Two Fallen Soldiers Honored in Garden of Heroes Remembrance Ceremony
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Lt. Governor Daniel J. McKee was joined by Governor Gina M.
Raimondo, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, General Treasurer Seth Magaziner and
Brigadier General Christopher P. Callahan, Adjutant General of Rhode Island and
Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard for a remembrance ceremony in
the Garden of Heroes to honor First Sergeant P. Andrew McKenna Jr. and Staff
Sergeant Timothy Raymond McGill.
Local officials were joined by Rhode Island Gold Star families and Kasim Yarn,
Director of Veterans Affairs to observe the unveiling of the Garden’s Memorial
Monument. First Sergeant McKenna and Staff Sergeant McGill’s names were carved into
the monument alongside the names of 27 Rhode Islanders who have made the ultimate
sacrifice in defense of our country since September 11, 2001.
«Today we take a moment to reflect on the courage and commitment of First Sergeant
McKenna and Staff Sergeant McGill, two brave men who gave their lives to protect our
freedom,» said Lt. Governor McKee. «Our thoughts and hearts are with their families
and loved ones. Rhode Island is forever grateful for the service of these two men
who are truly American heroes.»
«For the families and friends of Tim and Andrew, I know that no words can ever fill
the void that their loss has left, but Rhode Island will never forget them,»
Governor Raimondo said. «Today, we come together to honor these two heroes. We will
always be thankful for their service to our nation and to our state.»
«As we express our gratitude to our two fallen heroes today, we must never forget
their sacrifice and that of their families,» said Director Yarn. «But we must also
be sure that our children never forget; for the highest appreciation we can bestow
upon these Gold Star Families is to live life as their loved ones did, with honor,
courage, and selfless service to our nation.»
First Sergeant McKenna (1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Airborne) was a
native Bristol Rhode Islander and a 17 year Army veteran who served numerous tours
in Afghanistan and Iraq. He passed away on August 7, 2015 in Kabul Afghanistan of
wounds received from small arms fire while fighting to defend a joint U.S/NATO camp.
He is survived by his parents Peter and Carol McKenna of Bristol, Rhode Island and
Daughter Rebecca Yanosik of Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Staff Sergeant McGill (A Company, 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group,
Airborne) was a native of Ramsey, New Jersey who served bravely with the Rhode
Island National Guard. He passed away on September 21, 2013 after receiving wounds
from small arms fire in Gardez, Paktia Province, Afghanistan while deployed in
support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sergeant McGill is survived by his
mother, Carol McGill and sisters Megan McGill and Lindsey Vanderbeek.
The Garden, located on the southwest lawn of the State House, was officially
dedicated in 2005 under former Lt. Governor Charles Fogarty. Lt. Governor McKee has
pledged his commitment and support to the Garden’s continued care in honor of Rhode
Island’s fallen heroes.