Posted by Terri Grow on June 3, 2002:

Dear Nicole, Alex, Michael, Christina, and Baby Andrew, I would love to take that opportunity to write something about the Andy I knew and pray that I do it well because memories, stories and feelings about someone are true treasures in this world. Just like Andy. Tears come to my eyes thinking of you and your children being without your husband and daddy knowing that just a few months ago we welcomed Baby Andrew to this extended family of friends. What a blessing your family was able to share those days together. Please know the Apache, West Point and Army Family are here for you always with the common bond that we all cared for Andy. Andy was a prep schooler. I have no idea if you know what that means, because when I first heard it, I definitely didn't. All the cadets who were Regular Army before receiving their nomination to West Point, usually went through a year of Preparation School to ensure they would be ready for whatever was thrown at them. And they were! They were to be the helpers, the more experienced folks, the one you went to when you weren't quite sure how to do something or what to do next. Some of the prep schoolers did just that. And Andy was one of those. He always took the time to explain something or show you something and did it in a humble yet confident way. Andy was one of the people that I know would do things the right way. Our freshman (plebe) year, Andy and I were in history class together. When cadets are tired, they are supposed to stand up in class so that they don't doze off. Our professor ("p") was so very nice and had a voice like a lullaby. In fact, one of the other students was so tired, while standing, he fell backward against the chalkboard, knocked the map over that was in the chalk tray, fell forward, moving his individual desk away from him falling face first on the floor and the map landed on the heads of the two tired cadets seated next to him. Needless to say, we were proud to be awake for that event. Well, always an advocate for education and wanting to be a good student, I asked Andy to give me a nudge if he ever saw me doze off. I'm glad he wasn't a hard nudger or else I would have had many bruises. One of the things I remember about Andy, is he would let me look at his notes from the previous class to check on if I had missed anything. One morning, I opened my notebook to find his handwriting that said, "Terri, in case you didn't know, this is when you fell asleep" with a big arrow to my wandering scribble. He was funny too! During the summer between our yearling (sophomore) and cow (junior) years, I had the opportunity to be Andy's the squad leader that was "sistered" with Andy's squad. Which meant whenever the unit did something that required two squads to be together, that our squads would be paired up. The summer seemed like teaching endless tasks and skills, one of the things that we had to teach the new cadets was drill: marching around with rifles. Something that was definitely way out of my field of expertise. Well, being the gentleman and professional that he was, Andy did all the demonstrations as I described what he was doing. At the end of the day, as the new cadets were tired and some a bit frustrated, they prepared to watch the final demonstration. They were at ease and didn't seem to be looking forward to this next new feat. Well, formerly being on a drill team, Andy went through about two minutes of tossing, throwing, spinning and contorting the rifle around himself in an extraordinary manner. He did it perfectly. The new cadets' jaws literally dropped at his talent and although "at ease" couldn't help but applaud. To me, that is one of the best examples of Andy. He did things confidently, quietly and fantastically. I feel truly blessed to have known Andy and consider him a good friend, always. Casting all your care upon him: for he careth for you. "I Peter 5:7 My love, condolences and prayers are extended to you.

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