Posted on 02/20/2006 4:38:26 PM PST by Army Air Corps
Brother of Fallen Soldier Called To Iraq
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"Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.," says Roy Velez. More than a year after burying his oldest son, Roy is dealing with a new heartache. He says, "Andrew called and said 'Dad, I've got some news you're not gonna like.' He said 'I'm going back Daddy.'"
The U.S. Military once again called on the service of his son army specialist Andrew Velez. Roy says, "My reaction was, it sucks during his first tour of duty in Iraq Andrew had to bring home a casket."
Insurgents in Fallujah killed his 23-year-old brother, Freddy Velez, in November of 2004 Roy says, "Our life, ever since then, has drastically changed. We miss Fred. We need Fred. He was part of our family function. But, the military is also part of the family's function. And even after seeing, first hand, the casualties of war, the desire to serve our country still lives on inside Andrew. He says that's a war-torn country. We'd rather fight there then bring the war back to us. He says because our families live here."
Because of that Roy says he'll support his son's decision to return to Iraq even if it means he might not come back. Roy says, "I said I don't like your decision son. I said, but if that's what you want and that's what you have in your heart, then I'm behind you 100%."
Andrew Velez is training in California. He leaves for Iraq at the end of this month.
Lubbock Ping.
HR, you may wish to ping the usual folks.
Ping to a story from my neck of the woods.
I was going to ask you if that family was from Lubbock. Prayers that this brother stays safe. That family doesn't need any more heartbreak! Thanks for the ping!
Llano Estacado Ping
May God bless Andrew Velez and keep him safe.
Ah, now that's courage.
Murtha, stand down. This man will let you know when the job is done.
Keep us informed, AAC.
What a courageous man. No wonder his sons are as brave and courageous as him.
May his son Freddy rest in perpetual peace, and may God guide and protect his son Andrew and keep him safe.
Also, this provides some insight into the area in which I live. These folks are pretty typical for Lubbock, West Texas, and the state. Too bad our AFB was closed in 1996.
God bless Lubbock, West Texas, and the state.
Hispanarepublicana can tell some great stories about politics here. She has some nifty stories about some bumper stickers from the 2004 election.
I imagine so, LOL.
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