Rep. Malik and Senator Felag introduce bills to rename highway after fallen R.I. military hero

STATE HOUSE – House Committee on Veterans Affairs Chairman Jan P. Malik and Senate
Committee on Special Legislation & Veterans Affairs Chairman Walter S. Felag, Jr.
have introduced legislation (2016-H
7086 /
2016-S 2127)
that would rename Route 114 in Bristol to «The 1st Sergeant P. Andrew McKenna
Memorial Highway».
«First Sergeant McKenna bravely served his country with honor for 17 years and sadly
sacrificed his life so that we may live a life free from fear. I believe this is a
fitting tribute to honor a true American hero,» said Representative Malik (D-Dist.
67, Warren, Barrington).
«The sacrifices made by First Sergeant McKenna and those like him are shining
examples of how to selflessly serve our country and protect our American way of life
that we hold so dear,» said Senator Felag (D-Dist. 10, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton).
«Anyone who now drives down this major roadway will understand and value the
ultimate price that is often paid when ensuring freedom and democracy for our
country.»
«First Sergeant McKenna is Bristol’s hero. Naming one of our main thoroughfares
after him will provide a lasting tribute that reminds his family of our eternal
gratitude for his service and sacrifice, and will ensure that his name is known to
future generations in our town,» said Rep. Kenneth A. Marshall (D-Dist. 68, Bristol,
Warren), who is a cosponsor of the bill. «I applaud Representative Malik and Senator
Felag for introducing this important legislation for our local hero and his family,
and I’m honored to be a cosponsor.»
First Sergeant Peter Andrew McKenna, Jr., a seventeen year veteran of the Army and a
Bristol resident, was recently killed in August of 2015 while serving his country in
Afghanistan. First Sergeant McKenna was a member of the Army Special Forces and
received numerous awards and decorations over his career, including the Bronze Star
Medal for valor, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the
Army Achievement Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He has been
recommended to receive the prestigious Silver Star Medal for his heroic actions that
resulted in his death.
The House Committee on Veterans Affairs will be meeting this upcoming Wednesday,
February 24, at the RISE of the House session to hear testimony on the legislation.