" Like to speak with you for a few minutes today about the tragedy that took place Portland. This past Thursday are clear Texas afternoon. An army psychiatrist walked into the soldier readiness processors. And began shooting his fellow soldiers. It's an act of violence that would have been heartbreaking headed to court any place in America. Are crime that would pour five -- and its victims been Americans of any background. It's all the more heartbreaking. And all the more despicable because the place where -- and the patriots who works victims. The SRP is where are men and women in uniform go before getting deport. It's where they get their teeth checked in their medical records updated to make sure everything is in order before getting shipped out. It was in this place. On base were soldiers ought to feel more safe. Where those brave Americans were preparing to risk their lives in defense of our nation. Lost their lives crime against our nation. Soldiers stationed in Iraq Afghanistan and around the world called an email what -- that Portland. All expressing the same stunned reaction. I'm supposed to be the one in harm's way. You. Thursday's shooting was one of the most devastating ever committed on American military base. And it even as we saw the worst of human nature on full display. We also saw the best of America. We saw soldiers and civilians alike -- rushing to the -- of fallen comrades turn off bullet riddled close to treat the injured. Using blouses tourniquet it's taking down the shooter even as -- war wounds themselves. We saw soldiers bringing to bear on our own sort the skills they've been trained to use broad. Skills that have been honed through years of determined effort for one purpose and one purpose only. To protect and defend the United States of America. We saw the valor selflessness. And unity of purpose that makes our servicemen and women the finest fighting force on earth. The mate the united states military the best the world has ever known. That make all of us proud to be Americans. On Friday. I'm it would FBI director Mueller Defense Secretary gates and representatives of the relevant agencies to discuss their ongoing investigation into what led to this terrible price. And I'll continue to be in close contact with them as new information comes. We can't fully know what leads a man to do such a thing. What we do know is that our thoughts are with every single one of the men and women who were injured Portland. Our thoughts are with -- all families who lost a lot in this national tragedy. Our thoughts are with all the American swear or have worn. The proud uniform of the United States of America. -- soldiers sailors airmen Marines and coast Guardsmen. And the military families who love and support the in tribute to those of fellow at fort quote -- ordered flags flying over the White House and other federal buildings to be lowered to half staff. From now until veterans day next Wednesday. Veterans day is our chance to honor those Americans who served on the battlefields from Lexington to -- Normandy to Manila and shot to case. Ramadi to -- There Americans of every race faith and station. -- Christians and Muslims Jews and Hindus and nonbelievers. They are descendants of immigrants and immigrants themselves. To reflect the diversity that makes this America. What they share -- it patriotism like Norton. When they shares our commitment to country that has been tested and proved -- But he assures the same unflinching courage unblinking compassion. And -- common camaraderie. Of soldiers and civilians Fort Hood showed American shall the world. These of the men and women we honor today. These men and women we honor on veterans day. And these are -- men and women we shall honor every day in times of war and times of peace so long as our nation and doors."