LAFAYETTE, IN, USA U.S. Army SGT, COMPANY A, 1ST BATTALION, 5TH CAVALRY, FORT HOOD, TX BAGHDAD, IRAQ 05/03/2007
Andrew R. Weiss liked to travel with Jack Kerouac’s popular book, On the Road. He also had a tattoo on his arm to honor Hunter S. Thompson.
Weiss, 28, of Lafayette, Ind., was killed May 3 in Baghdad by a roadside bomb. He was assigned to Fort Hood.
When Kate Weiss remembers her late husband, Andy, she breaks out in a big smile. Andy was always a deep thinker, trying to figure out the meaning of life, said his wife, Kate. He was figuring himself out and growing constantly.
A 1997 high school graduate, he received his associate’s degree in construction technology from Vincennes University in 2000. He enjoyed recreational target shooting. Andy was really laid-back and funny, said his wife. He could carry the weight of the world on his shoulders as if it was a feather.
He also is survived by his children, Lillian, 4, and Jacob, 1. The couple called their son Jack in honor of Kerouac.
His wife said other soldiers respected her husband’s intelligence. They called him something like ‘The Professor.’ He carried his books and tried to get the guys to read more, she said. She said the final package she sent to him included a Gonzo T-shirt and his favorite Chicago Cubs hat.
“Lilly wrote her name, and Andy was thrilled,” she said.
Weiss’ mother, Judith Weiss of West Lafayette, said Thursday that her son was an admirable person.
“I’m exceedingly proud of the man that he turned out to be and the loving husband and father that he was,” she said. “He always brought joy to his late father and me.”
Andy and Kate had their first date in September 1996. They both graduated in 1997 from high school — she from Benton Central and he from West Lafayette. They were married in October 2000.Kate said many of Andy’s friends will come to the visitation and funeral. Some are coming from Germany, Hawaii and Florida.
“They are his battle buddies from his first deployment,” Kate said. She said she will “celebrate” Andy’s life Sunday.
“Andy gave me the best decade of my life.”