Cw4 Andres Arango

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Andres Arango (age 39), an allied trades warrant officer, died on July 3rd, 2023. Born in Manhattan, New York Andres spent his early childhood in New York and Medellin, Colombia, but most was spent in Miami, Florida where his family relocated to when he was in 4th grade. He spent his free time as a Junior Explorer for customs and border patrol, learning anything and everything he could about engines, working in various settings from selling shoes to running a lawn care business and spending time with his friends and family. His family remembers him as a protector, with constant energy and passion to understand how things work, routinely taking apart items around the home and putting them back together at a young age. They saw his passion for travel and mechanics for which was supported through his enlistment into the Army as a Heavy Wheeled Mechanic (63B).

He joined the Army in July 2002 and was stationed in Germany in the 512th Maintenance Company where he made lifelong friendships, met his wife Rosalind and was inspired by his leaders to pursue a career as a warrant officer. He became a warrant officer in 2009 and went on to be a graduate of the Allied Trades Technician Warrant Officer Advanced Course in 2013 and the Ordnance Warrant Officer Intermediate Level Education Course in 2019. He was recognized as a Demonstrated Senior Logistician. Andres served over 21 years on active duty with various deployments, duty stations, achievements and accolades.

His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Army Commendation Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters. But what Andres was most proud of included his impressively long list on his driving qualifications license, his many trades certifications and his Schützenschnur qualification.

Andres was a lifelong learner and was constantly studying something new. He spent a lot of his free time in his shop, learning trades and obtaining multiple certifications in many subjects including welding, HVAC, mechanics, 3D printing and CNC to name a few. He had a passion for flight and was an avid drone operator. He was extremely happy to obtain his pilot’s license while stationed in Alaska and flew many family members and friends on adventures around the Anchorage area. He valued a well-rounded education and despite many obstacles to traditional college he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in Space Studies with a focus in rocket propulsion. What most people did not know about Andres is his priority to support others at any cost. He had a deep passion to see his friends and loved ones succeed, even at his own expense. Although he had a cool and collected exterior, he always had time to stop and speak to someone in need. Then magically, he would use his powers to solve the issue, whether the other party was aware or not.

Andres lit up around his children and the other kids in his life. He loved rocking babies and chasing toddlers. He was known to sit at the kids table during holiday dinners and was usually the instigator for mischievous behavior. He was happiest when spending time with his friends and family. Friends remember him as a hard worker, excellent mechanic, loyal friend and freely giving of his affection and knowledge. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix or build! So talented. Andres constantly strived to improve himself and help the people around him. In times of difficulty Andres would put his own needs aside and would always show up, to humbly and selflessly serve others. He truly enjoyed other people’s successes more than his own.

Andres was a dedicated father and husband, as Rosalind’s biggest supporter he encouraged her to fulfill many dreams and was incredibly proud of her accomplishments. He worked tirelessly to ensure that his children had every opportunity possible. He loved spending time with his family working on projects in his shop, watching movies and taking road trips. The things his children will miss about him most is his smile, laughter and pockets full of candy.

He leaves behind his wife Rosalind, and their two children, Adrian (age 11) and Luis (age 6), who he loved deeply. He also leaves his parents Fernando and Luz Arango and his sister Pamela Arango and her family, a large extended family including cousins, aunts and uncles, mother and father-in-laws, sister and brother-in-laws, and several nieces and nephews. Andres will be sorely missed by his family, community of friends and fellow service members.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM Friday, August 18, 2023 at the All American Chapel, 5301 Ardennes Street, Fort Liberty, NC 28310 with Chaplain (MAJ) Michael Bielefeld officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made https://gofund.me/df9825e1