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Posted on 07/26/2006 9:36:57 AM PDT by 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.
Words fail. God Bless Roy Velez for raising two such wonderful sons. What a loss to him, to their family, and to our nation. RIP
I sent them a card. It is heart breaking. Those boys both were so proud of what they were doing.
My heart goes out to this family who lost two beloved sons. The father's attitude towards his sons' commitment, attitude, and sacrifice are a breath of fresh air after the increased publicity of those who lash out in anger and threaten to sue the governments of their soldier sons.
To the Velez family, a grateful nation honors your sons.
Amen.
Yes, I agree. And .. their mom (who was a widow) was very proud of her sons and their support of America.
It was this tragedy that caused the military to begin a program to offer an opt out for the last surviving male of the family. I also remember MASH doing a segment on that - and Radar was sent home (as the last surviving male of his family).
At least this family has 2 more sons.
I heard this last night and it just broke my heart.
I don't know the family, but I might just go to that funeral.
Carry our prayers and respect with you if you can.
Prayers and tears for this family. Heartbreaking, just heartbreaking.
Prayers for this family.
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I didn't realize until just now that there is a THIRD brother serving, or am I reading this wrong?
Thank you, WestTexasWend, for posting this heart-breaking story of sacrifice of one family. If a Lubbock bank is setting up a fund for this soldiers family, I'd like to contribute, so please forward any info anyone might have. Usually the people of the Plains are very good at taking care of each other.
God bless your sons, Mr. and Mrs. Velez, and God bless y'all. Thank you for your sacrifices. You raised 2 fine men, patriots, warriors.
Estacado High School in Lubbock has established a scholarship fund in Freddy's (the first brother to die) honor. That is all I've heard of so far. I would expect it will grow to become in memory of both brothers. (806)766-1000 is the ISD's main phone number at their central office.
Amen.
Didn't General MacArthur say of his troops:"Where do we get such men."This family has given more for the country than all the Kerrys,Clintons, and Murthas combined.
I'm so sorry for your loss. You have obviously done a fine job raising true men of valor. God bless you.
...Hopefully representing as many of these United States as possible...
...To honor this brave hero, to honor again the memory of his fallen brother... and comfort his patriotic bereaved family...
It's wishful thinking -- but literally hundreds of PGR bikes and flags would make a powerful visual statement.
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