Posted at: 11/06/2009 12:57 PM
Updated at: 11/06/2009 1:03 PM
By: Jessica Layton

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Local soldiers eager to learn more of shooting

LATHAM -- "Soldiers are a tight-knit family, you feel for the soldiers and families," said Eric Durr, a spokesman for the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs.

"Soldiers go to risky places in Iraq and Afghanistan all the time," he added. "When you're back at your home port, post, you'd like to think you're safe."

Durr says of all places a soldier is sent, home is a place where you'd like to think he or she can let their guard down a bit. President Barack Obama echoed the sentiment.

"It's difficult enough when we lose these brave Americans in battles overseas," President Obama said. "It is horrifying that they should come under fire at an Army base on American soil."

On the heels of this tragedy, the guard is up here and at National Guard facilities across the state.

"Urging our Armory Superintendents and security folks at our larger facilities, heightened security level. Pay more attention to what's going on," Durr said.