Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"Andrew, you do not know me but I am blessed to know your sister, Monica. We met grieving loved ones lost to war. I thank you and your brother for your service and I'm proud of you for trying to make the world a better place. I am sorry that our nation lost two such fine young men but I know you are together in a better place. God Bless you.

Monica, you are an amazing, strong, caring, loving, kind and genuine person. Your heart is pure and I think the world of you. Your family has endured so much and yet you are resilient, hopeful, and determined. You know what your mission is now... I am so proud of you and Chris.

Mr. and Mrs. Velez, my heart goes out to you. I cannot fathom what you have been through but I know you are proud of your children, as you should be. Thank you for raising Heroes.

God Bless the Velez Family"
Ursula Pirtle of Harker Heights, TX

"You are not forgotten"

"heard about your story in NPR this morning. could hardly see, so many tears in my eyes. thank you for serving brothers. to you, dear sister, be strong and know that i will be praying for you."
Grace of el paso, tx

"Andrew, hey bro it's Buskey, You sure are missed alot.. I remember hanging out at Camp Sharanah playing dominio's, throwing the Baseball and just playing Halo lol. I hope that you are in Peace and my prayers go to your family.. till next time bro..."
Michael Buskey of Ft Irwin CA

"Hey Andrew, You are definately not forgotten, not ever. I remember all the good times when we hung out, playing Madden and Spades. Miss you always brother. God Bless your daughter, boys and your family."
Hugo Flores of Phoenix, AZ

"To the family of:Andrew Velez I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"yo yo yo drew whats up bro i just hit up fred on his i thought id drop you some lines to brother man.i miss you so much man wish you were here we were roll dawgs remember we never did anything with out eachother dude! well bro gtg till i see you agian love you and peace be with you..out."
Joshua Ancira of Lubbock,Tx

"September 11, 2007
To the family of Army Spc. Andrew Velez.
Andrew gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"You were always a stand up guy and you will be missed by all who knew you."
Spc. Brad Tanner of Maiden ,NC

"God Bless..."
Jill Desmond, widow Sgt. Dennis J Boles of Homosassa, FL USA

"Andrew,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just in OEF, but also for your service in Iraq as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. To lose one son in a war is heartbreaking enough, but I can't imagine losing two sons to war."
Mike C. of El Paso, Texas

"I had the honor of serving with SPC Andrew Velez in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from Feb. 2004- Feb. 2005. Im not sure what happen to my fellow soldier and friend, or why this had to happen to such an outstanding soldier, all I know is that the Lord has a purpose for all who serve him and I will see my brother again someday. May he rest in piece and continue to be close to the Lord. I will truely miss my friend."
Staff Sergeant Keith R. Wickham of Fort Carson, Colorado

"To the Family of SPC Andrew Velez, We had the honor of meeting Andrew on the day his older brother SGT Jose A. Velez was laid to rest. We lost our son SGT Daniel Lee Galvan in Salerno, Afghanistan on 12 Aug 2004 and when we heard that Jose who had fallen in Iraq was being laid to rest right across from our son at Resthaven Cemetery in Lubbock, TX, we felt compelled to attend and Honor this fallen Hero. When we met Andrew he showed himself to be a very compassionate, caring young man who did his best to console us even while he was trying to cope with his own loss and pain and for this SPC Velez you will forever be in our hearts. So when we heard that Andrew had fallen we knew we had to attend and honor him as he was laid to rest next to his older brother. We are proud of and we Honor these young men who so gallantly paid the ultimate price as did our Son SGT Daniel Lee Galvan.

"Father we entrust Our Sons,Husbands, Fathers, Brothers and Friends to Your mercy. You loved them greatly in this life: Now that they are freed from all its cares, give them happiness and peace forever. Welcome them now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus Your Son and the Holy spirit forever and ever, Amen"
Blas E. Galvan, MSG, USA Retired of Moore, OK

"Thank you Andrew Velez, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Spc. Andrew Velez:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Andrew for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Spc. Andrew Velez:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Andrew, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia