On Friday in Afghanistan, Darryn Andrews, a Soldier from Dallas, Was Killed

• Coach Andrews was an amazing man. He was my keyboarding teacher while he was also a football coach at Bedford Junior High back in 04. Me and him never saw eye to eye on much, as I was and am still opposed to this war. He prompted me to write a poem that was later published called "For a Silent Soldier" it can be found here: http://www.prose-n-poetry.com/display_work/13338 I saw him the last day when he left to go ba to the military. I told him he was stupid, he told me good luck. I wish I would've said something else, but at least he said he liked the poem. Myself and classmates knew it would take something more than a man to take him out. RIP Coach

• God Bless! I heard the news on facebook through my friend who is now a 2nd LT in the army. I am currently in school at the moment earning my Bachelor's. I am sorry to hear the loss of sucha great man but I am glad to know that his memories will last forever! Hooah, Sir! (salute goes out to you!)

• Who cares what his rank was. He is a man whom served our country bravely and he and his family knew the courage it takes to protect our freedom. I am PFC Matthew Martineks mom. Matthew was with him when he passed, I am truly and deeply sorry for thier familes loss. I know thier pain, for I lost matthew. They are true heros for defending our freedom. May he and my son rest in peace and many others and his family be comforted and find peace in thier heats. It is hard but we will smile again knowing the great people they are and will always remain in our hearts. God Bless, Cheryl

• To all of you: My name is Billy Crawford, and I am a member of the media. I have written feature articles about Darryn Andrews. I also have my own political ideologies on the war. With that being said, I see both sides of this argument as having merit. I have spent the past few weeks collecting information about Lt. Andrews, and can tell you that one of my greatest regrets is that our country does not have more people like him. He was a patriot in the highest extent of the word, a terrific person, a loving father, brother, and son. He served as a terrific student, as well as an admirable soldier. He died in combat while saving the lives of three other men in his unit. He sacrificed his life directly so that others might live. I don't mean that as an allusion the service he gave. The man literally absorbed the blast of a rocket propelled grenade while pushing three other men out of it's way. That is heroism. Also, I'll say that I do not support this war. I feel it is something where our troops should be brought home to safety. I fear for their lives, and hope that our political leaders will bring them home soon. However, to use THIS site as a platform to express that is disgusting. I work for the media, so I am VERY much in favor of the public's first amendment rights, but please take it elsewhere. The intention of this site is not to be a squawk box for ANYONE'S political agenda or beliefs, regardless of what they might be. It's not censorship, it's decency. There are more than enough places to voice your opinion of the war and the men who have made decisions to put our nation into it. Please, take your banter there. Out of respect for this soldier, this family, this community, I bet it of you. Let this page be about memorializing the memory of a lost American, not a forum for questioning whether the reasoning for his passing is warranted. Finally, I beg of you one more time, please keep this site for its intended purpose. Let's grieve and honor the passing of this man, not discuss our own philosophies. Thank you, and may God bless the family and friends of Lt. Andrews. If any of you have a problem with any of that, feel free to e-mail me, call me, visit me at my house. I will completely own up to my feelings and statements. I can be reached at billyc_71@yahoo.com.

• Scott: You get an award for being the most selfish, uncaring American ever born. How dare you use the tragic passing of another American HERO to address your political agenda. You should be ashamed of yourself.

• My heart goes out to the family. I was one of his students in junior high. He graduated with my brother as well. Im sure he was a kick ass soldier. The guy LOVED the military and was always keeping himself in top physical condition. I am very sad to hear of his death.

• My heart goes out to the family. I was one of his students in junior high. He graduated with my brother as well. Im sure he was a kick ass soldier. The guy LOVED the military and was always keeping himself in top physical condition. I am very sad to hear of his death.

• I went to college with Darryn. What a great guy. He will be missed. To his wife and family he was one of the best and will be truely missed.

• Scott � What was your age and rank in the Marines? I don�t know you or anything about you but from the things you have said I am just going to assume that you had a dishonorable discharge. The truth is I don�t care about what you have to say. When you don�t know the full story about something or someone you should not have an opinion and you should keep your comments to yourself. This page is not about you. I wish I was half the person that Darryn was. This world would be a much better place if there were more people like him in it. In the end, for everyone who did not have the privilege to know him, the only thing that you need to know is that 2nd Lt. Darryn Andrews died a real American HERO. I hope that Julie, Andy, Sondra or Jerrett do not read this ridiculous page because of you Scott. My thoughts and prayers go out to them and his children.

• I am deeply disturbed by the disrespect Scott has shown on this feed; however, I think I have figured it out. Scott just likes to hear himself talk. Folks, don't give him anymore fuel for his diluted fire, let it be extinguished... Rest in Peace Darryn Andrews--- Your work on earth is done.....Go to Heaven shouting love for the Father and the Son....

• I had the honor of being on Coach Andrews basketball team when I was in 7th grade. Although practice was somewhat like boot camp at times (i.e. bear crawls and air raids on a January morning on freezing cold and wet grass, because someone was cutting up in the weight room), it paid off when it came to game days. He never let any of us give less than 110%, or be less than a gentleman. I am forever grateful for the sacrifice he made so that I, and everyone else in this country can go on with our day to day. May God bless You and Your Family.

• Darryn, I was blessed to have know you throughout high school and enjoyed your company. You were a fantastic person in life and I know the Lord had his reasons for bringing you home. To know that you were saving the lives of three other soldiers when you were taken from us and reiterates what an awesome man you were. You fought for the rights for some of these people to talk crap and make this forum about their personal politics. Although I DO NOT AGREE WITH THEM nor THINK THIS IS THE FORUM FOR THEIR OPINIONS, I know that as you fought for freedom from tyrrany it included that here at home. When these people choice to join those in which they are so GREATLY DEFENDING, I hope they will remember how they CHOSE to show disdain for your death not know what a wonderful man you were before becoming a solider and before becoming a hero. They did not know you. They did not care. They only cared to further their opinions. They do not realize by posting on this forum of remembrance and love, they are only showing how little they actually care for the other AMERICANS who are not 'educated' enough to think for themselves. Sadly, they are the ones truly ignorant of what America stands for and why you fought for them (yes for them) as well as us who resect and love you. Julie, Sondra, Andy- My you be brought peace in this time of sorrow. To all of his family and ALL his other friends (there are many),we will see him again as we walk through heavens gates and will know only a world of peace. God bless each and everyone of you (including those who chose to disrespect) for my Father says love your friends and your enemies. As such I hope that you will see that, no this country is not perfect- nor is any other, if you don't like America and its politics- you are welcome to leave anytime. GOD BLESS AMERICA & ALL WHO SERVE.

• You will never be forgotten and will always be missed. You have touched so many hearts in this world and I am proud that I was one of them. We love you. Keep your eyes on your family and the rest of us until we all meet again in Heaven with our Lord and Savior.

• we are truly sorry for your loss my broter served with him over there and out of alaska. our prayers are with you and we love you.

• Scott you and anonymous are way out of line

• I know coach Andrews as a teacher/football coach from jr high. He was so proud to be in the Army, he had posters a over his cassroom and i would joke around with him about them and he woud get so worked up, and i had so much respect for him because he was so passionate about it. I am very sad to hear about his death! He was such a great person, and will be remembered as such. We will remember him for his sevices as an educator and as a soldier! News of his death has been posted on facebook by quite a few of his former students, and i think its safe to say he will be missed greatly. He made such a diifference in so many peoples lives. To his family and friends: im sorry for your loss.

• I had the fortunate opportunity to briefly get to know Darryn while attending graduate school at Texas State. I am terribly sorry to hear of his passing. My heart goes out to his wife, children, and family. In the brief time I shared classes with Darryn, his passion to serve his country was evident and the topic of numerous classroom conversations. May his family find comfort in the knowledge that their son, husband and father was a remarkable man and able to leave a lasting impression on those he came in contact with. My deepest sympathy goes out to everyone who knew Darryn .

• I had the honor to be 2LT Andrews, Drill Instructor during basic training. He was a brave and dedicated soldier that would never give up on any challenge that was given to him. I remember many talks with him during basic training and over the years on how he not only wanted to be a teacher/football coach, but desired to serve his country. I was called back into the military after the start of the Iraq War and served as his Infantry Drill Instructor. He knew my passion of becoming a history teacher and football coach. I remember his words of encouragement telling me to never give up. Darryn, I am proud to say that I am now a U.S. History teacher and football coach in the Cincinnati area and it was your kind words of encouragement that I always kept in mind. I hope I trained you well. My God always watch over your soul and keep you loved ones safe. Forever Indebted, Drill Instructor Fritz

• I've heard that the d-bags from the church that hates America is going to be there protesting Darryns funeral. I truely hope that is not correct and just a bad rumor. There is a motorcycle group called the freedom guard (or something like that) that tries to intercept them and keep them away. Darryn was a good friend from school. I heard on Tuesday about his passing and am trying to make arrangements to be at the viewing, as I cannot make it on Saturday. All gave some and some gave all. Darryn's with the man who created him....probably introducing him to Lone Star Beer and Pat Green. :)

• I was darryns first teacher in kindergarten and I am deeply saddened by his tragic death. I loved darryn and love him now. I am very sad. I love you darryn. ms. henderson

• Darryn was one of my best friends at Texas Tech. He had a HUGE smile, but even bigger heart. What I most admired about him was his passion. He was always giving 110% no matter the cause, if he was passionate about it. I tried so hard to get him to tell me insider info about his frat- he wouldn't since he took a pledge. He is the one that gave another young frat brother of his my phone number. That young man turned out to be my husband. My husband came home teary and shared the news with me and I knew that he was helping someone else when he died. That is the type of person, soldier, and friend he was. My heart is absolutely broken for Julie, his wife, Daylan, his son, his unborn daughter and the rest of the Andrews family that we are still close to. Scott- you must understand that this wound is still raw, very raw to us that had the honor to know Darryn. When you brought up the age/rank and political babble it was like rubbing salt in it. It's not what we want or need to hear at this point. Rest in peace, my friend. You are a true hero to all.

• I spoke quickly and out of anger without the professionalism of a soldier. For that I am sorry. Thank you Darryn for your service and for continuing to show the world why we are great. You have done your job here and we all thank you.

• rabble rabble rabble, killin' good 'less it's our boy dun' died, rabble rabble, ill knock yer teeth out you don't agree, rabble rabble.

• Mike, the funeral is at First Baptist Church of Cameron, on Saturday at 2pm. Visitation is Friday, 4-7 at Marek-Burns-Laywell Funeral Home in Cameron.

• My e-mail is pastorbill@sonterrafellowship.com

• My name is Pastor Bill, I will be speaking this Saturday at Darryn's funeral. If you served with Darryn or had the privilege of bring this fallen Son home. Would you please share with me short stories or even pictures if you have them that we could share at the service or with the family.

• This is for every one including Scott. John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Darryn, Thank you for your sacrifice for our freedom's and liberties for this Great Country. You are a True Hero and a Patriot. We are all indebted to you thank you for your legacy,friendship and service. Condolences to Julie and Andrews Family. Does anyone know where in Cameron the funeral will take place? Mike Clark

• Darryn I love you bro. It was a true honor to know you and to be your friend. Thank you for the memories and your sacrifice for our freedom. What a price! Sincerely, Mike Clark

• Scott, you're an ass for using this article as a political forum. I served in Afghanistan with Darryn in 2005 when he was enlisted. Take your uninformed opinions somewhere more appropriate.

• Scott, I just recently returned from Afghanistan. I had the Honor and Privilege to serve side by side Lt. Andrews. For almost two weeks we shared a vehicle running missions. He was a great man and I learned so much from him. If he were here today, he would not be able to believe the garbage and propaganda coming out of your mouth. You Scott are an embarrassment to the Marine Corps, the US Military and to our great country. You have proven that you have no tact or respect for the men and women who volunteer to serve in a time of war knowing full and well that they are going to be put in harms way. You disgust me. Have some common decency. Stop drinking the kool-aid and stop posting.

• You can be patriotic without supporting a war. And one should be able to speak their mind without threat of violence. Perhaps if violence wasn't your answer to every issue, you might contribute to a more peaceful society and less unnecessary pain and suffering. I wonder what this victim's family is saying. A FORMER US soldier will spend his life in prison for the gang rape and murder of an Iraqi girl and the slaughter of her family, a judge has ruled. Steven Dale Green was convicted in May of the rape and killing of Abeer al-Janabi, 14, and the murder of her mother, father and six-year-old sister in their home south of Baghdad in 2006. Can you tell me how one life is more important than the next? Can you tell me without the threat of bloodshed?

• Just remember this is a place to send heartfelt condolensces. Please, please leave it that way. People who read this know about or care about this man. To Julie and his family, I am so sorry that Darryn is not with us now. He has returned to the hands he had so much faith in. He was a man of conviction and dedication. He had a sense of duty to this country that is rare amongst our own citizens. Many people would do well to follow his example. Michelle and I are sincerely sorry.

• Scott, I was in Infantry school with Darryn. He was a unique person with a drive to always be his best. I met his mother and father, knew his wife and his child. He loved kids, believed in his country and his duty. He was injured the first time in Afghanistan and volunteered for the second. He wasn't supposed to go to the unit he did, but he wanted to. He wanted to serve, to live the values our American history is built on. Darryn and I were miles apart in the way we lived, but banded together in the defense of our nation. Had he read these things you write, demeaning a fellow soldier, he would take it personal and invite you to a meeting. Since, this man has paid the ultimate sacrifice, let me offer you this. I will return from Iraq in approx. eight months and I invite you to meet me so that I can set you straight. Remember, wear red, I don't want to stain your clothes.

• First of all, I did not have the obvious pleasure of knowing 2nd Lt. Darryn Andrews. I truly believe my life is lacking because of this. It seems to me that everyone who knew him adored him. He must have been one hell of man. I know he is one hell of a hero. Every soldier, and I don't mean someone who joins the military for any other reason than simple conviction for serving this country, knows the dangers of their chosen career. This hero knew this and still he chose to go. God bless the Andrews family and everyone who knew this hero. As for you Scott - Fuck you. I find it deplorable for you to throw your political bullshit around here when friends and family are attempting to pay respects to Darryn Andrews. The sad thing is, the fact that you have the right to get on here and preach from your pussy-ass cyber soapbox is what this hero died for. If he could, I'm sure he'd shrug his shoulders and smile, because he KNOWS he did his fucking job and he did it with pride, and conviction, and purpose, and he did it well. Because of soldiers like him, you are able to spit this politico bullshit whereever and whenever you choose, without worrying that you'll be killed. What you must understand here, is all of these friends and family of 2nd Lt. Andrews are hurting right now. And you want to come strolling by and tell them, "hey, sorry for your loss. But your son died for nothing because America deserves what she gets". Fuck you Scott. I don't blame them for wanting to beat your ass. I agree that you have the right to voice your opinion. Opinion noted. I'm asking you, stranger to stranger, PLEASE stop posting on this blog and let these people begin their healing. All you're doing is stirring up anger and feelings they don't need. And Scott, if you disagree with anything I've said, my name is Billy Kilburn and I live in Santa Fe, Texas. I would be glad to talk to you, and I promise I won't stomp you a new asshole. But if you wanna spread some bullshit, my life is full of it, so what's a little more? So how about it? You wanna discuss your political views? Email me and we'll talk about them. But for the love of God; get off this blog. Brooks, I'm praying for all of y'all buddy. Hang in there. God bless this man's family and be with them during this time.

• Scott \ The last time I checked, a blog is an open forum to varhying views. So please continue to speak out. It must be so frustrating for friends of this soilder to put his death in perspective. Scott had nothing to do with this death. His questions could prevent another one. He is simply asking you to open your mind.

• Scott, Please respect all by no longer responding to this. Darryn and Julie were some of my sister and brother in law's best friends in college and Julie and my sister were pregnant together with their first children. Julie has lost her husband and is pregnant with their second who will never meet her father. Enough said. We need to all keep them in our prayers and be grateful for the sacrifice of so many brave soldiers defending our freedom and putting their very lives on the line for us. Allison

• Scott: I think you are the one missing the point. We are on here simply paying condolences to Darryn and his family. But you seem to get enjoyment out of injecting your political views every time you start typing. I am sympathetic for your family, and sorry it waqsn't you that was in their place. I also think you should take your bitch ass and start contacting the families that lost their loved ones on 9/11 and let them know that it was our (America's) fault that that was done to us. But people like yourself don't want to do that, you just want to hide behind your computer and say whatever you feel like and you don't consider the families of lost loved ones. I am also sorry to thjink that a little pussy like yourself was actually in the Marines, "protecting Our Freedom". I have several freinds that are Marines and I do believe that they would have no better joy than to beat the shit out of you for defacing everything that the Armed Forces stands for. As a soldier you don't ask why you are going to war when ordered, because you should have understood that this is the career you chose, because like you said, noone forces any of them to join. You are probably one of the ones that joined in order to get a free education and then you start crying like a bitch when things aren't as peaceful as you wish for them to be.

• Ron, I never assumed ANYTHING. The fact that he has a family and all the back story is indeed exactly what I was allowing. You've projected something into my words that isn't there. YOU NEED TO TAKE THE ASSUME ADVICE FOR YOURSELF. Most 2nd Lts. are fresh out of college. I'm sure you know the average life expectancy of a 2nd Lt. in combat. I'm sorry you've chosen to focus your misplaced anger towards me. I've been glad to read that Lt Andrews had a life and will have some progeny succeed him. That is more than most 2nd Lts. ever enjoyed. I didn't order him to serve, to deploy into combat. You should consider those people for your anger and blame. It would be impossible for a 23yr old Lieutenant to have had the life experiences Darryn Andrews had. Again, I've not written a judgmental word about him. Yet, I've been subjected to threats, and calls for censorship. I wish he were still here to defend my freedom from you people who are wild in your sorrow. This country has become, judging from the comments here, a greater threat to freedom than Afghanistan, Iraq or any foreign land. For what it's worth I have friends and family who've died in Iraq for being nothing but innocent Iraqis. I have an American friend who's lost touch with much of his family over there, doctors, architects and engineers none of whom lifted a rifle or even clinched a fist. They did nothing to us but they're, for all we know dead, their homes burnt out or destroyed. He doesn't feel like his freedom was protected. They were innocents, didn't sign up to fight, didn't leave their children to chase the venal lies of our military industrial complex. Why don't you go console him. Your quick tempers were manipulated to get us into a war that was senseless and took the lives of a MILLION innocent Iraqis. All of whom have a better argument for defending their freedom and all the abstract appeals you've made here. They never left their homes to fight. In fact this whole notion of national defense is a total lie. We bombed the shit out of them in Desert Storm, occupied the Northern and Southern thirds of their country for 12 years bombing them daily. In all that time our fearless generals WHINED that Saddam fired on our planes. Well, do you know how many rounds found their target? ZERO. Then we bombed the shit out of them again in shock and awe. We destroyed their infrastructure twice, knocking out their power, water and essential utilities--these are WAR CRIMES. But never mind that. We invaded and occupied them, now essentially defenseless yet despite all of that we couldn't control the ground. Considering all of those facts, who the hell is gonna invade us? Where would they stage their forces? IN Mexico, Canada, or do you suppose they'd make an amphibious assault? Operationally this is utterly inane. Our soldiers occupying foreign lands is what precipitated 9/11. Our armed forces don't make us safer. They tax the hell out of us. Whether you like the plan or not, for one tenth of our defense budget we could pay for Obama's health care reform bill. I bet you hate the tax burden we must bear, yet you've not put that together. You've managed to put words in my mouth. Accuse me falsely, threaten me and then demand I show my thanks for the freedom I've gotten. Sorry, I believe the opposite is true. I resent both political parties using fear, lies and perverting our political system. I've called these people out on the these boards and elsewhere. I did it before this started, and I'm will continue. I do this out of patriotism and it is not without it's costs. When do you direct your anger and resentment at those who've lied to you repeatedly, taken your loved ones, and smile and patronize you all the while. Sorry, but your rudeness, your attacks have gotten out of hand. Take a deep breath, think about how you've been played for fools, not by me, but by those you cheer as they steal from you and lie. I'm sorry your friend/family member died. He's not the only one. Jesus taught us to love our enemies and our neighbor as ourselves. Again, you've failed to think things through. You're kneejerk reactions were cynically used to betray yourselves, and this country. If you care about the Afghanis, the Iraqis read the book "Three Cups of Tea." We don't liberate people when we bomb them.

• Darryn Andrews is my cousin and friend. I appreciate everything he has done for our country. Whatever your political views are on either side, please respect his family and keep it to your self. God will be smiling down on your family. I will miss you.

• Scott And many others. I enjoyed the last 3 years. Knowing Darryn and his Wife (which is expecting) and 2 year old son. We should focus what is at stake here a father was taken from his son and Daughter , A husband was taken from his wife. A son from his parent and a friend from his friends. Scott I was told from a very educated man once to spell assume. You need to spell it in the mirror for the wise crack of age and another story. Why could you just pass condolence and leave it alone. If you was a true Marine you would NEVER EVER MADE A REMARK like that. I have served and retired. And I am his Neighbor looking out my window watching his son looking and playing with no Dad. No Government can Bring him back. But Scott please you must go to the American legion and ask to join and get with a few marines and ask them to read what you wrote about a fallen soldier. You seemed to be a peace time Marine. I live in New Braunfels go to the VFW and ask for The Ranger They will tell you or point me out. I would be happy to meet you.

• I haven't posted anonymously, nor under another name on this thread. I never implied anything about his being old for a 2nd Lt. only suggested there was more to the story. That he was a coach and that certainly confirms that. For what it's I enlisted in the Marine Corps. This is a forum, I never made fun of those who are mourning him. I feel his loss is a was a tragic waste. I'm sorry for your loss. I understand VERY well what's going on over there. There are a lot of people who love this country. Many who you'd celebrate, and I'm not talking about soldiers who are but pawns in the game of our politicians and war profiteers who love this country like a drunk slut they line up to exploit. Those who see this country on a wrong path, one that a great soldier, Ike warned us about speak out courageously, in the face of threats. Again, I'm sorry for your loss, but that doesn't excuse you for reading into what I wrote that which isn't there. I haven't ridiculed or belittled his service or sacrifice. I ain't scared to fight to defend this country, but when we're trudging through the farms of goat herders on the other side of the world, we've lost all sense of the word defense. Our founding fathers didn't want us to have a standing Army for it offered temptations they understood all too well. We haven't had a Constitutional war since WW2, you know one declared by our Congress, rather than the President. Your friend, Darryn Andrews pledged and gave his life to protect and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. I'm not the enemy, the Iraqis weren't the enemy. You might focus your anger at those who lied to us and confused the mission.

• I feel as though I was very lucky to not only have known Darryn, but most of all to be his freind. I have a lot of good memories and for someone like Scott to have said the things he has really makes my stomach turn and brings out feelings of anger that I wish did not have to surface. I would like to extend the invitation for Scott to give his last name and set up a meeting place so that we could maybe "talk" and maybe I could explain some other rights that Darryn and others like him have paid the ultimate sacrifice for. By the way my name is Brooks Foster and I live in the Houston area. I am able and willing to travel to carry out theese discussions Scott. Just let me know when and where. You are truly a sorry bastard. Darryn was and always will be a dear freind of mine and I will not sit quietly when a sorry piece of shit like you wants to throw around all of your liberal bullshit just because you are too much of a coward to stand beside men of Darryn's calliber. Eat Shit Scott

• Darryn was a great man and our prayers and condolences go out to Darryn's family. We went to high school together and saw each other occasionally there after. There was not a single thing this man would not do for someone in need or just for the sake of being a great, caring person. Even though I disagree with Scott and his political rant, this is exactly the type of freedoms that Darryn stood for not only us as Americans, but for the rest of the world. That is why Darryn and his family have made the greatest sacrifice possible. God bless you Darryn and your family. Donny: we went to school at C.H. Yoe High in Cameron TX.

• I'm tired of people using the "he died for my freedom" line. It's cliche, false, and makes you sound uneducated.

• what high school did this guy graduate from?

• Darryn was as an amazing man. He tried for years to serve his country and fight for all types of people...including Scott. I would love to see people like Scott to have the courage and sacrifice to stand up for the USA. Darryn was the funniest and most caring person I have ever met. He was a groomsman in my wedding and a true friend. Hey Scott, remember this...this 2nd Lt. died for you...for your freedom. I pray that you are forgiven for the hatred you have in your heart. You could never be the man Darryn was. Also...to all the people out there who believe in prayer...pray for his young wife, 2 year old son and his unborn daughter due in December. He was a blessing to so many. I am grateful to God to have had him in my life. I will miss you forever Darryn.

• scott/anonymous, it's not anger, merely disgust, and it's not misdirected. 'War is irrelevant"... nicely done scott, I'll certainly pass that little gem along to a kid I play basketball with [Gulf War Vet] and a couple of our neighborhood WW2 veterans. scott, do all of us a favor and take your tired soapbox elsewhere.

• My prayers and condolences go out to Darryn's family. Darryn was my fraternity brother and a great guy. A man with an obvious sense of duty and love of this nation. You will be missed. RIP

• No War is irrelevant. Your anger is misdirected.

• scott, utilizing a tribute to Lt. Andrews death as an opportunity to vent your spleen is disgraceful. There's something very wrong with you. Quit posting intermitently as "scott" and/or "Anonymous". Please find another forum and go away. You are irrelevant.

• Our condolences to the family and friends of this fallen soldier.

• Typical Neo Con Crap, John says Please post your last name and current address so I can come over and kick the living shit out of you. That is a threat of harm and I believe totally illegal, not to mention hypocritical for not giving your own last name.

• Scott As you can see you have no right to have a different opinion. If this is the proper forum to announce the death of a local soilder then it is also a forum to debate how necessary that death was. Perhaps some of you are questioning the reason behind your friends death. It does seem to be unclear. If we are in a warrantless war, then what is the reason behind his death. Try and rationalize it before you judge others just to make yourself feel better. Scott just posed a question. A question that if you would answer instead of trying to censor, you might save others from the same fate.

• Stacie: Did you leave off the bracketed words from your comment: He is a fallen soldier who fought to give you the rights to voice you political agenda and you criticize him. How DARE you [exercise them]!! I did not take Scott's posts as a critism of this soldier. It makes me sad and angry every time I read about a death of one of the bright young men and women that are protecting us and I am forever grateful for the sacrifices they and their families are making. But, we have to keep talking about it and sometimes arguing about it or risk losing sight of that sacrifice and the mission.

• I fly C-17s for the MS Air National Guard. When I landed at Bagram AB on Saturday, we picked up 2nd Lt Andrew's body and flew him to Germany, where another aircraft carried him stateside. His family would have been floored to see the send-off given to him at Bagram. It was impressive. The very least our country could do....

• To The message scott left. Lt. Darryn Andrews joined the Army after graduating college and becoming a high school football coach. He then decided to pursue his Masters degree in Education, and used the Army's Green to Gold program to be commissioned. He commissioned with my husband from and ROTC program. He loved the Army. End of Story.

• Scott: Please post your last name and current address so I can come over and kick the living shit out of you. You have no clue what you're talking about. Your rant trivializes the good done by Darryn Andrews on behalf of the good people of Afghanistan who should not have their future destroyed by the Taliban. STFU.

• scott, Lt. Andrews paid the ultimate sacrifice. His family and friends are grieving. Please take your insecurity driven psycho-babble elsewhere. You are a miserable little toad. Lt. Andrews - RIP

• There are more appropriate places than the Observer blog to honor a fallen soldier. This is a forum for discussion and I feel Scott's comments were not out of line. ijs

• Scott, Whether or not you think he was old for a 2Lt is an opinion you need to keep to yourself. You should really find a different place to voice your beliefs then under an article of his tragedy, he was an extremely nice person who has a family and your comments clearly disregard any remorse for those who were close to him and cared for him that are reading this. RIP Darryn

• I simply suggested that his age was odd for a 2nd Lt. The fact that he enlisted and later became an officer tells that tale. That doesn't change what I wrote but simply fleshes out a detail that raised more questions. I never questioned his reasons for joining. That said, I don't think my freedoms were furthered, or protected in Iraq or Afghanistan. No Iraqi ever told me to shut up. Rather it is in the name of patriotism that "your ilk" have tried to silence us. This country is the VICTIM of militarism. Clearly Lt. Andrews wasn't the architect of that, was himself ultimately a victim of that same jingoism you're using to suppress my freedom now.

• Scott, Darryn Andrews was a veteran airborne infantryman who enlisted after getting his bachelor's degree, making him four years older than his peers. He then went back to school and got his commission. I commissioned with this guy; he certainly didn't "just join" anything. This man knew what he was doing when he enlisted, originally, and later commissioned. You and your geopolitical rants do not get to "blame" his heroic sacrifice on anybody; your soapbox here is unappreciated. I haven't met a better man. It's a shame that heroes like Andrews consent to protect and defend your ilk.

• Annie, The funeral is Saturday at 2 pm in Cameron. Burial will either be in Austin at the TX State Cemetery or Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio. Visitation is Friday from 4-8 at the funeral home.

• Does anyone know where and when he will be buried? He was in my wedding as a groomsmen for my husband...lost touch after he moved out of Dallas. We would like to pay our respects to him for serving our country.

• Scott, As a friend of Darryn and his family, keep your comments to yourself. I am strongly opposed to this war, but posting your opinions (and crude editorialism on his age/experience) on an announcement of his death is purely disgusting. He is a fallen soldier who fought to give you the rights to voice you political agenda and you criticize him. How DARE you!!

• Michael, I didn't make any inane assumptions but said simply that he was old for a second lieutenant. I said there was more to the story. I kept from even guessing whether he joined the military late in life or what have you. That said, if our politicos cared for the troops they wouldn't throw them in harms way for such light and suspect reasons as an obviously flawed case of WMD in Iraq. If the Iraq campaign hadn't distracted our Afghan efforts perhaps your friend would be with us today. War it's said is politics by other means. War means death and destruction. When our politicians engage in such serious matters so lightly that is what should anger you. I tried my hardest to expose the fraudulent case for WMD. I understood the gravity of the situation then, apparently you still haven't put that together. Consider that one million Iraqis are dead for our pointless re-invasion and occupation of Iraq. Those poor souls had no choice as your friend did. They suffered under a dictator we installed and supported. They suffered and died despite having no hand in 9/11. They suffered because our leaders failed to properly arm and reinforce our troops. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend, but your anger with me is misplaced. Your objections make it almost eight years to the day that I've been told that it's not the appropriate time to reflect on why they might hate us, or to consider the blowback from our thoughtless engagement and destruction of peoples on the other side of the world, who's only sin is to be born in a mineral rich nation that is but a small prize is our global great game. Political, I don't know, I haven't voted for either party this millennium. And, I've sought ever forum to get others, like yourself to consider the consequence of our exceptionalism and failure to consider the humanity of peoples who have been the victims of our imperial hubris for over 50 yrs. The senseless death of your friend is DIRECTLY linked to our failure to discuss these unpleasant truths. Reserve your anger and resentment for those who are culpable. You're literally blaming the messenger.

• Scott, I'm shocked you've got the audacity to use my friend's death as a political squawkbox, let alone that you segue from some inane assumption on his age or military experience (he was prior service enlisted before commissioning). Consider having some decency as a human being and some respect for the deceased and keep your political opinions in the proper arena.

• http://www.ips.org/blog/jimlobe/?p=289#more-289 The preceding article offers some insight into a new think tank, FPI Foreign Policy Institute which boasts Sarah Palin as one of it's signatories. This is a group of the most notorious Neo-cons and perennial war advocates. The "non-partisan" group is remarkably devoid of even liberal hawks and is pressing for more troops in Afghanistan. "FPI is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that seeks to promote an active U.S. foreign policy committed to robust support for democratic allies, human rights, a strong American military equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century, and global economic competitiveness. The organization is led by Executive Director Jamie Fly. FPI was founded by Robert Kagan, William Kristol, and Dan Senor. For more information, please visit www.foreignpolicyi.org." Kagan and Kristol come from a long line of war mongers who are too physically unfit to fight their way out of a paper bag. They lament their anger and frustration at being bullied as children and have many unresolved anger issues, if one is to believe their auto-biographies. Freud would have a field day with the pathological promoters of war with other people's children.

• A second Lieutenant at the age of 34 is VERY old. This is the rank of the most junior officer. My father a retired 1st lieutenant who was disabled during the Vietnam war--he was stateside, hurt his back playing handball, loved to tell an old joke; what's the difference between the Boy Scouts and the Military? The Boy Scouts have adult leaders. Lt. Andrews must have just joined the military. There is more of a story here. It's sad that our soldiers die. It's sad that we're fighting incredibly poor people on the other side of the world. It's even worse that we have political leaders, and venal cheerleaders for war in the media that have so propagandized our empire's reach into the darkest recesses on the other side of the globe. I don't want to minimize his loss/sacrifice but how does this relate to our national defense. The Taliban was supported the the Pakistani ISI--their secret intelligence service whose head is appointed by our own CIA. We are indirectly fighting ourselves over there. We've truly passed through the looking glass. War is not good for anyone. Even if you beat the crap out of someone and they can't even land a blow, you'll have bloodied your knuckles from pounding their face to a pulp. Sadly, the loudest, boldest cheerleaders for war never served, never will yet they do have an investment interest in those belligerent actions. I wish news organizations would reveal the top 5 donors to the think tanks that these "reporters" and "commentators" work for. Whether it's Brookings or Heritage they are war profiteers who hire these chicken hawks to advocate for war, they aren't journalists, though they are represented as such in the media. Russia, Britain, Ottoman, Macedonian, Roman empires all over-streched expanding into the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains in Afghanistan. They all collapsed from within while thinking they could find security in the labyrinthine canyons of the worlds tallest mountains. Nemesis, meet Hubris.

• Condolences to the Andrews family and a heartfelt thanks for his service to our country.

• Havent talked to him in years. Went to High School with him. God Bless Darryn and his family.

• RIP Lt Andrews. If any of his family or friends ready this, I am truly sorry for your loss

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