Enterprise turns out to pay respects to fallen soldier

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Interview with Andrew Hand's Parents (Added: July 30, 2010)

An interview with Andrew Hand's parents about Andrew's life and personality. (more)

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The body of Enterprise native, Andrew Hand who was killed by a roadside bomb earlier this week in Afghanistan, is unloaded from a plane at the Enterprise airport on Friday morning.
Jay Hare / jhare@dothaneagle.com Collection of images taken during the return of Andrew Hand's body at the Enterprise Airport on Friday morning. Hand was killed by a roadside bomb while serving his country in Afghanistan. Members of the Patriot Guard, family, friends along with residents lined the streets to pay tribute.
Collection of images taken during the return of Andrew Hand's body at the Enterprise Airport on Friday morning. Hand was killed by a roadside bomb while serving his country in Afghanistan. Members of the Patriot Guard, family, friends along with residents lined the streets to pay tribute.
Collection of images taken during the return of Andrew Hand's body at the Enterprise Airport on Friday morning. Hand was killed by a roadside bomb while serving his country in Afghanistan. Members of the Patriot Guard, family, friends along with residents lined the streets to pay tribute.
Collection of images taken during the return of Andrew Hand's body at the Enterprise Airport on Friday morning. Hand was killed by a roadside bomb while serving his country in Afghanistan. Members of the Patriot Guard, family, friends along with residents lined the streets to pay tribute.
Collection of images taken during the return of Andrew Hand's body at the Enterprise Airport on Friday morning. Hand was killed by a roadside bomb while serving his country in Afghanistan. Members of the Patriot Guard, family, friends along with residents lined the streets to pay tribute.

By: Lance Griffin | Dothan Eagle
Published: July 30, 2010

ENTERPRISE --

The flags at the airport here flew at half staff Friday morning as the family of Spc. Andrew Hand gathered on the edge of the tarmac, waiting for a flight carrying his body.

Outside, a grateful community gathered. Hundreds waving American flags came to the airport, stopped on the side of Aviation Boulevard and spilled onto Boll Weevil Circle.

Veterans Tom Samuels and Lee Brusse stood in the median of Boll Weevil Circle and awaited the procession. When asked why he felt it was important to honor Hand this way, Samuels didn’t have to struggle for words.

“Because we’re Americans,” he said.

Spc. Hand was killed last Saturday in Qalat, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee. Hand and three other soldiers were killed. July has been the deadliest month for American soldiers since the war in Afghanistan began. As of Friday, 66 American soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan this month.

Hand’s wife, Amanda, escorted by family and servicemen, received the body at the airport and accompanied it to Sorrells Funeral Home.

Amanda met Andrew in High School in Enterprise. She said she became attracted to Andrew because he had a laid-back personality and a distinct laugh.

“I can still see him laughing right now in front of me,” she said. “I loved to hear him laugh because it would always make me laugh.”

Scores of other friends and residents awaited Hand and the family at the funeral home. Several made a large hand-made sign that said “We Love You Andrew.”

As the procession moved by the people lined on both sides of Boll Weevil Circle, Audren Ellis waved a flag. Others saluted and still others put their handover their heart.

“This is a very military town,” said Ellis, whose nephew just left for a third tour in Iraq. “You want to come out here to let the family know how grateful you are and to support those little children too.”

Spc. Hand has two young children, Tristan and Gavin.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Sorrells Funeral Home in Enterprise. A visitation will be held Friday from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. A separate service is planned Monday in Birmingham. Burial with full military honors will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo.