Andres J. Contreras Obituary

To the family and friends of Sgt. Andres J. Contreras:
Always remembering Andres. "Some gave all."

In rememberance of Andres Contreras.

To the family and friends of Sgt. Andres J. Contreras:
Please accept my remembrance of Andres on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

To the family and friends of Sgt. Andres J. Contreras:
Remembering Andres on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

To the family of Sgt. Andres J. Contreras:
Andres gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

I wear SSG Contreras' KIA bracelet. Although I did not have the pleasure of knowing him, My heart goes out to his family. I too have my family at home waiting for my return from Iraq after my second Deployment and it is a chilling reminder of the sacrifices made here and Afghanistan and the pain on many at home. RIP SSG.

A la familia de Andrés J. Contreras:
Antes que nada deseo expresarles mi más sentido pésame por la muerte de su ser querido, Andrés J. Contreras. La muerte de alguien allegado siempre causa tristeza y deja un vacío que difícilmente puede volver a llenarse. Es por eso que decidí escribir estas breves palabras.
Muchas personas tienden a pensar que es Dios quien se lleva a quienes amamos. Piensan que Dios decidió llevárselos al cielo o algo por el estilo ya que los necesitaba junto a él. Sin embargo ¿sería lógico pensar que Dios haría semejante cosa sabiendo que esto va a causar sufrimiento y dolor a muchas personas? Realmente no. Según la Biblia en 1 Juan 4: 8 “Dios es amor” por lo tanto nunca causaría dolor a otros a propósito.
En vez de ser Dios el causante de la muerte y el sufrimiento que esta conlleva, Él es el único que nos da una esperanza segura para volver a ver a nuestros seres queridos. Cuando su Hijo, Jesús, estuvo aquí en la Tierra el dijo: “Esto significa vida eterna, el que estén adquiriendo conocimiento de ti, el único Dios verdadero, y de aquel a quien tu enviaste, Jesucristo”. (Juan 17:3) Así es, Jehová Dios promete que muy pronto aquellos que hayan adquirido conocimiento de Él y su hijo, tendrán vida eterna.
Muy pronto nuestro “enemigo, la muerte ha de ser reducida a nada” como menciona 1 Corintios 15:26 y Dios ‘limpiará toda lagrima de nuestros ojos, y la muerte no será más, ni existirá ya mas lamento ni clamor ni dolor. Las cosas de hoy habrán pasado’ (Revelación 21: 4)
Realmente deseo que estas palabras sirvan de aliento y esperanza en momentos tan difíciles como estos. Tengan la plena confianza y seguridad de que muy pronto verán a Andrés J. Contreras de nuevo aquí en la Tierra.
Sinceramente,
Ana Méndez

I have realized that there are hard days. Hard to think of him and hard to miss him. Hard not to cry and still hard to deal with the idea of him being gone. 3 years later and I miss him terribly- and for that I can only imagine how his family must feel. I hope you have all found peace and unnderstanding.

“”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Andres, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Contreras!

There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

Upon this day I reminisce
With sadness and regret
The loss of someone special
A nephew, my best friend.

It's been a year of longing
Wishing you'd return to me...
For though you left one year ago,
I cannot "set you free".

Though time has made it easier,
To go from day to day...
No one can understand the
"Special" role your life did play.

For every day you were a part,
Of love and joy and life...
You had a way that focused me
And lessened daily strife.

Emotions, they are raw today,
I'm simply torn apart...
For hollow, wrenching feelings
Tear apart this very heart.

An emptiness, that's deeper than
The oceans ... fill my soul;
A painful hunger bites my
Inner self beyond control.

For though time healed the daily wounds
I wore upon my sleeve,
I shelter from the world outside
Just what you meant to me.

To me, you were more human
Than some others I have known...
You gave such love and tenderness;
T'was deep within your soul.

Now summer is here, and little things
We loved now cause me harm...
The trips to Disneyland,
No longer hold their charm.

I can't go back although I tried,
Some day I'm sure I'll make it...
For without you to share this with,
I get no joy from it.

I see you as I take each step,
I watch for you each day...
My Hero, My Junior, I miss you so,
... Much more than words can say.

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt Contreras and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

I was lucky enough to be Jo-Jo's Commander when he was assigned to the 258th MP CO. He was an absolute professional and an inspiration to all who served with him. I know that he is looking down from heaven on and is watching over us, just as he watched over his Soldiers to keep them safe. I am a better person having known him and served with him.

“Soldier”
Written to Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers

Soldiers write history, we pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still

We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever

Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away

Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go

We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light

Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray

Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound

Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go

My heartfelt sympathy to the Contreras family in the loss of Andres. I did not know Andres, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Andres you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.

I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.

Love and Peace

Tom



To live in the hearts

of those you leave behind

is never to die"

~Robert Orr~

To the Contreras Family, I am very sorry for your loss. He was a very good man. A couple of years ago, I had the honor of being in 2nd squad, fourth platoon with him. He always talked about his daughter and how much he missed her. The memory that sticks out the most to me is when he asked me to help him design a tattoo for her. He just had this "proud parent" look in his eye.

God knows that he was a very hard worker too. He was definitely someone that others could look up to. The world would be a better place if we had more people like him. I wish that I could have known him better."And I won't forget the men who died and gave that right to me, And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today."

You are in our prayers...

Mr. and Mrs. Contreras and family, I never got to meet your son but have the utmost respect for him. In a place of confusion and chaos he found the time to comfort and help my daughter(Deborah) and give her memories she will cherish forever. For this I am forever in his debt. I hope in this time of mourning you are able to see what an imperssion he made on the peoples lives that he touched.I'm truly sorry for your loss.

To Jojo: Rest easy my brother in arms, your work here is done and you won't be forgotten.

I had the Honor of meeting SSG Contreras when i became a part of the Gator Family. He was always professional and very caring. He has left his mark in the lives and hearts of everyone who knew him. He will always be remembered and loved.

To the Contreras Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you daily as you cope with the loss of not only your son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend, but an AMERICAN HERO. Grace - your father was an amazing and wonderful man. We were all blessed to have him in our lives, if not but for a brief time. To his parents- you raised the most caring, patient son, one to be proud of, not only for his acomplishments but for his sacrifice. Thank you.

To the Contreras family, I know that there aren't words that can comfort you in your time of loss. I had the honor of serving with your son and also being his close friend and dating him. I miss him dearly, my heart breaks for you and especially Grace. She had a wonderful father. He is the most thoughtful, devoted, generous,patient, and loving man I have ever had the privledge of knowing. He will never be forgotten, but honored and cherished in our memories, hearts, and prayers. To you Jojo, I know that you are know my guardian angel, and I know that the memories that we have you have given to me for comfort. Thank you for always being there and always being an inspiration for me.

With All My Love,

I had the honor and privilege of meeting your son when I visited my granddaughter who was in his unit at Fort Polk. He was most kind to my daughter and myself during our stay in Louisiana, and his consideration and smile will stay with me for a long, long time. My heart goes out to you, and to Grace, his daugher, and his pride and love for her was evident each time he spoke of her. I will keep you all in my prayers, that God will give you the strength and help you need durng this difficult time.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.



A PROUD MARINE MOM

While stationed at Fort Polk, LA as a Sergeant in the MP Corp, I had the Honor and privilege to serve with SGT Andres Jonathan Contreras.

When he first arrived at Fort Polk, I was cautious and reserved my opinion about him to see his performance as a Soldier. He quickly proved himself and out shined his peers without waver. I was impressed. After a month or so, the platoon had several reassignments, and he was assigned to my Team. This is a 3-man team made of a Team Leader, a Driver and a Gunner.

I knew Contreras had what it takes to succeed and excel in the Army. I was eager to offer knowledge and my experience to him. He had already been to Korea for 12 months so he already had good working knowledge of the basic/common tasks and skills. He was like a human sponge. He wanted to be the best, and knew he would be with dedication and hard work. He would even read operation manuals after work on his own time.

Contreras had good morals and integrity. I could trust him with anything and know it was in sure hands. Contreras was the total package for a Soldier to be the Best of the Best. When I was finally released from the stop loss and was prepping to get out to the Army, Contreras was assigned his own Soldiers. I knew Contreras would be that leader every soldier deserves and wants.

On top of this, he was a loving and compassionate Father of a little Girl. He once threatened that he would go AWOL, to be there for her first Birthday if his leave was not approved. You could tell how much he missed and loved Grace when he spoke of her. He also had photos of her everywhere.

I know that SGT Contreras is a great loss to his Unit and the US Army, Because of his Skills and Ability to Soldier. Obviously, He is a much greater loss to his Family in friends because of the man he was and will always be remembered as. Thanks to this man, and many, many others WE are able to sleep in our beds at night with our Families.

SGT Contreras, I Salute you Brother, you are loved and missed my Friend.



Humbly,



Mark Whisenhunt

SGT, USA

Airborne, MP

Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss, prayers that the Lord provide you comfort and peace, and our gratitude for the work, and sacrifice, of your Soldier Andres, a true American hero. God Bless.

Dear Contreras Family, We are so very sorry about the loss of your beloved Andres. Another Angel has gotten his wings in heaven. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. With deepest sadness, the Morin-Nolda Family

What defines a hero?

What defines a man?

Is it strength?

Is it courage?

Dedication?

Love?



It is all these things and so much more



SGT Contreras was a wise man; beyond his years

He was focused, dedicated, more committed then he let on,

He was a task master when he had to be; a loving Father figure always.



It was personal to him that Soldiers lives were in his hands.

His Soldiers became his friends...his family.

He was fiercely protective; demanded the best,

Never too busy to shake a hand, flash a smile, harass, and poke fun.



He was a hero; is a hero.

A man of strength and courage

I will tell my children of him

I will teach them what he has taught me.



To SGT Contreras' family; I was fortunate enough to get to know your son while in Iraq. I have been blessed and will remember him always. May God grant you peace and surround you with his comfort and love.

Me siento orgullosa de haber conocido a un ser humano tan hermoso. Aunque no platicaba mucho con el, tengo el placer de conocer a su familia. Los estimo bastante y siento muy profundamente el dolor que su familia lleba por dentro. Para la familia Contreras, les ofresco todo mi apoyo. Estos momentos son muy dificiles y las palabras de la gente sobran. Pero sinceramente yo les brindo mi amistad mas que nunca. No estan solos y estan en mis oraciones. Le pido a Dios que les de la fuerza para seguir adelante y encuentren pronto la paz. Se les quiere demasiado. Que orgullo de haber tenido un hijo como Andres. El es un heroe. El ahora esta en un lugar donde no existe el dolor. El ahora es el angel que los cuidara desde arriba. Sepan que en mi tienen a una amiga que les quiere mucho y que les brinda ayuda en lo que sea necesario. D ios los bendiga hoy y siempre.

To the Family of SSG Andres (JoJo) Contreras. I had the pleasure of working with SSG Contreras i was one of his soldiers in his Sqd. everything that i learned as a soldier i learned from this man, he has made me the soldier that i am today, and i would like to thank all of you for raising him to be a great man. To you Grace, your dad always called you his grace from God. JoJo you will always be in our hearts and in our prayers. we all miss you, watch over us and keep us safe. Rest in Peace SSG Contreras.

Sgt Contreras, will always be missed. I'm proud to have been able to serve in Iraq with him. He always told us that he would rather be the one to be hurt other then any of his soldiers, and he held up his promise. Its very heart breaking....but with his memory in our hearts we will finish our mission and return home. Sgt Contreras saved two of his soldiers lives without knowing it. He is what a true hero is...he gave his life to save others. May god be with you, Sgt Contreras we are very proud of you. We love you!

Sgt Contreras, will always be missed. I'm proud to have been able to serve in Iraq with him. He always told us that he would rather be the one to be hurt other then any of his soldiers, and he held up his promise. Its very heart breaking....but with his memory in our hearts we will finish our mission and return home. Sgt Contreras saved two of his soldiers lives without knowing it. He is what a true hero is...he gave his life to save others. May god be with you, Sgt Contreras we are very proud of you. We love you!

To the Family of SGT Andres Contreras. It saddens me to hear of another 258 soldier falling in combat. I had the honor of serving with SGT Contreras at Ft.Polk. I know that nothing I say will bring you comfort in your time of grief. SGT Contreras will forever be in our thoughts and prayers and the Flag of the United States will always fly free because of the sacrifices made by great men like him. Rest in Peace SGT Contreras.

I am sad to hear this happen to Sgt. Andres J. Contreras. He was a very nice, smart, quiet, and corteous sweet guy. I remember him very well, from elementary school, and from Bell High School. I had him for a couple of classes. I was in disbelief when I heard the news of his death on channel 11 news. I could not believe that it was him. My heart & prayers go out to the his wife, his little girl, and his family & friends. He will never be forgotten. He will always be our hometown Hero. As well.....as our Bell High School Hero. May you Rest In Peace.

Contreras Family: I am so very sorry with the loss of your loved one & precious soldier. I know words don't take the pain away, but please know that many are grieving with you. I pay tribute to this American Hero.

Sincerely,

To the Family of Sgt. Andres J. Contreras:

My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courgeous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life. We lost a son 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday.

I know first hand there are no words right now that will bring you the comfort and peace you need. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you mourn this loss. We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with. I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally, but none of these courageous men and women will be forgotten. They will never be able to be replaced, but sometime, someday your loving memories will help to sustain you. This courageous soldier will forever now be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well. To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is those wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever. If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero. God Bless this courageous soldier and family.

Pam Adams (SFC Brent Adams, KIA 12/1/05 Ramadi, Iraq)

[email protected]

(Millersville, PA )

Please know that I am deeply sorry for your loss.

The price paid by Sgt. Andres J. Contreras and his service to our country, WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTON.

May God's comfort and blessings be with the Contreras family.

I am the sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.



"What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose,

for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us"

~ Helen Keller ~



May the memories of your loved one live in your heart always.

Softly and slowly....Time heals...