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.
Thanks for your reply. I knew something was wrong when the news of the "investigation" came out last week and then they were having a hard time pinning down a funeral date or time because of a hold-up.
It makes me so sad that Roy Velez can't say proudly "both sons lost in combat," without there being an (*) asterisk by Andrew's name. I know that wouldn't make up for losing both sons, but it would be a tiny smidgen of comfort.
OTOH, I'd bet that (*) asterisk is only in the public mind, not in his. It's terrible that a young man who was so courageous about going back for 6 years when he could've taken the easy way out, so valiant in the face of possible death when he told his dad he wasn't afraid, and so principled about defending his country, could be in so much pain and cut down by "marital conflicts."
That tells me he was a sensitive soul who took his family responsibilities seriously and saw no way out from whatever the conflict was between his circumstances and reality. I hope it wasn't the ubiquitous money problem that so many soldiers are having.
I'm sorry he gave up "5 minutes before the miracle" -- perhaps his mistake being publicized will save just one other soul from doing the same.
I look forward to seeing how the newspaper handles this, if you do get a chance to find the articles and post them. Thank you again for your own service, for honoring the Velez family and for sharing it all with us FReepers.