EL PASO, Texas -- It’s tough for some veterans to even think about.

"It’s just spine chilling," said John Selam, an Army veteran.

But Thursday, Selam and the rest of America had to bear the news that an Army psychiatrist at Fort Hood is accused of shooting and killing 12 people and wounding 31 others.

“I'm just surprised that this happened now,” said Selam. “We need to stand together, soldiers need to be with each other."

Selam said he spent time at Fort Hood while he was a medic in the Army.

"This doesn't create good morale for the soldiers," said Selam.

The news hit Texas hard. Texas Gov. Rick Perry offered his condolences.

" I think along with all Texans, Anita and I are keeping those affected today in our prayers," said Perry.

At Fort Bliss, leaders there are also on guard. The commanding general, Maj. General Howard Bromberg, said military police at Fort Bliss will patrol housing areas more and there will be more patrols at major events on post.

"We want to be prudent at what we do here,” said Bromberg. “We'll look at our internal procedure look at this, even how if were to happen here, which God forbid it would."

Fort Bliss has experienced a shooting of its own. In April, a Fort Bliss soldier was accused of shooting another soldier and killing a Chapin High School student on Fort Bliss property.