POST FALLS, Id. -- The attack at Ft. Hood left 13 people dead and at least 30 wounded. Among them was 18-year-old George Stratton III from Post Falls.
Stratton made it back home Sunday after recovering in a Texas hospital. He says his heart goes out to the families of those who lost a loved one. but at the same time, he himself realizes how close he stared death in the face.
"I get some dreams and nightmare here and there, ever since then, which is natural. But I just thank God, I'm glad that all the people are safe now," said Stratton.
George Stratton III arrived at Spokane International Airport Sunday with his parents who accompanied him back from Ft. Hood. His step-brother says he is relieved to see him after hearing about the base attack.
Stratton says he was finishing his medical processing in preparation of deploying to Afghanistan in January. Just six feet behind him, the gunman opened fire. Stratton jumped to the floor. He spotted his officer laying on the ground.
"He was already shot in the stomach and I jumped down to help him, drag him to the door," said Stratton.
Stratton says the gunman started to reload.
"He finished loading it, and as he looked at me, he aimed his weapon down at me, and I turned on him as fast as I could and tried to go low and get to the door. But he squeezed off one round and it came through my shoulder and it hit the bone," said Stratton.
He started to bleed profusely, but hurried to get outside and out of harms way. Several people came to his aid, trying to keep him conscious. Moments later, more gunshots.
"Somebody shouted that the man was coming right back around the building, and he was going to start firing at more people, and I just got up and I ran right back inside the building and they found some room in the building and they kept me safe there."
Soon after, Stratton found himself in an ambulance. Stratton spent several days in the hospital. His parents flew to be with him. President Barack Obama signed his brigade coin given to him before he left for home. Stratton says he's glad to be back. Now he wants justice served for the shooter.
"Personally, I hope he gets the death penalty. My personal opinion because I see him shooting people on the ground and he did not care at all."
Stratton will be home for one month as his shoulder heals. He says the first thing he wanted to do was see his dogs.
