Havre de Grace’s Juanita L. Warman Among 13 Killed In Fort Hood Shooting

Havre de Grace resident Juanita L. Warman was among the 13 people killed in Thursday’s shooting at Fort Hood in Texas, according to national media reports.

While Warman and the dozen others who died in Thursday’s attack have not yet been officially named by the Department of Defense, their names, Warman’s included, are slowly filtering out as family and friends are notified.

Juanita Warman and her huband Philip own a condominium in Havre de Grace.

Assorted media reports have further details on Juanita Warman:

– Warman is originally from Pittsburgh, but she lived in Maryland in the Havre De Grace area for the last ten years.

– Warman, 55, was a military physician assistant with two daughters and six grandchildren. Her sister, Margaret Yaggie of Roaring Branch in north-central Pennsylvania, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that her sister attended Pittsburgh Langley High School and put herself through school at the University of Pittsburgh. She said her sister spent most of her career in the military.

– Warman was being deployed to Iraq for medical duty, after serving a recent posting in Washington state. She was excited to go, but her thoughts were of her two daughters and six grandchildren, Yaggie said. On her Facebook page, Warman wrote, “I miss my girls and their beautiful children. It’s so nice to come to Facebook to see them grow up even if it’s just in photographs,” her sister said. Warman added, “So much to do. So many lives to touch. Just wish it didn’t take me away from home so much.”

The Department of Defense legally obligated to withhold the identities of military casualties until 24 hours after the next of kin have been notified.

Until then, here are some of the official DoD comments regarding Thursday’s shooting:

Obama Proclamation Honors Fort Hood Victims
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2009 – President Barack Obama issued a formal proclamation today honoring the victims of yesterday’s shootings at Fort Hood, Texas.

Here is the complete text:

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Our Nation’s thoughts and prayers are with the service members, civilians, and families affected by the tragic events at Fort Hood, Texas. The brave victims, who risked their lives to protect their fellow countrymen, serve as a constant source of strength and inspiration to all Americans. We ask God to watch over the fallen, the wounded, and all those who are suffering at this difficult hour.

As a mark of respect honoring the victims of the tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, Tuesday, November 10, 2009.

I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

Barack Obama

Army Secretary Expresses Ft. Hood Shooting Condolence

“This is a terrible tragedy that we will know more about in the coming days. For now our focus is squarely on taking care of our soldiers and their families,” said Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who have been killed and wounded. The leadership at Fort Hood is marshalling the medical support and counselors necessary to take care of our soldiers and their families and to notify the next of kin.”

Secretary Gates on Ft. Hood Shooting

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic events today at Fort Hood. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen, the wounded, and all those touched by this incident. There is little we can say at this point to alleviate the pain or answer the many questions this event raises, but I can pledge that the Department of Defense will do everything in its power to help the Fort Hood community get through these difficult times.”