Honor Andrew Richards: Support His Final Journey

*** UPDATED December 25th***

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and thank you all again for your generosity.

We've reached our goal. If you would still like to contribute, we will gladly distribute any future donations, as noted below in #5.

Andy's ceremony and cremation have been postponed, awaiting a release from the Cambodian government. We will reschedule once the paperwork is complete.

We understand this is disappointing and frustrating. I'm sorry, and we will update this group as soon as possible.

*** UPDATED December 20th ***

Thank you all so much for your generosity!

His Buddhist ceremony and creation are scheduled for 9 a.m. on 28 December.

A boat trip to scatter his ashes on the Mekong River is tentatively scheduled for the first or second weekend in January.

I've updated the goal as we received some unexpected administrative fees. Please see below for details.

Thank you again, and we wish you all the best this holiday season.

***************************************************************

Andrew Richards: 1950 - 2024

Andy passed gently into the beyond on 13 December in his Phnom Penh apartment.

Originally from Wisconsin, Andy served as a Field Artilleryman in the 101st Airborne, including a deployment to Vietnam from 1970 to 1971. He earned a Bronze Star and was honorably discharged. He was proud of his service, being Airborne, and his Combat Infantry Badge, but his feelings about the war were complicated.

After his time in the Army, Andy moved around the US, spending time in Wisconsin and the West Coast before moving to Cambodia in 2002. He was a life member of the Mayaguez Memorial VFW Post 11575.

Due to a series of medical issues starting in 2021, his finances were stretched thin, and he passed without the funds needed for a proper sendoff.

This account has been created to cover the following expenses (updated 12/20):

1. Cremation, $1,000.

2. Buddhist funeral in Phnom Penh, $500.

3. Administrative fees, up to $1,000. Payable to the Cambodian government related to the death and cremation of foreigners. This line item has been added on 12/20, as we were made aware of it yesterday evening. While these fees are routine, I forgot to account for them. We have been presented with one bill for $600 that we need to pay and another for $300 that we have questioned. If we successfully contest any of the fees, the money will be split between Andy's girlfriend and the family of another veteran who passed away earlier this year. Please see the earlier update at the bottom of the page.

4. To provide a token of appreciation for his girlfriend, $1,000.

She attended to him during his final years and was a great source of comfort, especially during the last six months, as his constant companion and caregiver.

5. If we surpass our goal, any additional donations and unused funds will be split between Andy’s girlfriend and the widow of Mack Stephens. Mack was a Marine and Vietnam veteran living in Cambodia who passed away in January, leaving his Cambodian wife and four-year-old son. The son is an American citizen entitled to survivor benefits from Social Security. Unfortunately, almost a year later, the SSA’s office has refused to process his claim.

Andy was proudly independent and would be distressed by a public request for money on his behalf and all this fuss, but he would also be grateful.

For those in Phnom Penh who would rather provide cash, please let me know. I will connect you with a contact from the local VFW post and update this site with your donation.

For additional information about the ceremony in Cambodia and the potential military service in Wisconson, please see our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1240300730413093

Thank you