The ninth annual 1st Sgt. P. Andrew McKenna Jr. Beer Tasting Fundraising event was another huge success as a large crowd gathered recently inside the new Portside Tavern Engine Room for an evening of nostalgic memories and fellowship in honor of Bristol’s fallen war hero.

“This event keeps getting bigger and better every year,” said event committee member Scott Grimo, a longtime friend of Andrew’s who has done much to make this annual event the success that it has been over the years. “Everyone on this committee plays a key role. We can’t thank everyone enough for all the support we’ve received.”

Portside Tavern owner Richard Corrente was also beaming with the large crowd that showed up for this event.

“I did the first 7 out of 9 of these events and it’s been very enjoyable for me,” he said. “It’s a great event and everyone has a good time doing it each year.”

The ticket price this year included entry to the event, a 20oz stainless steel beer mug with event logo, beer from Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island, Vigilant Brewing, Narragansett Beer, Pivotal Brewing Co., and food from Portside Tavern. Live entertainment was provided by Andre Arsenault, Tom Hansen and Scott Grimo.

A great deal of credit for the success of this event falls on the shoulders of committee members Cliff and Gina Marie Jorge, Jonathan and Charlene Ferreira, and Philicia and Scott Grimo.

In reflecting on the man himself, Katherine Gere, Andrew’s aunt, said it best a few years ago: “Andrew was smart, motivated and kind. He was a great friend to others and a great son.”

First Sergeant Peter Andrew McKenna, Jr., "Drew" to friends and "Andrew" to family, was born in 1980 and grew up in Bristol. At the age of 5, Andrew decided to be a soldier, and at 7, he was determined he was going to become a part of the highly-respected Army Special Forces. He is remembered by his family and childhood friends for wearing camouflage every day.

Andrew entered the Army on July 24, 1998, as an Infantryman following his graduation from Mt. Hope High School. 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 Air Force Base, Florida.

Andrew did one 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 Aug. 7, 2015 when he was killed in Kabul, Afghanistan, from enemy small arms fire during a complex attack on the coalition facility, Camp Integrity.

Unequivocally, 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.

Noted good friend, Edward P. Stuart Jr., “When Peter (Andrew’s dad) and I was talking, I was mentioning how it is heartwarming to see the support and how Andrew is never forgotten. “The yearly success of this event is a true testament to those who support the 1SG P. Andrew McKenna Jr. Scholarship Memorial Fund. It serves as a forever tribute to Andrew, his family, and friends. His sacrifice and spirit will always live on in our community.”

“I had a wonderful time at the McKenna Fundraiser at Portside,” said Bristol resident Anna Martin. “The food, music, raffles, and beer tasting were great. It was nice to see the McKenna family and friends all together.”

Each year, the 1SG P. Andrew McKenna, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund awards four $1,500 scholarships in Andrew's honor to graduating high school seniors in the State of Rhode Island. Each applicant must display academic excellence with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and plan to continue on to a two or four year higher education institution or pursue a career in any branch of the United States Armed Forces.

According to its website, one hundred percent of profits go to the 1SG P. Andrew McKenna, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund. Donations can also be made at any Citizens Bank location including: 605 Metacom Avenue, Bristol, RI 02809; 464 Hope Street, Bristol, RI 02809; 1146 Hope St. (next to Clements’ Marketplace), Bristol, RI 02809, and 965 County Road, Barrington, RI 02806.