The Rev. Colonel Richard Brunk was deployed twice in Iraq and served as a chaplain at Ft. Hood. Today he is serving in the Gulf Coast Synod as interim pastor at Elizabeth Lutheran Church in Caldwell, Texas.

For his extended story, click here: http://mobile.nytimes.com/2012/12/16/us/chaplain-with-traumatic-brain-injuries-finds-tables-turned.html

Here are his words in the wake of the recent Fort Hood shooting:

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

It does stir up memories. I was interviewed by NBC Radio several times this week and noted that people with PTSD have daily triggers they deal with (slamming doors, truck noise, blips on TV, etc.) which bring back memories for a few moments or minutes. Something like this, however, puts you right back in the event with all the sights, sounds, smells, etc. I have received many texts, calls and emails, a lot from Army contacts. We are all pretty stirred up emotionally.

For the families of the victims, this is a life changing event which puts so much doubt, anger, fear, pain and anxiety into their lives suddenly. For the wounded and their families, recovery takes months and years.

I would solicit prayers that people involved will find comfort over the long haul and have people willing to reach out now and in the days and months to come.

Trust in your fellow Soldier is key to military life, and when broken it is devastating.

Thanks,

Richard