Ted Poe: “Growing up, Darryn Andrews was known as one of the most selfless and patriotic kids in the neighborhood. Not…”

“Growing up, Darryn Andrews was known as one of the most selfless and patriotic kids in the neighborhood. Not surprisingly, he joined the United States Army to serve America. 2nd Lieutenant Darryn Andrews was the platoon leader for the 3rd Blackfoot Company, 1st Battalion, 501st infantry (Airborne) in Afghanistan. On September 4, 2009, 2nd Lieutenant Andrews' platoon was on a mission and was traveling along a walled road in Afghanistan when an IED exploded and disabled the lead vehicle in the convoy. Lieutenant Andrews quickly jumped out of his vehicle and was assessing the damage of the vehicle that had hit the IED, and he saw through the glint in his eye an RPG coming straight for him and his fellow troops. So, in an instant, he jumped on top of his fellow soldiers and took the brunt of the RPG. He sacrificed himself so that his buddies would live. Recently, it was learned that Lieutenant Andrews and his patrol were searching for a missing soldier by the name of Bowe Bergdahl. Second Lieutenant Andrews was awarded the Silver Star in honor of his service and the sacrifice he made for his fellow soldiers. At his death, Darryn left behind his 2-year-old son, his pregnant wife, his twin brother, and both of his parents, Andy and Sondra. Both of his parents, Andy and Sondra, were here last week and testified before my Terrorism Subcommittee. Sondra still wears Darryn's dog tags. The family lives in Cameron, Texas. Mr.…”