School mourns soldier

"It's a big loss to everyone here. The faculty loved him and so did the students," said Aragon Principal Kirk Black.

A somber mood swept over the school Tuesday morning as people learned of Dang's death. Derrick Kenmotsu, a fellow 2002 graduate, was on campus to make a speech about the U.S. Military Academy at West Point when he heard the news. Both graduated from middle and high school together. After graduation, Kenmotsu joined West Point from which he'll graduate in 2006.

"It was a lot to take before I was giving that whole talk," said Kenmotsu. "It makes me realize how realistic the conflict is."

Dang joined the Marines April 14 last year to gain technical experience and earn money for a college degree he planned on earning as soon as he got out of the service, said technology teacher and robotics team advisor Bill Faustine.

Although he left Aragon two years ago, Dang's legacy lives on in the robotics team. He created the team his sophomore year and spent countless hours tinkering with machinery after school. Former teachers described him as loyal, committed and purposeful.

Faustine said Dang lacked direction his first two years of high school, but with the help of a few good teachers and coaches was able to push himself in the right direction. By his senior year, Dang was taking multiple advanced placement classes in physics and chemistry.

"He had a kind of passion for science and technology. He was always the last one out of the shop," said Katie Ward, a science teacher who advises the robotics team.

Dang's passion for science stretched into his free time as well. He often spent weekends creating small rockets with friends like Micah Van Nuys.

Van Nuys, a student at College of San Mateo and Skyline College, said Dang convinced him to join the robotics team when he was a junior. The two would often spend weekends creating robots and rockets together. Van Nuys, 18, last saw Dang near New Year's Day when he came home for a brief visit. Since then, Dang sent letters to Van Nuys every two to three weeks.

"Andrew believed in what he was doing," said Van Nuys. "He said it was a good thing."

Full of excitement, Dang boasted to friends when he found out he was headed for Iraq. He was afraid he might get sent to a less exciting place like Japan or San Diego, said Van Nuys.

When Dang arrived in Kuwait only a few weeks ago he sent off a flurry of letters to friends, family and a former teacher. Dang's letter to Ward described his surroundings in detail - down to the dimensions of the tent he was sleeping in and how many marines fit inside. Ward sent her response a week ago and said she's afraid the letter will be returned to her in the coming weeks.

"When I was writing it, I realized I didn't know much about how the military machine works. I remember not telling him about me worrying," said Ward. "But I just had a bad feeling before he left."

The worrying isn't over yet. Dang's younger brother, Anthony, signed up for military service a few weeks ago and is expected to ship out soon.

Dang's body is expected to reach the United States in about a week. Meanwhile, Aragon High School students are signing banners and cards for the family. Memorial services will be announced later this week.

Dana Yates can be reached by e-mail: dana@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 106. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.