Central and Eastern Kentucky
(2009-11-06)
BOWLING GREEN
(Kentucky Public Radio) -
No clear motive has been established in yesterday's mass shooting at the fort hood army post in Texas. But as new information emerges about the gunman, a sociologist in Kentucky says the case brings more attention to mental illness in the military.
Major Nidal Hasan was an army psychiatrist. While it's not known if mental illness played a role in his rampage on fort hood soldiers, a Lindsey Wilson college professor says the case highlights the need for the military to be more aware of who is on and off of the battlefield. Dr. Dan Phillips is a professor of sociology and criminal justice at Lindsey Wilson.
Major Hasan is a Muslim and those who knew him say he was set to deploy soon and was upset about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also, sources say Hasan received a poor performance evaluation when he worked at Walter reed army medical center. A doctor there is quoted as saying Hasan had some difficulties that required counseling and extra supervision.
© Copyright 2009, Kentucky Public Radio
