LAWRENCE - The body of Alex R. Jimenez, a Lawrence soldier who was kidnapped by Al Qaeda-linked terrorists more than a year ago, has been found in Iraq in a tragic ending to a family's desperate hope for his return.
Jimenez's father, Ramon "Andy" Jimenez, was notified by the Army yesterday that his son's body was found two days ago by Iraqi authorities, who contacted their American counterparts. He was identified by dental records. The body of a comrade who went missing at the same time was also found.
The elder Jimenez, often rubbing his moist eyes, had held out hope that he would one day see his son's return. But last night he seemed to come to terms with the news.
"It comforts you when you accept something, and Alex did what he wanted to do," said Andy Jimenez, who was joined yesterday by friends, family, and a community of supporters who had rallied around him since Alex Jimenez first went missing on May 12, 2007.
Sergeant Alex Jimenez, an Army specialist who was promoted in January, was 25 when he and other members of the Second Brigade of the 10th Mountain Division were ambushed while on patrol on a deserted highway south of Baghdad. Four other members of his unit and an Iraqi translator were also killed.
Jimenez and two other soldiers were kidnapped. The body of Private First Class Joseph J. Anzack Jr., 20, of Torrance, Calif., was discovered in a river 11 days later. Private Byron W. Fouty, 19, of Waterford, Mich., was kidnapped with Jimenez, and his body was also found by Iraqi authorities Wednesday.
Two Pentagon officials with knowledge of the case said that the military plans to announce the discovery of Jimenez's body today, in accordance with Pentagon policy that no announcement will be made until 24 hours after a family is notified.
Andy Jimenez, 54, a carpenter, was leaving for work yesterday when he returned home to retrieve a cellphone. His niece told him Army officials had been there. Later, three officials returned, including a chaplain and a Spanish-speaking soldier to communicate with him.
Yesterday, a community that had embraced the Jimenez family continued to support the father. An American flag hung from his home near a sign that read, "Until they are home."
"Hopefully we can just be here for them in anything that they need," said City Councilor Grisel Silva, who represents the district where the family lives. She was visiting with the family last night.
Family's hopes for soldier end
LAWRENCE - The body of Alex R. Jimenez, a Lawrence soldier who was kidnapped by Al Qaeda-linked terrorists more than a year ago, has been found in Iraq in a tragic ending to a family's desperate hope for his return.
Jimenez's father, Ramon "Andy" Jimenez, was notified by the Army yesterday that his son's body was found two days ago by Iraqi authorities, who contacted their American counterparts. He was identified by dental records. The body of a comrade who went missing at the same time was also found.
The elder Jimenez, often rubbing his moist eyes, had held out hope that he would one day see his son's return. But last night he seemed to come to terms with the news.
"It comforts you when you accept something, and Alex did what he wanted to do," said Andy Jimenez, who was joined yesterday by friends, family, and a community of supporters who had rallied around him since Alex Jimenez first went missing on May 12, 2007.
Sergeant Alex Jimenez, an Army specialist who was promoted in January, was 25 when he and other members of the Second Brigade of the 10th Mountain Division were ambushed while on patrol on a deserted highway south of Baghdad. Four other members of his unit and an Iraqi translator were also killed.
Jimenez and two other soldiers were kidnapped. The body of Private First Class Joseph J. Anzack Jr., 20, of Torrance, Calif., was discovered in a river 11 days later. Private Byron W. Fouty, 19, of Waterford, Mich., was kidnapped with Jimenez, and his body was also found by Iraqi authorities Wednesday.
Two Pentagon officials with knowledge of the case said that the military plans to announce the discovery of Jimenez's body today, in accordance with Pentagon policy that no announcement will be made until 24 hours after a family is notified.
Andy Jimenez, 54, a carpenter, was leaving for work yesterday when he returned home to retrieve a cellphone. His niece told him Army officials had been there. Later, three officials returned, including a chaplain and a Spanish-speaking soldier to communicate with him.
Yesterday, a community that had embraced the Jimenez family continued to support the father. An American flag hung from his home near a sign that read, "Until they are home."
"Hopefully we can just be here for them in anything that they need," said City Councilor Grisel Silva, who represents the district where the family lives. She was visiting with the family last night.
