Posted on 08/04/2006 7:06:48 AM PDT by CedarDave
Hundreds of people packed into a Lubbock church to remember the life of Andrew Velez, a 22-year-old Army specialist who died while serving in Afghanistan.
The family described Thursday's service as a "celebration," a celebration of Andrew and his service.
"I am glad you are here to celebrate the homecoming of this young man," Roy Velez said of his son.
He assured the crowd that filled the First Church of the Nazarene in Southwest Lubbock that he was not sad, that his son died while serving his country.
"This was not a direct blow to our country," he said. "Because our country still stands."
Federal and local officials joined the Velez family in prayer. Mayor David Miller offered words of encouragement and U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Lubbock, thanked the family for their sacrifice.
"He was one of those young men that when called, said, 'I will serve,' " Neugebauer said. "Andrew made that call, not once but twice."
Andrew returned to Afghanistan to fight after he lost his brother, Cpl. Jose "Freddy" Velez, 23, of Lubbock. Freddy Velez was killed by enemy fire two years ago in Iraq.
"Not many families have lost two to the same conflict," Neugebauer said.
According to the Army, the pair are the only brothers to die in the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Robert Cortez, the family's pastor at Grace Beyond Walls Fellowship, said that Andrew was compelled to complete a mission so he returned to Afghanistan, even when he didn't have to, even after he had lost his brother.
He challenged the crowd.
"The next time you go to worship God," Cortez said. "Remember the people who gave their lives freely so you could worship God in this country."
To comment on this story:
jason.womack@lubbockonline.com 766-8707
brian.williams@lubbockonline.com 766-8717
Ny screen is blurry..Thank you for the beautiful quote.
Thank you for making all of us feel as tho we were present for the celebration of life for Andrew Velez--the emotion was overwhelming. God's blessing on the Velez family.
The scum who picket the funerals of our fallen heroes defy description. I'm wondering where the extremely powerful gay/lesbian lobby is when Phelps and his motley crew are holding their signs trashing them? Why aren't these signs being shown on the MSM as hate crimes? HMMMMMMMM?
I know there is an answer out there.
That video is very telling, when Roy Velez says that Andrew kept telling him, "If I'd only been there, this wouldn't have happened," (talking about his brother Freddy's death in Iraq 2 years ago).
Survivor guilt?
Just tragic.
Is it true there is yet a 3rd son (or stepson) who also is in the military? I can't get confirmation either way.
Yes, the family member I sat beside said there is a stepson, Sergeant Jose Ancira but she didn't immediately see him at the service.
Interesting....
"Ancira" is one of those "Old Texas Family" Spanish surnames.
"There is yet a third military son, a stepson, who is a drill instructor but I don't know where"
Amazing. I can't even imagine the pride AND the heartache these parents are feeling. I wish they knew how much so many of us appreciate their boys, and all like them, that are serving in our Nation's military services.
If I am correct, one of the boys had 3 little ones. Their daddy will forever be a hero..... to them and to us.
"TT", Beth & Nana
He was only 22 and had three children: a daughter Jasmine Jade, and two sons, Jordan Davis and Jacob Andrew.
Thank you for the ping, Fawnn.
May God bless the Velez family in their grief.
Fred Phelps is the patriarch and 'pastor' of that 'church'. He has a number of children that that frequent the funerals. It was likely Margie or Shirley Phelps that was there. Fred Phelps is getting up there in age - he might be a little too frail to be making long trips.
In any case, they're idiots and their days are numbered. One or more of them is going to get seriously hurt (or worse) sooner or later. They recently had to be evacuated from a protest after a mob tried to put them out of their misery. The mob broke out the window of the van they escaped in. Sooner or later there won't be enough police to protect them, and then...
Fallen Soldier RememberedFamily, friends, strangers gather to remember Lubbock soldier who will be laid to rest Friday next to his soldier brother.
Friday, August 4, 2006
The Velez family continues to cope with the loss of both of their sons to the War on Terror. Family, friends and complete strangers from the South Plains and across the United States attended a memorial service Thursday evening honoring and remembering the life of Andrew Velez of Lubbock. Funeral services are scheduled Friday morning.
Andrew died Tuesday while serving in the Army in Afghanistan. His brother, Freddy, died in 2004 in Falujah, Iraq.
The brothers’ father, Roy Valez, was in good spirits Thursday evening while speaking before a nearly-packed sanctuary at First Church of the Nazarene.
Following the service, he said he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. He said he expected maybe 20 people when he looked outside. Instead, the entrance to the church was lined by men, women and children holding American Flags.
The controversial protest group from Topeka, Kansas, the Westboro Baptist Church did hold signs at the corner of Chicago Ave. and the South Loop 289 access road. However, their message was blocked by citizens and members of a patriotic motorcycle group.
The Patriot Guard Riders brought more than 100 motorcycles to the memorial service. The group protects and honors the family of fallen soldiers by eliminating outside distractions created by protesters.
Seven protesters stood on the southwest Lubbock street corner for about an hour. Five of the protesters were children, all of Shirley Phelps-Roper.
The small group was confined to an area marked off by Lubbock Police with orange cones. A minivan with Kansas license plates parked in front of this area hinted at the long distance traveled to speak words few heard. The numbers were much more impressive for the PGR and citizens who stood across the street, creating a barrier so attendees to the memorial would not be disturbed. Local leader of the PGR J.D. McNamara says his group is ecstatic after seeing the turnout. ...
During the Thursday memorial, Lubbock Mayor David Miller and U.S. Congressman Randy Neugebauer both spoke. Neugebauer said “freedom is not cheap. It costs a price.”
A moving moment came late in the service when Roy Valez asked all active-duty and retired military to stand. He then invited the about 50 people to the front of the church. They stood at attention and saluted while Taps was played.
Mr. Valez tells KFYO News there is more to this story, which will be reported at a later, more appropriate time.
Thanks for your reporting and link stewardship on these threads.
There's so much West Texas dirt in me my tears are muddy.
Thank you so much for telling us about that. And thank you for your service.
Lump in the throat bump!
Funny how these stories never make the MSNBC front page. Or the nightly news.
Prayers for this courageous family of AMERICANS.
Thank you for going to the service and for your post.
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