xiong, 20th Engineer, 36th Engineer Brigade
PFC Kham Xiong —The vehicle was the first car Kham owned. He had wanted a sports car but bought a family 4-door car instead for he had a wife and three young children.