BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The memories of the Fort Hood, Texas, tragedy are still very fresh in the thoughts of American military personnel throughout the country and around the world.

Army Cpl. Wesley Leon Barrientos is a local veteran who, after the shooting, considers title of "veteran" an even greater honor.

"To me, it just means I gave to my country, and I'm not asking for anything back," he said. "I'm devoted a lot to my country."

Like many veterans, when Barrientos heard about the massacre at Fort Hood, he was shocked. But for him, the attack hit close to home.

"I felt heartbroken since I served in that base, from 2003 to 2005," he explained. "It hurt a lot, knowing exactly where it happened, on the top of that hill where it happened. Everything felt very real."

But what made the situation even more emotional for Barrientos is that one of his close friends is stationed at Fort Hood and came very close to being caught crossfire.

"He was walking in at that building where it happened and he heard the gunshots and came out," said Barrientos.

Fortunately, his friend wasn't hurt.

Even though Barrientos still can't believe an act like that would happen on American soil, he's sure there's no way it could have been prevented.

"It's a very difficult thing to see coming. Especially, from your own people for someone to betray you like that," he said.

Barrientos also said his thoughts are with the service men and women at Fort Hood.