Posted on 08/03/2006 9:45:12 PM PDT by TomGuy
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) -- One of two brothers who died while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan committed suicide, family and military officials said Thursday.
Army Spc. Andrew Velez, 22, died last month in Afghanistan, a little more than a year after his older brother, Cpl. Jose "Freddy" Velez, 23, was killed in Iraq. They are the first brothers to die in the two conflicts, the military said.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
For so many young people suicide is a momentary mistake with permanent results, a terrible folly that would have been abandoned had the moment passed. The scars of the soldier are deep, and some give in to despair...
But this momentary mistake is only one moment out of this person's life. It is but a second - and a lifetime of love and devotion should not so easily be erased by one second's worth of sorrow.
Andrew Velez's life was far more than the last few second's worth. It was a life of selflessness and honor, and in the arms of God, all sin is forgotten and the soldier is welcomed home -
For his family: do not judge him alone on this terrible tragedy. He has much to be proud of, and much to be forgiven. Shall we instead, speak of the day he was born? Of the joy of two brothers? Of the love that propelled them on to greater love, and in the end, into the hands of God?
Snatch this final victory from death - remember Andrew's life, and thank God that he walked among you...
Nothing can ever change that.
Oh, God. That's what I was so, so afraid of after the last report and no more news. I had *hoped* for friendly fire as a better scenario.
*crying*
Did you know when you were there?
*still crying*
I wonder if there was a family history of suicide. I have no right to know, and wouldn't ask the family if I could, but I wonder. Once someone you love kills himself, it's no longer so far beyond the pale. Suicide "runs in families" not so much because of any genetic predisposition, but because the precedent is set. The Hemingway family is a notable example.
I'm a little curious why this information was released to the family or especially to the general public. Please note that I didn't read the article, by why on earth doesn't the military just say that PFC X was killed in the Iraqi operation on such-and-such date? How does it help the family to know gory details? Why twist the knife?
Condolences to Roy, Veronica and the rest of Andrew and Jose's families and friends.
"There is no chance of redemption when you take your own life"
This direct line you seem to have to the Almighty is amazing! When did He ezplain to you that he overlooks extenuating circumstances and judges only the act?
"ezplain" = explain
We could ask Pat Tillman's family whether a pleasant lie is preferable to the brutal truth.
That's for sure. Just yesterday I was talking with a client who had just joined the army. He was tired of worrying about finding and keeping a job and said he plans to retire in the military. He is also quite adamant that, not only will he not have to go to Iraq, but also, that they will allow him to stay right where he signs up until he does retire. He said he'd been to 6 different recruiters, even in different states, until he found one that would give him what HE wanted.
No we did not know. However, this morning's newspaper has a column from the newspaper editor. They knew about the circumstances of the death, were told by the father last weekend, and at the request of the family withheld the news until Thursday evening after the service. I will post all three stories -- the memorial service, the story of his death, and the editor's column as I can.
No offense to an recruiters here but he may be in for a surprise.
She would rather have her health than her husband's life....OK....what else can be said.
I never said that, nor did she. Your statement indicates HE would be the selfish one for taking HIS life.
I will not pass judgement on this individual if he committed suicide, that is reserved for a higher power.
What does anger me is the fact that the AP or CNN (both scum organizations, that hate the military) would release this story on the day of this young man's funeral! I believe it was on Thursday, someone can correct me if I am wrong!
Could not the media not have let his family lay him to rest in peace! Maybe the family already knew the death was from suicide, but to release that information when a person is being laid to rest (to me) is inexcuseable. This was not earth-shattering news that had to be published immediately!
Just another example of how much the national media hates the military and those who serve in it!
Someone who I CHERISH and ADORE tried, unsuccessfuly (Thank God) to kill himself 2 years ago. I was pissed, I can tell you...but on the long road to recovery and mental health I learned a great deal about the thought process that goes on inside the head of someone who finds suicide a viable option. The first thing that happens is that they are so devistated by pain and hopelessness and worthlessness that they truly believe that their lovedones would be sad in the short-term but so much better off without them in the long run. It's an illness, for sure, but it's real.
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