RI Green Beret Killed in Afghanistan Bombing

Rhode Island has lost a soldier and a son.

First Sgt. P. Andrew McKenna, a native of Bristol, was killed in a bombing in Afghanistan on Friday.

McKenna, who served in the U.S. Army Special Forces, was recognized at ceremonies before the Bristol Fourth of July Parade and was given a flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol by Sen. Jack Reed, who said Saturday that America has lost a “true patriot.”

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“I join all Rhode Islanders in mourning the loss of Andrew McKenna. I’ve had the privilege of meeting Andrew and his family. Sgt. McKenna was an extraordinary young man with a big heart and a dedicated, distinguished soldier,” Reed said in a statement.

“‎We are forever indebted to Sgt. McKenna for his service and sacrifice. America has lost a true patriot and I offer my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. Andrew’s life was cut short, but his service will not be forgotten.”

McKenna was a graduate of Mt. Hope High School had served numerous tours in Afghanistan.

McKenna received the “furthest travel” award at the parade in recognition of how far he came to be in his home town to celebrate with family and friends at the nation’s longest-running Fourth of July celebration.

McKenna was killed in a suicide attack, federal officials said, and eight Afghan contractors also died.

McKenna is the son of Carol and Peter McKenna.

The bombing happened outside the Army Special Forces’ Camp Integrity in Kabul, according to a spokesman for U.S. forces in Afghanistan. The attack came during a day of violence in the Afghan capitol that had been preceded by about a month of relative calm.

Photo Courtesy: Sen. Jack Reed