Lubbock family mourns the loss of a second son

Associated Press ^ | Wednesday, July 26, 2006 | Betsy Blaney

[WestTexasWend]

LUBBOCK -- Less than two years ago, Roy Velez got the worst news a father could get: His oldest son was dead, killed during combat in Iraq.

This week, his pain only deepened with news that his youngest son had died in Afghanistan.

Military officials notified the Velez family Tuesday of the death of Army Pfc. Andrew Velez, 22. His brother, Army Spc. Jose A. Velez, 23, died in November 2004 in Fallujah when his unit came under fire while clearing an enemy stronghold.

"I can't be angry. I feel like my heart's been pulled out," Roy Velez said Tuesday. "We've done what the Lord allowed us to do for our country."

The military does not have a regulation prohibiting the deployment of family members at the same time. But families can request that relatives return home if one is killed or disabled.

After his brother's death, the military gave Andrew Velez the option of not returning to combat, Roy Velez said. But Andrew Velez told his father he wanted to return to fight, his father said.

"You always do it for your buddy next to you," Roy Velez recalled his younger son saying.

Roy Velez last talked to Andrew Velez on the phone Saturday. His son told him he'd had "six close calls" as they tracked Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan, and that he was tired.

He was scheduled to return for 10 days of leave during the last week of August. "He said, 'Daddy, I'll see you in August,'" Roy Velez said.

Andrew Velez joined the Army about five years ago. He graduated in 2002 from Estacado High School in Lubbock. During his school years, he wrestled, played football and basketball and ran track. He also loved playing golf.

His older brother, Jose, joined the Army after graduating from the same high school in 2000 and hoped to attend medical school one day. He played football and was an honor student.

After his death, Jose Velez was awarded two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star and a Silver Star. But burglars stole them all from his parents' home in June.

On Monday, the medals were replaced, thanks to the assistance of U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer, Roy Velez said. "And today at 12:30 I learned my other son was killed in action," he said.

Andrew Velez's survivors include his wife, Veronica Velez; a daughter, Jasmine Jade, 5; and two sons, Jordan Davis, 3, and Jacob Andrew, 2.

[Rte66]

Apologies for not posting this sooner. There have been several memorial services, but so far, no funeral. There is something Thursday - see below. I'll keep watching.

http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=5222068&nav=3w6y

7/31/06
Family Remembers Fallen Soldier
Family & Friends Remember Fallen Lubbock Soldier

Friends and family of fallen soldier Andrew Velez gathered Monday night to celebrate his life. Andrew was killed in Afghanistan last week.

Andrew is survived by his wife Veronica, and his three children, Jacob, Jordan, and Jasmine. The family tells us the community's support is a real comfort. They've received hundreds of calls, letters, e-mails, and other well-wishes.

Andrew's father, Roy Velez, tells us the response has been worldwide. "We got a bundle of mail, just today. It wouldn't fit in the mailbox. Honolulu, Hawaii, people from Washington, Seattle, Washington, people from Connecticut, people from Idaho, I got so excited to read that kind of mail and to say, wow, this is a world wide thing," said Roy.

Monday family and friends met for scripture and song, prayer and peace. Family members say it's your support that keeps their spirit strong. "Don't get me wrong, I hurt. I'm beat up on the inside, but I'm so glad because I'm beat up on the inside, but on the outside, sir, it's the joy of the Lord. The celebration of life centered around a message Andrew delivered to a congregation when he was only 12 years old. There are many plans in man's heart. My heart was filled with plans for my sons, but Gods' purpose, that purpose shall prevail, or God's purpose, that will stands," said Roy.

Another message from Andrew came in an e-mail to his sister, Monica. He sent it just after his brother Freddy was killed in Iraq. It ends with this: "Keep your head up and keep fighting just like Freddy, because that is what I am going to do until I die. Just like him, because I want to be, one day, as strong as him, just like he wanted to be strong, like daddy," wrote Andrew. "This was a young man that wouldn't go astray. This is a young man that had the heart of a tiger," said Roy.

Roy tells us he does not know, as of yet, when they will be able to lay Andrew to rest. He hopes to receives word on that on Tuesday. In the mean time, two more services are scheduled for Tuesday.

The first is at San Ramon Catholic Church, 15706 Loop 493, near Woodrow, where a rosary prayer service is set to begin at 7:00 p.m. Then, at 7:30 p.m., another prayer celebration is scheduled at the Emmanuel Worship Center, at 1102 70th St.

On Thursday, the family will hold a memorial service at the First Church of the Nazarene, at 6110 Chicago Ave.

If you would like to send a message to the Velez family via email, mailto:royvelez@sbcglobal.net .