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<p><em>Andrew Ryan Houghton</em>, the son of Cynthia and George Houghton, was born in Houston, TX. He graduated from Strake Jesuit Preparatory School in Houston, where he was active in multiple sports, National Honor Society, debate team, and several other activities and clubs. He earned letters in track and football and was also active in Strake Jesuit Educational Television. He was a dedicated community volunteer, serving with Boy Scouts of America (earning his Eagle Scout) and working with Houston Taping for the Blind. In 1994, he earned the “Crusader of the Year” award due to others already recognizing the quality of who Andy was and would eventually become. He earned an appointment to USMA with the Class of 2001.</p>
<p>He started his West Point time as a C-4 “Cowboy” for his first two years (which explains why he’d give an enthusiastic and often obnoxious “Go Cowboys, fired up C-4...Yee Hah!”) and finished his last two years in Company F-3 “F-Troop” (where he’d shout an equally enthusiastic “Mount Up!”). Andy excelled in academic work as a political science major and was also active on the Combat Weapons Team. Andy was a great writer, loved history and information technology, and helped other cadets as a tutor. He also continued his volunteerism at West Point by taking on notable leadership roles as the lead cadet organizing the Hudson Valley Special Olympics for two years and serving as the cadet-in-charge of counseling during Cadet Basic Training his senior year. </p>
<p>With his signature infectious smile, Andy was a dependable, knowledgeable, and resourceful cadet. It was clear that he enjoyed life, but it is notable that he also took the time to ensure he could help others along the way. In almost every way, he dealt with other cadets with an abnormally high amount of charity and grace (with the exception being when anyone dared to challenge the idea of how wonderful it was to be from the great state of Texas).</p>
<p>As a cadet, he was great at academics and could complete research papers in a comparatively short amount of time. Because of his efficiency, Andy had plenty of time for extracurricular activities, as well as jokes and good-natured pranks. Some of these jokes even affected people at other campuses of higher learning. One of his most recurring jokes was to answer his roommate’s desk phone as if it were a doctor’s office or a Mexican restaurant. His roommate’s fiancé would frequently call from her college, and Andy would answer, “Hello, Doctor Hansford’s office—would you like to schedule an appointment?” or “Hola, Casa de Tacos!” “Hi again, Andy,” his roommate’s fiancé would say, to which Andy would respond as if he was astonished: “How could you tell it was me?”</p>
<p>Andy graduated from USMA in 2001 and was commissioned as an Armor officer where his duty station after training was Schweinfurt, Germany. He deployed to Iraq in February 2004 as a member of 4th U.S. Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division (“Big Red One”), where he led his Bradley platoon into combat. He considered this duty to be a privilege and an honor, one that he took very seriously. Though, he never took himself too seriously. In a short period of time, he was able to develop a rare relationship with his platoon that should serve as a goal for all lieutenants to achieve. </p>
<p>As Lieutenant Houghton, Andy recognized the serious nature of the responsibility he held in leading his soldiers into combat. In his own words, “I would ask that you please pray for [my soldiers], 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.”</p>
<p>While leading from the front and exposing himself to enemy fire while on a mission during Operation Iraqi Freedom II, he was seriously wounded when his Bradley was hit by RPG fire while on patrol in Ad Duluiyah, Iraq. His men were able to evacuate him to a field hospital where his strength and constitution kept him alive when other men may have succumbed to their wounds. He was eventually transported back to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, where he fought to recover but later died of wounds on August 9, 2004. </p>
<p>Andy was known for always having a smile on his face and a joke at the ready. His good cheer was infectious and, along with his easy-going attitude, was a boost to morale given the difficult conditions. Andy’s soldiers loved the combination of his gentle demeanor, sense of humor, and top-notch performance. </p>
<p>All of Andy’s family and friends are better off having spent time with him. He treated others the way he would want to be treated. He became an influence for good by being a part of what was greater than himself. Andy had a wonderful impact on those around him and he is truly missed.</p>
<p><em>— Friends</em></p>
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