[dekeguy]

Terribly sad news that the Velez family have lost their second son KIA. The eldest son was killed in action in 2004 having been twice wounded and having received both the Silver Star and Bronze Star medals for valor in combat. This man was a soldier and a hero in the best senses of those words.
Now his younger brother has been KIA. The Army offered to reassign him to non-combat duties considering that his brother had been killed, but this very gallant soldier refused the transfer and elected to stay in harm's way in the service of his country and in solidarity with his outfit and his Army. My heart aches for his family in their tragic loss, but by God I am proud of those heroic young soldiers!
What a family to produce men of such courage and dedication! What a heart breaker that both of those men gave the last full measure! It matters not whether one supports the war. What all must remember was that these men were volunteers and they were soldiers. That is a title not easily earned but covered with honor. May God comfort the family, may God bless these brave soldiers.