A pint and a toast for a fund and a soldier

Friends and family gather to remember and honor 1st Sgt. P. Andrew McKenna

By Manuel C. "Manny" Correira
Posted 2/6/19

The annual McKenna Beer Tasting event never seems to lose its flavor.

For the fourth consecutive year, family members and friends of the late First Sgt. P. Andrew McKenna congregated inside …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Register to post events


If you'd like to post an event to our calendar, you can create a free account by clicking here.

Note that free accounts do not have access to our subscriber-only content.

Day pass subscribers

Are you a day pass subscriber who needs to log in? Click here to continue.


A pint and a toast for a fund and a soldier

Friends and family gather to remember and honor 1st Sgt. P. Andrew McKenna

Posted

The annual McKenna Beer Tasting event never seems to lose its flavor.

For the fourth consecutive year, family members and friends of the late First Sgt. P. Andrew McKenna congregated inside Aidan’s Pub last Wednesday night to honor and pay tribute to this beloved soldier who gave his life in defense of his country in 2015. As in recent years, the beer tasting event will help raise money for the scholarship fund in Sgt. McKenna’s name.

“All profits from the beer dinner benefit the 1st Sgt. P. Andrew McKenna Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund,” said event co-host and longtime friend Charlene Ferreira. “This scholarship was set up after Andrew passed, by his friends and family. Scholarships are awarded annually to graduating high school seniors moving on to a two- or four- year institution, or entering into a career in any branch of the U.S. military.”

Thanks to the generosity of Aidan’s Pub, which donated their upstairs room, staff, food and beer, the event was a sellout and enjoyed by all.

“I do this, along with all my fellow committee members, because we never want to forget what Andrew did for his country,” said Scott Grimo, another of Andrew’s dear friends. “I’ve been involved now with the group the past four years and we want to keep his name alive. All of us feel the same way. It reminds everyone what sacrifices he made.”

The evening’s activities included a 5 oz. tasting glass with event logo to keep; beer from Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island, Whalers Brewing, Narragansett Beer, and Sons of Liberty Spirits; and food and live entertainment by Andre Arsenault. There was also a raffle, and specially designed T-shirts were sold.

Those people who could not make the event can still donate to the cause by going to: www.1sgmckenna.com and clicking on “Donate Now.”

First Sgt. P. Andrew McKennan was 35 and a highly-decorated Green Beret from Bristol when he was killed in action on Aug. 7, 2015, in Kabul, Afghanistan while defending Camp Integrity. Andrew served active duty for 17 years, and was a member of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) since 2003, based in Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

A lifelong Bristolian, Andrew, the son of Peter A. and Carol A. (Fennell) McKenna of Bristol, entered the Army in 1998, after graduating from Mt. Hope High School. He also earned a bachelor’s degree from Norwich University. Just prior to his death, Andrew was honored by the Bristol Fourth of July Committee as the farthest traveler for the Bristol Fourth of July Celebration in 2015.

“Andrew was a friend to many Bristol residents,” said Ms. Ferreira. “He was an American hero, and it was an honor to be his friend.”

Andrew’s mother said she can’t thank the committee enough for their hard work and efforts in making this event such a success every year.

“They do such an incredible job putting all of this together, getting donations, etc.,” said Ms. McKenna. “They work hard all year long. We are so thankful for everything they’ve done for us.”

Committee members Scott Grimo, Philicia Pacheco, Jonathan Ferreira, Charlene Ferreira, Cliff Jorge and Gina-Marie Jorge, among others, were all personal friends of Andrew’s.

Further testimony of Sgt. McKenna’s impact on his community occurred last summer when the Bristol Post Office was renamed in his honor.

As the beer tasting event continued, Carol McKenna sat back and gazed at the sellout crowd with much appreciation and gratitude.

“Like I’ve said, none of this would be possible without the dedication and support of Andrew’s lifelong friends,” she noted. “Peter and I can’t thank them enough for all they’ve done and continue to do for our family.”

Donations can be made to the 1SG P. Andrew McKenna Scholarship Fund at any Citizens Bank.

2024 by East Bay Media Group

Barrington · Bristol · East Providence · Little Compton · Portsmouth · Tiverton · Warren · Westport
Meet our staff
MIKE REGO

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.