Topeka (WIBW) - The man who used to serve as the military's top ranking officer touched on issues of security and mental health in the wake of the Ft. Hood shootings.

Former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, retired Gen. Richard Myers, was the keynote speaker Thursday night at an event at the Topeka Public Library honoring veterans.

Gov. Mark Parkinson also attended. The pair were united in their view of the Fort Hood shootings.

"Abhorrent," Myers said. "I can't think of a greater tragedy right now."

Parkinson agree, calling it a "terrible tragedy." He said it demonstrates that our men and women in the military are in harm's way even when we don't think they are.

Myers says the Ft. Hood shooting shouldn't have people questioning the safety of our country's military installations. He says what happened was "a murderous act." He says since we enjoy a degree of freedom, there is no perfect guard against such actions.

Though Myers says the motive behind the shooting isn't clear, it may again put a spotlight on the issue of mental health among service people.

He says the military has made strides in removing the stigma of seeking treatment, with high-ranking officers speaking publicly about their struggles. However, he says more must be done, especially since it's a situation where people often need to stand up themselves and say they need help.