2LT Darryn Andrews, 34, KIA, US Army, Cameron, TX, 11, 12, 14 SEP 2009

[markwells]

[markwells]

*Updated 13 September*

2Lt Darryn Andrews, 34, of Cameron, Texas, died Sept. 4 in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device and a rocket-propelled grenade. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska

His family has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to help honor his service and ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

Airport Recovery – College Station, TX – Complete

Funeral mission itinerary – Complete
________________________________________________________
Interment Itinerary – Cameron – San Antonio, TX

The funeral service for 2LT Andrews was completed in Cameron, TX on 12 September. A procession will take place from the funeral home in Cameron to Ft Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, and the Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to participate.

Date/Time: Monday, 14 September 2009. Service scheduled to begin at 1445 hrs (2:45 pm) at Ft Sam in San Antonio.

Austin Staging Location: McDonalds, 608 W Hwy 79, Hutto, TX. Map link: tinyurl.com/mhegtl

Directions: This McDonalds is on Hwy 79, approx. 1 mi east of the Hwy 79/SH130 interchange on the north side of the hwy.

Austin Staging Timeline:
0815 – 0840 hrs staging (8:15-8:40 am)
0840 safety briefing.
0845 hrs KSU for the 1 hour ride to Cameron. We will make a stop to top-off fuel prior to arrival at the funeral home.

For those riding directly to the funeral home, it is the Marek Burns Laywell funeral home, 2800 N Travis Ave, Cameron, TX. Please arrive at 1000 hrs (10:00 am)
Map link: tinyurl.com/mlgpjg

Wx: Partly cloudy, Lo 65, high 79, 20% chance of rain. Arrive fueled, fed, and hydrated. Bring your own drinking water

Notes:
The route from Cameron to Ft. Sam is approx. 155 miles. There will be one fuel stop in Hutto prior to getting on the SH130 toll road. There will not be another stop for the remaining 105 miles, so you must be able to do that comfortably on one tank to participate. Also, participating riders need to be part of the procession from the beginning in Cameron. Please do not attempt to join in at another point.

Upon arrival at Ft Sam we will come under the direction of the San Antonio ride captain.

Please comply with the following advisory from SA PGR:
A recent change in policy at Fort Sam Houston has requested all riders wear helmets while on Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. This is not LAW, but soon will be, and the request should be honored for our continued good relations with the management of Fort Sam.

Ride Captain: Terry Ayers, mototerry@sbcglobal.net, 512-925-6101

Please make plans to demonstrate our gratitude and respect for 2LT Andrews and his family.

[markwells]

Funeral is set for Saturday, the 12th, 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Cameron.

http://www.cameronherald.com/articles/2009/09/09/news/daily_update/update.txt

[markwells]

Due to work schedule on Saturday, I am sad to say I can't make the mission to honor this fallen heroe. Please Stand Tall for me and give my prayers and support to his family.
My tears of sorrow and pride are with them.
Michael Giddings

[markwells]

It was fitting that the Angels wept, today, throughout the funeral.

[markwells]

Strong words Dave. Thanx for expressing what we felt today…….Gerry

[markwells]

amen,a true man puts himself in harms way for his fellow man.god his story ate deep in my heart.

[mototerry]

Our mission was to stand and honor 2LT Darryn Andrews for giving his life defending our country and to respectfully demonstrate to the family our sincere gratitude. As we now prepare for the mission Monday to escort LT Andrews to his final resting place among fellow heroes please allow me to express my deepest appreciation to everyone. Your dedicated effort and cooperation has been outstanding.

[markwells]

TV news report on Saturday's funeral by KWTX in Waco:

tinyurl.com/mnpe9q

[markwells]

I saw the representation in the American Statesman of the funeral being led by the Patriot Guard. Although I was not able to participate Saturday and will not Monday, both because of work schedules, I would like to thank, support , applaud, and let it be known how much I appreciate the ones who were able to make the mission and stand tall for those of us who couldn't. What a great group of guys! God Bless the whole bunch of you!

[markwells]

yaw be careful,wish i could be with you

[markwells]

“From: gandrews
To: Lou Freitas
Sent: 9/13/2009 7:24:33 P.M. Central Daylight Time
Subj: 2LT Darryn D. Andrews – KIA Afghanistan – September 4, 2009

Lou,

I am not sure if any of the Patriot Honor Guard attended my cousin's funeral in Cameron on Saturday, September 12th, but wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to any who may have, and to the organization in general.

I understand that most of the guys came out of Killeen, but some may have come from elsewhere, including Montgomery. These guys stood in the rain for hours, and I was touched by their unflenching devotion to honor our fallen heroes, especially my Cousin Darryn. He left behind a two year son, Daylan, and a pregnant wife, Julie, who is expecting their daughter in December.

You guys are also my heroes, and I just wanted to let you know.

God Bless you, and God Bless the USA.

Sincerely,

Guy D. Andrews”

[markwells]

beautiful

[mototerry]

I received an email from a friend of the family. I promised her I would share it with the PGR.

T.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you so much for the time your group gave to come to College Station and Cameron this weekend. Darryn was a wonderful man who gave his life for our Country. People like you that volunteer their time to help make this sad occasion more dignified and meaningful are a special type of person also. Many of the kids that were waiting at the high school were very impressed with your escort. The video of the escort is breathtaking. The only sound we hear is the motorcycles – it was amazing. At the end of the funeral as we heard the motorcycles start up again it was very moving to know that Darryn would be in good hands in his final journey home.

God Bless you and your group

Teri Adcox
Friend of the Andrews Family
Cameron, TX

[markwells]

I received this e-mail from a friend of Darryn's over the weekend. This is also posted in the Letters of appreciation.
Again, thanks for all you do.

Hi Mr. James,

I was very good friends with Darryn Andrews. I am not certain which of these guys showed up, but THANK YOU so so so very much. I honestly didn't know what you guys did until this funeral- I know sad, huh? Anyhow- I now know and absolutely LOVE you guys. When I saw you I almost started crying there knowing that you have fought for my freedom as well. May God bless every single one of you.

[Author]

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