Lubbock family mourns the loss of a second son

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

[EDINVA]

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

[JFC]

I sent them a card. It is heart breaking. Those boys both were so proud of what they were doing.

[shezza]

May the Lord bless and keep those precious little children who lost their Daddy, and may they always know him as one of this country's great heroes.

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.

[TheDon]

Amen.

[CyberAnt]

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.

[hispanarepublicana]

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.

[KC Burke]

Carry our prayers and respect with you if you can.

[Chena]

Prayers and tears for this family. Heartbreaking, just heartbreaking.

[WV Mountain Mama]

Prayers for this family.

[hispanarepublicana]

You can get video by clicking here: http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=5196790

7/25/06
Second Velez Son Killed In Action

Velez family in Lubbock has now lost two sons fighting in the war in Iraq. You'll recall their son, Freddy Velez was killed in Fallujah in 2004.

At 12:30 Tuesday afternoon, the family learned their other son, Andrew Velez was killed while fighting in Afghanistan. NewsChannel 11 spoke to Andrew's father Roy Velez back in February when he learned Andrew wanted to continue his military duty.

Roy Velez said he told Andrew, "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 is the second Velez son to die in the war. Their other son, Jose is also serving in the military. We spoke with Congressman Randy Neugebauer who said a member of his staff is with the Velez family.

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[hispanarepublicana]

I didn't realize until just now that there is a THIRD brother serving, or am I reading this wrong?

[kittymyrib]

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.

[eyespysomething]

"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."

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.

[billintexas]

My prayers for their family. What a devastating loss, to lose two. I lost my Marine son a year ago last Friday in Iraq. I have another who was in the Army and is now out, and I cannot imagine losing both. Last Friday night some of my son's platoon members who were with him when he was killed, came by and we remembered and honored him. They gave me a DVD of their unit's adventures in Iraq, including video of my son and the memorial service they held for him in Iraq. It was very moving.

[hispanarepublicana]

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.

[ut1992]

Amen.

[4yearlurker]

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.

[shezza]

I'm so sorry for your loss. You have obviously done a fine job raising true men of valor. God bless you.

[Wings-n-Wind]

I would wish in an ideal world that we could turn out many many many of the available Patriot Guard Riders....

...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.