A Fallen Comrade, A Remembered Friend

“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” — General George S. Patton

From the moment we could form opinions, courageous men and women have risked it all for their beliefs. They take a stand to defend something larger than themselves. Unfortunately, Some fall as they defend their ideals. We celebrate these fallen friends as heroes long after their departure.

One such hero is Master Sgt. Evander “Andy” Andrews. His dedication to his friends, family and country has left a lasting impression, immortalized every year by those who precede him.

The 366th Civil Engineer Squadron celebrated Andrews’ life every year since his passing on Oct. 10th, 2001. He was the first casualty in the War on Terror after the attacks on 9/11. He was assigned to the 366th CES as a pavement and equipment craftsman when he lost his life.

Some of those who knew Andrews attest to his character and kind hearted nature as a leader in the U.S. Air Force.

“He was a family man and a kind of a second father to a lot of the guys in the shop,” said Bill Brown, 366th CES heavy equipment operator. “I don’t remember anyone who didn't like him. He was just one of those guys where everybody was a friend.”

The squadron held a flag ceremony in front of a plaque labeled ‘Camp Andy’, a nod at the base named in his honor in Qatar.

“We remember Sgt. Andrews today because the worst casualty of war, is to be forgotten,” said  Maj. Jesus Mendoza, 366th CES operations flight commander. “We want to ensure that Sgt. Andrews’ legacy will continue to live on.”