Memorial Scholarship Fund awards four $1,500 scholarships in Andrew's honor to graduating high school seniors in the State of Rhode Island. First Sergeant Peter Andrew McKenna, Jr., "Drew" to friends and "Andrew" to family, was born in 1980 and grew up in Bristol, Rhode Island. At the age of 5, Andrew decided to be a soldier, and at 7, he determined he was going to become a part of the highly-resp
ected Army Special Forces. Andrew entered the Army on July 24, 1998, as an Infantryman following his graduation from Mt. In April 2001 he went to selection for Special Forces, and attained his dream of becoming a Green Beret in 2003, where Andrew was assigned to the First Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, based in Eglin Airforce Base, Florida. Andrew did 1 tour in Iraq, and was on his 5th tour in Afghanistan. He was well known at each of his duty stations for his attention to detail, strong work ethic, commitment to excellence and quick humor. Andrew received more than 18 military awards and decorations including a Bronze Star with Valor, earned on his first trip to Afghanistan in 2004-2005, and ending with a Silver Star for his actions on the night of August 7th 2015 when he was killed in Kabul, Afghanistan, from enemy small arms fire during a complex attack on the coalition facility, Camp Integrity. Drew would constantly challenge anyone in his path. He recognized that his ability to see the weaknesses in a person's armor was his way of drawing the best out of them. He had the bearing of a leader and shouldered the burden of responsibility with pride. He wanted to be in charge. He wanted to teach, train, mentor and lead those around him. He was quick with advice, but also a good listener, helping you reach his pre-determined solution to your problem on your own. Andrew loved his Harley Davidson’s, although he did trade them all in for a Mercedes Benz. Andrew was a brave soldier, loving son, big brother to Patrick and a loyal and caring friend who never failed to put a smile on the faces of those around him. He will forever be remembered by family, friends, and fellow soldiers as an unwavering hero. To read more about 1SG P. Andrew McKenna, Jr., please click on the link below. http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/2015/08/12/green-beret-killed-afghanistan-recommended-silver-star/31553947/
