Tragedy has once again struck a Bristol, R.I., couple, whose eldest child, a decorated U.S. Army Green Beret killed Friday in combat in Afghanistan, became the second son they’ve lost in the past decade.
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McKenna was recently recognized for having traveled the furthest distance to be at the 2015 Bristol Fourth Of July Celebration…. So while we didn’t know Andrew McKenna or his family, we probably knew someone who knew them.
On Saturday, Reed called McKenna “an extraordinary young man with a big heart and a dedicated, distinguished soldier”.
Rhode Island U.S. Sen. While deployed, he served in the position of First Sergeant.
McKenna is the son of Carol and Peter McKenna.
Gov. Gina Raimondo ordered flags flown at half-staff beginning Tuesday through his funeral services. I’ve had the privilege of meeting Andrew and his family. Sgt.
He had served for 17 years, including five tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq, Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., tweeted Sunday morning.
There were at least two other Soldiers injured in the attack, although there is no information on their condition at this time.
Master Sgt. Peter Andrew McKenna died of “wounds when he was attacked by enemy small arms fire” in Kabul, the Defense Department said.
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And State Representative Raymond Gallison, who represents Bristol and Portsmouth, told Eyewitness News that news of McKenna’s death had “shaken the whole town of Bristol”, calling McKenna an unassuming person whose family had strong ties to the community.
