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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.
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I'm at a loss for words, hispanarepublicana. I can only imagine their pain, and just the imagining alone has brought me to my knees in prayer for the Velez family. I hope that Roy Valez will witness those of us who are praying for him and his family, and mourning the loss of their sons with them. God bless these fine young men who were called to serve and gave all.
If you do attend, do you think it would be improper to print this thread and put a copy in the guestbook for the parents?
My family's thoughts and prayers go out to the Velez family.
Thanks, HR. Found these archived from November '04:
http://lubbockonline.com/stories/112304/loc_112304027.shtml
http://lubbockonline.com/stories/111604/loc_111604029.shtml
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family, and all of those who knew and loved your son, billintexas. Angels paid you a visit in the form of your son's platoon members. I pray you find comfort in that, and comfort in knowing how many of us share in your loss.
A "retired" military mom, chena
Thank you, hispanarepublicana. What a beautiful idea.
I actually thought about it....
Oh, man....tonight's the first time I've seen Mr. Velez speak of this on TV. I lost it when he looked at the reporter and said, "My baby boy...." tearfully.
He said the brother who just died felt he had to return to war even moreso because of his brother's death in war 2 years ago.
Resthaven handled the first Velez son's services, so they may do this son's as well.
I know you mentioned a scholarship fund in his memory, which is great, but maybe now LISD should be encouraged to name a school in honor of both brothers.
Dear Mr. Velez,
I am praying that your heart be lifted up and your spirit be filled with peace. Amen.
That's a great idea.
This family is suffering just what all of us who have several family members fear the most.
It is kind of confusing. The first article identified the older brother, who was killed in Iraq, as Jose "Freddy" Velez, but the article you just posted stated that their brother, Jose, is still serving in the Army.
Unthinkable and incomprehensible that this could happen to one family. My heart goes out to Andrew's parents, his wife and his chidren; I cannot imagine what they must now bear.
Heavenly Father, be gracious unto the Velez family in their time of pain and sorrow.
Made me cry too. Such good people...
And to think Natalie Maines (from the same town) wonders what patriotism is all about......
Maybe an anonymous vist to her hometown with her mouth shut and her ears & eyes open would do her some good.
May God bless you and your family for your sacrifice for this country.
Maybe it would ... If this doesn't wake someone, anyone, up to the need for unity in fighting a deadly and dangerous foe, then God help them. Because I can't.
I was choked up reading this post and then absolutely lost it after I read your post. The tears are falling as I type this and look over at my 2 year old son fast asleep while waiting for mommy to finish surfing FR on the computer. I suddenly felt so selfish. My prayers to you and your family for the loss of your Marine son. God bless you. I will pray for you.
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