The 25-year-old platoon commander died Aug. 9, 2004, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., a month after being struck by shrapnel in a rocket-propelled grenade attack near Samarra, Iraq.
While Houghton fought to recover, those who knew him left messages on a Web site chronicling his progress. "He was one I could never forget," wrote Gay Crissman, the soldier's sixth grade reading teacher. "I am not surprised he died a hero, he was something special when he was 12 years old."
Survivors include his parents, George and Cindy and his brother Matthew C. Houghton.
_____________________________________________________________________
CAPTAIN ANDREW R. HOUGHTON, of Comfort, Texas and formerly of Richmond, Texas, died Monday, August 9, 2004 from combat injuries suffered during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 25-year-old soldier was awarded the Purple Heart in bedside ceremonies at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C on Thursday, August 5. Andy was born September 26, 1978 in Houston, Texas. He was a resident of Fort Bend County for eighteen years. A U.S. Military Academy graduate, Capt. Houghton sustained serious head wounds July 10 when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle came under rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fire in Ad Duluhia, Iraq. He commanded the 3rd Platoon, Anvil Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division. Capt. Houghton was a 1997 graduate of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School in Houston, Texas.
During his high school career, Andy was active in National Honor Society, Debate and SJET (Strake Jesuit Educational Television). He lettered in football and track. He also served on the Crusader Guard, Yearbook Staff, Freshman Retreat Team and the Debate Team at Strake Jesuit. Andy received the prestigious Crusader of the Year award in 1994.
Houghton attained the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America, that of Eagle Scout. As a high school senior he volunteered many hours at Houston Taping for the Blind.
As a member of West Point's Class of 2001, Capt. Houghton was in charge of organizing and running the Special Olympics held at West Point during his junior and senior years and was the Cadet in Charge of Counseling during 2000 Cadet Basic Training. He majored in History, Political Science and Computer Science at USMA and was an active member of the Combat Weapons Team. Capt. Houghton's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
Capt. Houghton was stationed in Germany before deploying to Iraq in February of this year. As he prepared to deploy to Iraq, Andy sent the following e-mail message to his family and friends:
Dear Family and Friends, The 4th United States Cavalry is finally deploying. I'm very proud to be able to serve with the Cavalry Scouts of 3rd Platoon, Anvil troop, 1st Squadron, 4th United States Cavalry in their efforts to bring peace and stability to the dictator- ravaged and war-torn country of Iraq. The men that I am privileged to lead are some of the finest that America has to offer, and all of you can take pride and comfort in the fact that THEY will be living their lives and carrying out their duties for 355 consecutive days for YOU and the ideals of freedom, justice, and democracy. I would ask that you please pray for them, success in their missions, and their safe return at the end of their tour. From my own personal point of view, an Army leader can work his whole career and never have such an opportunity to take soldiers like these into combat. I remain humbled and awed at what they do every day that I get to work for them. Until Later. Andy.
Capt. Houghton is survived by his parents, George and Cynthia Houghton of Comfort, brother 2LT Matthew Houghton of Fort Sill, OK and grandmothers Dee Damron of Missouri City and Wilma Houghton of Houston. He is also survived by four aunts, four uncles and six cousins. Andy was a wonderful person. He was a blessing to his family and friends and countless others literally around the world. Selfless service defined his life. He was truly a man for others.
Funeral services and burial will be held Monday, 8-16-04 at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Memorial Services will be held Wednesday, 8-18-04, at 7 PM at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory at 8900 Bellaire Blvd in Houston, Texas and Saturday, 8-21-04 at 10 AM at Fredericksburg Bible Church at 107 East Austin St. in Fredericksburg Texas. Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant!
Houston Chronicle
August 16, 2004
While Houghton fought to recover, those who knew him left messages on a Web site chronicling his progress. "He was one I could never forget," wrote Gay Crissman, the soldier's sixth grade reading teacher. "I am not surprised he died a hero, he was something special when he was 12 years old."
Survivors include his parents, George and Cindy and his brother Matthew C. Houghton.
_____________________________________________________________________
CAPTAIN ANDREW R. HOUGHTON, of Comfort, Texas and formerly of Richmond, Texas, died Monday, August 9, 2004 from combat injuries suffered during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 25-year-old soldier was awarded the Purple Heart in bedside ceremonies at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C on Thursday, August 5. Andy was born September 26, 1978 in Houston, Texas. He was a resident of Fort Bend County for eighteen years. A U.S. Military Academy graduate, Capt. Houghton sustained serious head wounds July 10 when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle came under rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fire in Ad Duluhia, Iraq. He commanded the 3rd Platoon, Anvil Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division. Capt. Houghton was a 1997 graduate of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School in Houston, Texas.
During his high school career, Andy was active in National Honor Society, Debate and SJET (Strake Jesuit Educational Television). He lettered in football and track. He also served on the Crusader Guard, Yearbook Staff, Freshman Retreat Team and the Debate Team at Strake Jesuit. Andy received the prestigious Crusader of the Year award in 1994.
Houghton attained the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America, that of Eagle Scout. As a high school senior he volunteered many hours at Houston Taping for the Blind.
As a member of West Point's Class of 2001, Capt. Houghton was in charge of organizing and running the Special Olympics held at West Point during his junior and senior years and was the Cadet in Charge of Counseling during 2000 Cadet Basic Training. He majored in History, Political Science and Computer Science at USMA and was an active member of the Combat Weapons Team. Capt. Houghton's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
Capt. Houghton was stationed in Germany before deploying to Iraq in February of this year. As he prepared to deploy to Iraq, Andy sent the following e-mail message to his family and friends:
Dear Family and Friends, The 4th United States Cavalry is finally deploying. I'm very proud to be able to serve with the Cavalry Scouts of 3rd Platoon, Anvil troop, 1st Squadron, 4th United States Cavalry in their efforts to bring peace and stability to the dictator- ravaged and war-torn country of Iraq. The men that I am privileged to lead are some of the finest that America has to offer, and all of you can take pride and comfort in the fact that THEY will be living their lives and carrying out their duties for 355 consecutive days for YOU and the ideals of freedom, justice, and democracy. I would ask that you please pray for them, success in their missions, and their safe return at the end of their tour. From my own personal point of view, an Army leader can work his whole career and never have such an opportunity to take soldiers like these into combat. I remain humbled and awed at what they do every day that I get to work for them. Until Later. Andy.
Capt. Houghton is survived by his parents, George and Cynthia Houghton of Comfort, brother 2LT Matthew Houghton of Fort Sill, OK and grandmothers Dee Damron of Missouri City and Wilma Houghton of Houston. He is also survived by four aunts, four uncles and six cousins. Andy was a wonderful person. He was a blessing to his family and friends and countless others literally around the world. Selfless service defined his life. He was truly a man for others.
Funeral services and burial will be held Monday, 8-16-04 at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Memorial Services will be held Wednesday, 8-18-04, at 7 PM at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory at 8900 Bellaire Blvd in Houston, Texas and Saturday, 8-21-04 at 10 AM at Fredericksburg Bible Church at 107 East Austin St. in Fredericksburg Texas. Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant!
Houston Chronicle
August 16, 2004
The 25-year-old platoon commander died Aug. 9, 2004, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., a month after being struck by shrapnel in a rocket-propelled grenade attack near Samarra, Iraq.
While Houghton fought to recover, those who knew him left messages on a Web site chronicling his progress. "He was one I could never forget," wrote Gay Crissman, the soldier's sixth grade reading teacher. "I am not surprised he died a hero, he was something special when he was 12 years old."
Survivors include his parents, George and Cindy and his brother Matthew C. Houghton.
_____________________________________________________________________
CAPTAIN ANDREW R. HOUGHTON, of Comfort, Texas and formerly of Richmond, Texas, died Monday, August 9, 2004 from combat injuries suffered during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 25-year-old soldier was awarded the Purple Heart in bedside ceremonies at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C on Thursday, August 5. Andy was born September 26, 1978 in Houston, Texas. He was a resident of Fort Bend County for eighteen years. A U.S. Military Academy graduate, Capt. Houghton sustained serious head wounds July 10 when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle came under rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fire in Ad Duluhia, Iraq. He commanded the 3rd Platoon, Anvil Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division. Capt. Houghton was a 1997 graduate of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School in Houston, Texas.
During his high school career, Andy was active in National Honor Society, Debate and SJET (Strake Jesuit Educational Television). He lettered in football and track. He also served on the Crusader Guard, Yearbook Staff, Freshman Retreat Team and the Debate Team at Strake Jesuit. Andy received the prestigious Crusader of the Year award in 1994.
Houghton attained the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America, that of Eagle Scout. As a high school senior he volunteered many hours at Houston Taping for the Blind.
As a member of West Point's Class of 2001, Capt. Houghton was in charge of organizing and running the Special Olympics held at West Point during his junior and senior years and was the Cadet in Charge of Counseling during 2000 Cadet Basic Training. He majored in History, Political Science and Computer Science at USMA and was an active member of the Combat Weapons Team. Capt. Houghton's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
Capt. Houghton was stationed in Germany before deploying to Iraq in February of this year. As he prepared to deploy to Iraq, Andy sent the following e-mail message to his family and friends:
Dear Family and Friends, The 4th United States Cavalry is finally deploying. I'm very proud to be able to serve with the Cavalry Scouts of 3rd Platoon, Anvil troop, 1st Squadron, 4th United States Cavalry in their efforts to bring peace and stability to the dictator- ravaged and war-torn country of Iraq. The men that I am privileged to lead are some of the finest that America has to offer, and all of you can take pride and comfort in the fact that THEY will be living their lives and carrying out their duties for 355 consecutive days for YOU and the ideals of freedom, justice, and democracy. I would ask that you please pray for them, success in their missions, and their safe return at the end of their tour. From my own personal point of view, an Army leader can work his whole career and never have such an opportunity to take soldiers like these into combat. I remain humbled and awed at what they do every day that I get to work for them. Until Later. Andy.
Capt. Houghton is survived by his parents, George and Cynthia Houghton of Comfort, brother 2LT Matthew Houghton of Fort Sill, OK and grandmothers Dee Damron of Missouri City and Wilma Houghton of Houston. He is also survived by four aunts, four uncles and six cousins. Andy was a wonderful person. He was a blessing to his family and friends and countless others literally around the world. Selfless service defined his life. He was truly a man for others.
Funeral services and burial will be held Monday, 8-16-04 at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Memorial Services will be held Wednesday, 8-18-04, at 7 PM at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory at 8900 Bellaire Blvd in Houston, Texas and Saturday, 8-21-04 at 10 AM at Fredericksburg Bible Church at 107 East Austin St. in Fredericksburg Texas. Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant!
Houston Chronicle
August 16, 2004
While Houghton fought to recover, those who knew him left messages on a Web site chronicling his progress. "He was one I could never forget," wrote Gay Crissman, the soldier's sixth grade reading teacher. "I am not surprised he died a hero, he was something special when he was 12 years old."
Survivors include his parents, George and Cindy and his brother Matthew C. Houghton.
_____________________________________________________________________
CAPTAIN ANDREW R. HOUGHTON, of Comfort, Texas and formerly of Richmond, Texas, died Monday, August 9, 2004 from combat injuries suffered during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 25-year-old soldier was awarded the Purple Heart in bedside ceremonies at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C on Thursday, August 5. Andy was born September 26, 1978 in Houston, Texas. He was a resident of Fort Bend County for eighteen years. A U.S. Military Academy graduate, Capt. Houghton sustained serious head wounds July 10 when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle came under rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fire in Ad Duluhia, Iraq. He commanded the 3rd Platoon, Anvil Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division. Capt. Houghton was a 1997 graduate of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School in Houston, Texas.
During his high school career, Andy was active in National Honor Society, Debate and SJET (Strake Jesuit Educational Television). He lettered in football and track. He also served on the Crusader Guard, Yearbook Staff, Freshman Retreat Team and the Debate Team at Strake Jesuit. Andy received the prestigious Crusader of the Year award in 1994.
Houghton attained the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America, that of Eagle Scout. As a high school senior he volunteered many hours at Houston Taping for the Blind.
As a member of West Point's Class of 2001, Capt. Houghton was in charge of organizing and running the Special Olympics held at West Point during his junior and senior years and was the Cadet in Charge of Counseling during 2000 Cadet Basic Training. He majored in History, Political Science and Computer Science at USMA and was an active member of the Combat Weapons Team. Capt. Houghton's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
Capt. Houghton was stationed in Germany before deploying to Iraq in February of this year. As he prepared to deploy to Iraq, Andy sent the following e-mail message to his family and friends:
Dear Family and Friends, The 4th United States Cavalry is finally deploying. I'm very proud to be able to serve with the Cavalry Scouts of 3rd Platoon, Anvil troop, 1st Squadron, 4th United States Cavalry in their efforts to bring peace and stability to the dictator- ravaged and war-torn country of Iraq. The men that I am privileged to lead are some of the finest that America has to offer, and all of you can take pride and comfort in the fact that THEY will be living their lives and carrying out their duties for 355 consecutive days for YOU and the ideals of freedom, justice, and democracy. I would ask that you please pray for them, success in their missions, and their safe return at the end of their tour. From my own personal point of view, an Army leader can work his whole career and never have such an opportunity to take soldiers like these into combat. I remain humbled and awed at what they do every day that I get to work for them. Until Later. Andy.
Capt. Houghton is survived by his parents, George and Cynthia Houghton of Comfort, brother 2LT Matthew Houghton of Fort Sill, OK and grandmothers Dee Damron of Missouri City and Wilma Houghton of Houston. He is also survived by four aunts, four uncles and six cousins. Andy was a wonderful person. He was a blessing to his family and friends and countless others literally around the world. Selfless service defined his life. He was truly a man for others.
Funeral services and burial will be held Monday, 8-16-04 at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Memorial Services will be held Wednesday, 8-18-04, at 7 PM at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory at 8900 Bellaire Blvd in Houston, Texas and Saturday, 8-21-04 at 10 AM at Fredericksburg Bible Church at 107 East Austin St. in Fredericksburg Texas. Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant!
Houston Chronicle
August 16, 2004
