Andrews Family Grieving The Loss Of A Fallen Hero
By: Jackie Smith
Updated: April 26, 2011
ANDREWS -- A West Texas city is grieving the death of a local soldier. 25 year old Sgt. John Paul Castro from Andrews lost his life Friday battling in Afghanistan. He was on the 4th Brigade Combat Team for the 101st Airborne Division. Castro was on his third tour when his unit was attacked by small arms fire. Now, the Andrews community has banded together to show their support.
A sea of red, white and blue line the streets of a quiet Andrews neighborhood -- all to honor Sgt. John Paul Castro's life that was cut short.
"All the people of Andrews have been wonderful with their support," said Sgt. Castro's Mother Carmen Castro. "It's like one family."
Sgt. Castro's mother adorns her lost son in her living room. She says he never gave up.
"I am so proud of my son," said Castro. "He was fighting ever since he was little -- always fighting for something that he wants."
He not only fought for his country, but fought for the chance to play in Major League Baseball.
"He was going to play for the big leagues," said Castro. "He said 'I can't because I already signed up for the army.'"
It came as a shock to his family, but Carmen says she knew her son wanted to fight.
"He said 'Mom, I am going to go to the army,'" said Castro. "And they can help me with college."
Two purple hearts, a bronze star and dozens of achievements later, he is now a hero. He is also garnering national attention.
"To lay a life on the alter of freedom the way he did," said U.S. Representative Mike Conaway. "Is obviously the highest sacrifice."
And this grieving mother is happy to know her son died fighting for what he believed in.
"It hurts, but I feel so proud of him," said Castro. "The way he kept on going."
Jackie Smith can be reached via email at jsmith@kmid.tv.
A sea of red, white and blue line the streets of a quiet Andrews neighborhood -- all to honor Sgt. John Paul Castro's life that was cut short.
"All the people of Andrews have been wonderful with their support," said Sgt. Castro's Mother Carmen Castro. "It's like one family."
Sgt. Castro's mother adorns her lost son in her living room. She says he never gave up.
"I am so proud of my son," said Castro. "He was fighting ever since he was little -- always fighting for something that he wants."
He not only fought for his country, but fought for the chance to play in Major League Baseball.
"He was going to play for the big leagues," said Castro. "He said 'I can't because I already signed up for the army.'"
It came as a shock to his family, but Carmen says she knew her son wanted to fight.
"He said 'Mom, I am going to go to the army,'" said Castro. "And they can help me with college."
Two purple hearts, a bronze star and dozens of achievements later, he is now a hero. He is also garnering national attention.
"To lay a life on the alter of freedom the way he did," said U.S. Representative Mike Conaway. "Is obviously the highest sacrifice."
And this grieving mother is happy to know her son died fighting for what he believed in.
"It hurts, but I feel so proud of him," said Castro. "The way he kept on going."
Jackie Smith can be reached via email at jsmith@kmid.tv.
