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Title: Texas family loses both sons to war
Source:
AP
URL Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060726/ap_on_re_us/second_son_killed
Published: Jul 26, 2006
Author: BETSY BLANEY
Post Date: 2006-07-26 22:08:57 by TLBSHOW
Keywords: None
Views: 4676
Comments: 4
LUBBOCK, Texas - 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. A 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 Spc. Andrew Velez, 22. His brother, Army Cpl. 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 family lost its only sons; there is one daughter. 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 (news, bio, voting record), 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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#1. To: TLBSHOW (#0)
Because they were both stupid.
I wouldn't say that. Having something you believe in enough to risk your life gives you a reason to carry on. Lots of people have that. Some things are worth that. What's regretable is that they were committed to a failed cause.
No, it's clearly stupidity from where I sit. We're not figiting this war for "The Lord" We're fighting it for reasons completely divorced from anything God like. It's based on a heap of lies and is being led by a draft dodging coward and his chicken hawk pals. Allowing them to send you into battle, when they rightfully still owe time themselves, to serve their own interests, no less.. is stupid.
Any idea when JT's site will be open to the public?
"Be a patriot and a hero. Torture and kill a cop, before they do it to you---because they will." Michael E. Kreca The family lost its only sons...
#2. To: Jhoffa_ (#1)
#3. To: Neil McIver (#2)
Roy Velez said Tuesday. "We've done what the Lord allowed us to do for our country."
#4. To: Neil McIver (#2)
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