WASHINGTON, DC – A bill to name a post office in Bristol for the late Army First Sergeant P. Andrew McKenna was signed into law this week by President Donald Trump.

“Like many Rhode Islanders, I continue to be inspired by Andrew McKenna.  He was an extraordinary and courageous young man who died defending his fellow soldiers.  Renaming the U.S. Post Office in Bristol in his honor is a small but important recognition of his tremendous contributions to our community and the nation,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.  “This is a fitting tribute, but it must be part of a continuing commitment to honor Sergeant McKenna’s sacrifice and enduring example of service to the nation and service to others.”

McKenna, a proud son of Bristol, earned a Silver Star, a Purple Heart, and five Bronze Stars during his 17 years in the military and completed five tours of duty in Afghanistan and one in Iraq.  He was killed in action on August 7, 2015 in Afghanistan while fighting to defend Camp Integrity as leader of a quick reaction force.

Congressmen David Cicilline and Jim Langevin introduced legislation to name the Bristol post office after McKenna in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senators Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse introduced the bill in the U.S. Senate.

Now that the bill has been signed into law, the post office located at 515 Hope Street can be officially renamed the "First Sergeant P. Andrew McKenna Jr. Post Office."

Andrew McKenna is survived by his parents, Peter and Carol McKenna, of Bristol, and preceded in death by his older brother, the late Patrick A. McKenna.

The United States Postal Service is expected to hold a formal dedication ceremony in Bristol at a later date.