Boardwalk and bench dedicated to fallen soldier

Town of Bristol and fire company honor the late Army Spc. Michael Andrade

By Manuel C. "Manny" Correira
Posted 5/20/19

It was an afternoon filled with love and devotion for a local military hero whose family and friends gathered to help dedicate a boardwalk and bench in his memory.

Army Spc. Michael Andrade, 28, …

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Boardwalk and bench dedicated to fallen soldier

Town of Bristol and fire company honor the late Army Spc. Michael Andrade

Posted

It was an afternoon filled with love and devotion for a local military hero whose family and friends gathered to help dedicate a boardwalk and bench in his memory.

Army Spc. Michael Andrade, 28, died on Sept. 24, 2003, of injuries he sustained serving his country during Operation Iraqi Freedom, when a five-ton truck struck his Humvee in Balad, Iraq. At the time, he was attached to the 115th Military Police Co., U.S. Army National Guard.

Nearly 16 years have passed since that fateful day, but the heartache continues for those family members and close friends who remember this special young man and the impact he made on his beloved community of Bristol.

On Saturday afternoon, in perfect weather conditions, Michael’s legacy reached another milestone when the boardwalk and a commemorative bench at the rear of the Ever-Ready Fire Station were dedicated in his name during special ceremonies.

The informal speaking program included an opening prayer and special blessing by Deacon Paul Bisbano of St. Mary’s Church, and remarks by Command Sgt. Major Joseph Diniz (a close friend of Michael’s), Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente, lifelong friend Thomas Pasqual, Jr., and Michael’s sister, Fatima Andrade-Milhomens. Fellow Dreadnaught firefighter and good friend A. J. Medeiros served as master of ceremonies.

Because of the efforts of A.J. Medeiros, Tom Pasqual, and another friend, Drew Lombardo, this event became a reality.

“Michael was a good friend of mine,” said Mr. Pasqual. “He and I were friends since we were kids. He was very special to a lot of us. We wanted to do something like this to keep his memory alive.”

The special dedication in Michael’s honor was put into motion this past March when Mr. Pasqual and friends approached the Bristol Town Council to get their approval. Once it was confirmed, the group formed a pasta dinner fundraiser at the Dreadnaught Fire Station, which was a great success.

“We raised enough money for the bench, and the tablets, which were donated by JayEl Trophies,” added Drew Lombardo. “We had a lot of support. Everything went very well.”

Said A.J. Medeiros, “Michael was very special to all of us. He loved being a fireman. He may have been small in stature (his nickname was ‘Flea’), but he had a certain demeanor about him. He was unique in a lot of ways.”

Town Administrator Steven Contente was another in attendance who praised Michael Andrade and the positive impact he had on the community.

“He made a lasting mark on those he cared for,” said Mr. Contente.

Fatima Milhomens, wiping away tears as she spoke, said everyone has been so kind in remembering her brother in this special way.

“We’re totally honored and blessed and very humbled by what the town of Bristol has done for my family,” she noted. “The outpouring of love and support we have received since Michael’s passing has meant so much to us … more than words can say. It fills our hearts to know that this memorial will serve as a lasting legacy to Michael and to the ultimate sacrifice he made for all of us.”

According to the Dreadnaught Hook, Ladder, and Hose Co #1, the newly-created stretch  of boardwalk from State Street to Rockwell Dock is a small piece of land that overlooks Bristol Harbor and provides “the perfect place to reflect on the sacrifices so many endured for our freedom.”

The boardwalk will be for all service members and their families to enjoy, and Michael Andrade’s name will continue to shine as they pass by.

2024 by East Bay Media Group

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