November 6, 2009 Fort Hood base commander has NH ties Play video

(NECN: Lauren Collins, Manchester, NH) - The base commander at Fort Hood has ties to New Hampshire. Lt. Gen. Robert Cone was forced into the national spotlight yesterday to address a shooting rampage that left 13 people dead and 30 wounded.

Before he set out on a distinguished military career, Lt. Gen. Robert Cone played football at Memorial High School in Manchester, New Hampshire.

"He was a natural leader."

He is also Brad Cone's much-admired older brother.

"I wanted to be a pro basketball player, some of my friends wanted to be firefighters and doctors. My brother wanted to be a soldier."

As a West Point grad, coach Bob Chabot immediately recognized leadership in the clean cut teenager.

Cone graduated from Memorial in 1975, and West Point four years later. He returned to Manchester in the late 1980s, when he was promoted to brigadier general.

In 2006, Memorial inducted Cone into its Alumnae Hall of Fame. Principal Arthur Adamakos says the soldier was humble, professional and gracious. Those who know him say there is no better man to lead in a time of crisis.

Brad managed to reach his brother Thursday night by e-mail. He says the horrific tragedy at Fort Hood is surreal for the whole family.