Reed says in a news release Saturday that all Rhode Islanders are mourning the loss of First Sgt.
Advertisement
The Army said McKenna began his service in 1998 as an infantryman, and qualified for Special Forces in 2002.
Reed called McKenna “an extraordinary young man with a big heart and a dedicated, distinguished soldier”. “I shook his hand and I said, ‘Congratulations, I wish you the best, stay safe, ‘” Bristol Town Administrator Antonio “Tony” Teixeira, a longtime family friend, told the Herald. America has lost a true patriot and I offer my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers.
“Master Sergeant McKenna served our nation with distinction”.
Gov. Gina Raimondo ordered flags flown at half-staff beginning Tuesday through his funeral services.
Sgt. McKenna’s parents, Carol and Peter McKenna, who Teixeira said have left the state to identify their boy’s remains, “were very emotional” to see him honored on Independence Day. McKenna had 17 years invested in the military, including five tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq.
Two other attacks included a suicide bomber attacking recruits outside a police academy, as well as the attack on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation base.
Advertisement
The Pentagon said Sunday that 35-year-old Master Sgt. Peter Andrew McKenna Jr., 35, died Friday in Kabul during an attack on a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation facility. “One Resolute Support service member, eight Resolute Support contracted Afghan civilians, and four insurgent attackers were killed”.
