As one of his longtime friends mentioned recently, “Andrew must be smiling down on all of us tonight.”

The event was the 6th annual 1st Sgt. P. Andrew McKenna, Jr. Beer Tasting fundraiser, held last Thursday night at the Portside Tavern. Scores of Andrew’s family and friends packed the restaurant in tribute of this remarkable decorated war hero.

According to Andrew’s mom, Carol McKenna, this latest beer tasting event featured a wide variety of raffle prizes and drawings, including an on-line auction of a Boston Bruins jersey signed by every member of the team.

“We were so excited to do this,” said McKenna, a Warren native who has lived in Bristol with her husband, Peter, for a number of years. “Everyone has been so generous.”

This annual beer tasting event was modified a bit in February 2020 and 2021.

“We had it in 2020, just before COVID-19 affected everything,” said McKenna, “and last year, we had a corn hole tournament in the Thames Street area. It all worked out well despite the pandemic.”

Previously, this great event was held at Aidan’s Pub, but this year, the event was moved to Portside Tavern.

“Everyone was so gracious and accommodating here at Portside,” said McKenna. “We can’t thank them enough. And, that includes all of Andrew’s longtime friends who serve on this fundraising committee. I know how proud he’d be of everyone.”

This year’s event also included food, and music provided by Andre Arsenault and Tom Hanson.

Beer sponsors this year included Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island, Proclamation Ale Company, Narragansett Beer, Twelve Guns Brewing, and Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co.

“We want to thank those of you for donating the beer and thank you to the reps that came out to pour it,” said Charlene DeMello Ferreira, longtime friend of Andrew’s and a member of the fund-raising committee since its inception. “I’m so proud to be working alongside these great people for such a great cause.”

In reflecting on the man himself, Katherine Gere, Andrew’s aunt, said it best: “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 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 Airforce 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.

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; 521 Main Street, Warren, RI 02885; and 965 County Road, Barrington, RI 02806.