8 June 1984 – 11 March 2013
Capt. Andrew Pedersen-Keel of Madison CT is remembered today and every day. His service is eternally honored.
8 June 1984 – 11 March 2013
In loving memory of Captain Andrew M. Pedersen-Keel, a courageous and selfless soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Born on June 8, 1984, in South Miami, Florida, Andrew grew up in Connecticut, living in Wallingford, Canton, and Madison. He attended Avon Old Farms High School, graduating in 2002, before embarking on a remarkable journey of service to his nation.
After earning a Bachelor of Science in American Legal Studies from the United States Military Academy, Andrew was commissioned as an Infantry Officer in May 2006. His dedication to duty led him to join the ranks of the US Army, where he exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and courage.
Throughout his military career, Andrew demonstrated unwavering commitment and valor. He served with distinction in various capacities, including as an Infantry Rifle Platoon leader with the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (Light) at Fort Hood, Texas. He deployed to Afghanistan with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, where he led his platoon in numerous combat foot patrols and air assault operations in Kandahar Province.
Andrew’s passion for service and his exceptional leadership qualities were further showcased when he attended Special Forces Assessment and Selection in November 2009. He successfully completed the Maneuver Captains Career Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and began the Special Forces Qualification Course in November 2010, where he studied Pashto during the language phase.
Graduating from the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2011, Andrew was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), where he served as an ODA Commander. His dedication to his comrades and the mission was unparalleled, as he played a vital role in training and mentoring Afghan security forces.
Tragically, on March 11, 2013, while concluding a patrol briefing in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, Andrew was mortally wounded in an attack by an Afghan National Policeman. His sacrifice, alongside that of Staff Sgt. Rex L. Schad and their Military working dog, BAK, serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by those who defend freedom and democracy.
Andrew’s service was distinguished by numerous awards and decorations, including the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, two Bronze Stars, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Purple Heart, among others. His courage, integrity, and selflessness continue to inspire all who knew him.
Today, as we gather to honor Captain Andrew M. Pedersen-Keel, we pay tribute to a true American hero—a man of honor, courage, and compassion. Though he may be gone, his spirit lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and comrades-in-arms. We will never forget his sacrifice, and we will always cherish the memory of his extraordinary life. Rest in peace, Captain Pedersen-Keel, knowing that your legacy will endure for generations to come.
Southern CC, INC in partnership with APK Charities, is thrilled to introduce “Homes of the Fallen”, a heartfelt initiative to build a home in memory of our nation’s fallen heroes. Southern CC’s first home will be in honor of our Captain Andrew Pedersen-Keel, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
For more information and to make a donation please visit:
A Beautiful Tribute by Lori Ann Webster
11 years…
This day in 2013, the world lost a special young man, a unit lost a leader, many people lost a dear friend…but more than anything a mom lost her only child.😔
I never met CPT Andrew Petersen-Keel while he walked this Earth. I first met Andrew through the APK inaugural race at Hammonassett Beach that was in his honor. As an Army veteran I felt drawn to his story and the race. I won first place in my age group that morning, and was honored to meet Andrew’s Special Forces team, and his mom and step-dad. I remember it like it was yesterday.
{The APK 5K went on for a decade, and now the focus is on the Desert Eagle Thrift Store in Madison. APK Charities continues to support military and veterans families.}
Fast forward to October 2017 at the Marine Corps Marathon down in Washington DC. In the early morning darkness we made our way towards the starting corrals. On the right side of the sidewalk I glanced through the fence at the moonlight shining on the white marble stones of Arlington. I told everyone near me to look to the right. What a sight. The stones looked like they were glowing.
It was an extremely hot day. I was not in the best of shape due to an injury during training. I shuffled and walked more than my last race…struggling to move my legs forward. All of a sudden it got very quiet…there were American flags lining both sides of the street, being held by family members and volunteers who had lost a loved in war.
Also along the sides of the street were large photos of all of the service members who had lost their lives since 9/11. This area of the race is called The Blue Mile.
As I was struggling, I glanced a short distance up in front of me…there he was…Andrew Pedersen-Keel…I started to lift my head higher as I shuffled faster upon seeing him. He gave me the strength I needed in that moment to drive on with my mission to cross that finish line. I reached out my hand to graze his photo, and thanked him for his ultimate sacrifice. 🙏🏻 I was full of emotion.😔 I completed my mission and crossed the finish line. (Photo).
It was not until the Military Appreciation Luncheon in Southington in 2018, that I was introduced to Helen Keiser-Pedersen in the parking lot. A mutual acquaintance had heard my story about my multiple encounters with Andrew, and she said that Helen and I needed to meet. I felt like I had known her forever! She took my hands in her hands and I shared a few of my Andrew stories. She was very emotional, as was I.
Helen and I are now good friends.💞 We don’t see each other often, as I moved further away. At the last Run For The Fallen (2019), Helen came up to me and presented me with a KIA bracelet with Andrew’s name on it. I can not tell you how special that moment was for me. (Photo).
When I first told Helen I have a Bichon Frise, she told me that Andrew had a Bichon too when he was growing up! WOW! And, to make this story more unbelievable, Finnian was born the day Andrew was taken from this Earthly world 3/11/2013. Finnian is 11 years old today.
This young man is still touching so many lives even after his death.✨
Rest In Peace Andrew.🙏🏻 Gone too soon.
I salute Helen for her strength, resilience, love, and compassion as she guides the CT Gold Star Moms group through connection and advocacy.
amotherslove #WarriorStrong #gonebutnotforgotten #KIA #lifegoeson #Love #NowWithGod #friendship #ServiceToCountry #westpointalumni #thebluemile #marinecorpsmarathon
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