Fallen Humboldt Park soldier honored in song

'This is for Francheska,' cousin says at Fort Hood memorial

For most of the Monday evening vigil, friends and family of Army Pfc. Francheska Velez let the music speak for them.

Cousin Sandy Rivera urged the crowd gathered outside Velez's family's home in the 4300 block of West Kamerling, "Listen to the words. This is for Francheska."

Velez, 21, was among the 13 people killed in a shooting Thursday at Fort Hood in Texas. Three months pregnant, the soldier known to family and friends as Cheka had returned from Iraq earlier in the week and was planning to spend the holidays in Chicago.

Cousin Ryan Cullen raised his hand as Jay-Z rapped, "Chicago's missing you. . . . This goes to the memory of all our fallen soldiers. . . . We're not remembering your death. We're celebrating your life."

Later, aunt Margie Motero encouraged the crowd to join her in the chorus of "I'll Be Missing You," dedicating the song, "This is for all the soldiers at Fort Hood."

By the time taps played, about 100 people were consoling each other at the tribute, coordinated by Velez's Kelvyn Park High School classmates.

"No one had anything bad to say about Cheka," said friend Melinda DeJesus.