Sad News - FIRST Robotics Alum KIA in Iraq

[RoteAugen]

Originally Posted by miketwalker

Perhaps members of the CD community can get together to organize a memorial service/recognition for him at Atlanta at nationals in front of everybody. If you guys are interested send me a PM or email me at miketwalker@cfl.rr.com I'll try to call FIRST tommorow and ask if they think this could be possible.

Team 138 extends its condolences, and its deepest gratitude towards this young man and his family. It takes one helluva person to do what he did, and he will be missed

[Christina47]

My sympathy and warmth goes out to those whom knew him.

[srjjs]

Team 840 appreciates your sympathy. This has indeed been a tragedy, not only because of the loss of a soldier, or the loss of a team member, but even more as the loss of a friend.

For those of you who didn't have the opportunity to meet him in person, Andrew Dang was one of the team's founding members, a dedicated team player always in the thick of things, never afraid of a challenge. Everyone on the team who has met him respected and admired him for his bravery, intellect, and resourcefulness. Andrew constantly pushed the entire team, including himself, to perform to the best of their ability. He was a valued leader of our team, always willing to do what it takes to finish the task he was assigned.

After leaving, he was eager to do his duty in protecting this country, and signed up for the marines. Before deployment in Iraq, he did not have the air of one who was being sent to his death. He looked forward to a chance to prove himself and to help defend this country.

While his death is a harsh blow to all of us, it was his choice to enlist, and he made it without hesitation. He risked his life for what he believed in, and paid the ultimate price. We all have the utmost respect and admiration for him.

His brother has said:
"My brother, Andrew was always better than me at everything. He was always making me look like the idiot because he surpassed me in all aspects. But once he was in boot camp I realized that I am $@#$@#$@#$@# proud to be his brother. Now that he has been lost, I will carry on his legacy and make him proud at any cost. If he is watching over me, may he guide me to success to honor his name.

Rest in Peace my brother, Andrew Dang. 03/21/04 - He died for this country and with honor. I will do everything I can to make you proud.

-Anthony Dang"

Andrew Dang was a great friend, a great teammate, and a great person. He will be sorely missed, but we will all do our best to honor his memory.

[Stina236]

I never met Andrew Dang, but he seems like an amazing person, whose contributions will never go forgotten. I can only express my heartfelt condolences to team 840, his friends, and his family.

[DirtyBird213]

On behalf of team 213 please accept our condolences on the loss of Andrew. We never had the opportunity to meet Andrew, he sounds like an amazing person and a great role model.

[eric195]

team 195 wood like to extend our condolences for your ALUM and we would also like to thank him for fighting for our great country of AMERICA

[Pierson]

Team 360 extends our condolences and our sincere thanks for this young man’s commitment to the great things that America stands for.