From the minute Andrew joined the Heroes to Heroes family, it was obvious there was something special about him. Little did I know that he would affect my life in so many ways. Prior to his joining Heroes to Heroes, Andrew had attempted suicide multiple times. During his deployments to Iraq, he had seen too much, done too much, lost too many. His guilt was overpowering. His disconnection from family, friends and faith did not allow him to move forward.
It was during his journey to Israel with Heroes to Heroes that Andrew began to find himself. Through baptism in the Jordan River, he began to reconnect with his faith and his creator. On his 30th birthday, after painting a stairwell at a nursing home in Tel Aviv with his Heroes to Heroes team, he had two experiences that would help define his life.
At the nursing home, he spoke with a Holocaust survivor. She told him that she had a wonderful life and explained that having the opportunity to live in Israel, her own country, with her entire family including great-grandchildren, was the greatest gift G-d could have ever given her. She was grateful every day. At a stop at a bakery, Andrew met an elderly Israeli woman who asked what he was doing in Israel. He explained Heroes to Heroes and told her he was celebrating his birthday. She then bought him a doughnut for his birthday.
Andrew later told me that his 30th birthday was one he will never forget. It was a turning point for him. He learned that if the Holocaust survivor could get through her trauma and have a great life, he could do the same. He also learned how a small gesture can make an enormous difference to someone. He savored that moment in the bakery and the doughnut that followed.
Andrew came home from his experience in Israel and became part of our family. He visited me in New Jersey and spent time playing tennis and connecting with my son, Moshe. The two of them developed a strong friendship. As my husband and I moved to Florida, near Andrew and his family, Andrew became an even larger part of our lives.
As a dedicated Heroes to Heroes alum, Andrew was given the opportunity to coach a team of veterans. He traveled to Israel with his team and made a significant impact on the lives of the 12 Americans and three Israelis he coached. His sense of purpose, dedication, caring and love for his fellow veterans showed through in everything he did.
Andrew returned home and volunteered to work as my assistant. He took his work seriously and enjoyed spending time in our home, working alongside me and my husband, Zev. Andrew was truly part of our family.
On September 3, 2020, I received a call from Andrew’s father. Andrew had died overnight, at the age of 34. It was the most shocking, horrifying call I have ever received. I had just spoken to Andrew. He was excited about a project we were working on. We were set to work together that morning. How could this happen? Andrew had beaten his demons.
Going into the High Holiday season was distressing. My dreams all included Andrew. What had I missed? What could I have done differently? How could G-d let this happen to a young man who had won his war against suicide? Andrew had chosen life and chosen to return to his faith.
Returning to synagogue for COVID-19-era services was the blessing I needed. Reciting the prayers that I have recited since I was a teen brought me to a calm I had not experienced since Andrew’s death. I was able to let go of a bit of the pain and guilt and begin to think about the beauty of his life. His ready smile, his sarcastic humor, his love and respect for his parents and family, flashed through my mind. I was able to thank G-d for giving me Andrew and thank his parents for sharing him with me and my family.
I looked across the mechitza at my husband, Zev. It took us almost a lifetime to find one another. His support for my dedication to Heroes to Heroes and his love for Andrew and his family, and all the veterans we serve helped me get through this dark time. Zev is a gift I thank G-d for every day.
The following December we learned that Andrew had died from complications due to medication he was taking for a condition he picked up in Iraq. I felt a combination of relief and sadness, grateful that Andrew did not make the choice, but incredibly sad nonetheless. Thank you, Andrew, for reminding me of what is important. Rest in peace, my friend. I love you forever.
On Monday, November 15, 2021, please join us at the first annual Heroes to Heroes Andrew F. Snow Memorial Golf and Tennis Tournament, chaired by Andrew’s father, Art Snow. Play golf, tennis, sponsor all or part of the event, and donate. It costs $10,000 per veteran for to take part in the Heroes to Heroes one-year program. Andrew wanted to take a team of 12 on the Heroes to Heroes journey to Israel each year. Let us work together to build his legacy. Donate now at www.heroestoheroes.org For more information call 201-851-2409. Heroes to Heroes is a 501(c)(3) organization.
