Andrews, Texas, residents, Patriot Guards welcome home fallen soldier

Midland Reporter-Telegram ^ | Thu April 28, 2011 | Audrie Palmer

[luvie]

ANDREWS -- Grateful and honored, they lined the streets for the second time and watched again as one of their own returned home after dying overseas in the line of duty.

Thousands came out Thursday in Andrews as a procession led by more than 50 Patriot Guard Riders on motorcycles and area law enforcement escorted the body of fallen soldier Sgt. John Paul Castro to McNett Funeral Home on Main Street.

[luvie]

A final welcome home to an area fallen hero.... God Rest his soul!

[luvie]

*ping*

[smokingfrog]

Sgt. John Paul Castro, 25, of Andrews, Texas, was fatally wounded, Friday, April 22, 2011, after being struck by small arms fire in Paktika Province, Afghanistan.

Sgt. Castro was an Infantryman assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He joined the military in October 2004, after graduating high school. Sgt. Castro was on his third tour overseas. He was previously given two purple hearts after being severely injured in Iraq. His family says Sgt. Castro was on a special mission in Afghanistan when his group came under attack, and a bullet hit a major artery in his left arm instantly killing him. His awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart Medal; Army Commendation Medal with Valor device; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; North Atlantic Treaty Organization medal and Combat Infantryman Badge. He is survived by, wife, Delia Castro of Clarksville, TN; daughter, Natalia Castro of Fort Benning, GA; stepson, Kamren Buchholz of Clarksville, TN; mother, Carmen Castro of Andrews, TX; father, David Castro of Odessa, TX; sister, Blanca Castro of Dallas, TX; and brother, David Castro of Andrews, Texas; and his grandmother, Teresa Armendariz of Andrews, Texas.

[RWGinger]

What a neat town
and notice the enthicities of the people interviewed. No matter their last name they honored a fallen hero
They are Americans.

[luvie]

Exactly. REAL Americans don’t look at the outward person, but they look in his/her heart.

[SuzyQue]

This is Texas. Hispanic last names are a part of our bigger fabric.

[luvie]

Thank you for this addition!

[SouthTexas]

Thank you Sgt for your service and sacrifice.

May the Lord Bless and Comfort the family.

[majormaturity]

Thank you. A fallen fellow is a fallen one of us.

[ConorMacNessa]

Bravo Andrews, Texas and PGR for honoring thi Fallen Hero! Rest in peace, Sgt. Castro - prayers of condolence outward bound to your family.  
 
Lamh Foistenach Abu!

Posting from my BlackBerry mobile HQ.

[COBOL2Java]

An oldie but a goodie: Only Marines Touched That Casket

[luvie]

Beautiful story...thanks for reposting it. Semper Fi!

[YellowRoseofTx]

My husband’s office is out by the airport in Midland. He came home telling me they passed by on their way to Andrews yesterday with the Patriot Guard escort. There were people who lined the highway as they went by.

[kevslisababy]

My son is a Marine who was seriously injured in Afghanistan last Saturday. Some of his buddies didn't make it. The funeral for one of them is tomorrow on the east side of Michigan, and word has it that the westboro baptist church is coming.

I think/hope the counter protesters are assembling, but I'm not sure.

We are leaving early tomorrow to meet my son, so I won't be able to go to the funeral and protect that poor family.

Those people are beyond despicable.

[luvie]

It must have been a magnificent sight. I wish I hadn’t been at work....

[davetex]

God Bless Sgt. John Paul Castro. A true Patriot.

[kevslisababy]

I just heard that the Patriot Riders will have people at the funeral for the Fallen Marine from the east side of Michigan tomorrow morning.

God Bless them!

[YellowRoseofTx]

I’m always touched by this, whether I see it in person or not. My heart breaks for the young lives we’ve lost, and for their families.

[YellowRoseofTx]

And I meant to add, Thank God for them, where would this country be without those who are willing to serve knowing the risk.

[YellowRoseofTx]

I am so sorry to hear your son was injured. He and you will be in my prayers for his full recovery. Please than him for his service on behalf of myself and my family.