69th Public Affairs Detachment

Story by Spc. Nevada Smith

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo — Sgt. 1st. Class Andrew McKindley with the 1st Squadron, 18th Cavalry, California National Guard, was awarded a Purple Heart, Oct. 25, at Camp Bondsteel, a U.S. Army base operating in Kosovo as part of a NATO mission.

You might think it strange that McKindley received his purple heart in this peace-keeping operation, but this award has been a long time coming.

McKindley received his injury, which qualified him for the Purple Heart, three days before leaving the Iraqi theater. Then a staff sergeant, Mckindley was assigned to 1st Squad, 3rd Platoon, A Company, 1-184 Infantry Battalion, and served as an Infantry squad leader in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On Dec. 31, 2005, while stationed at a combat outpost near Baghdad, Iraq, McKindley's outpost received sustained enemy mortar fire which resulted in hostile fire injuries to McKindley and several members of his squad as well as the death of one of his Soldiers, Spc. Marcelino Corniel.

It has been a lengthy process but McKindley has now been recognized for his sacrifices for our country.

"There are a lot of people I need to thank: First and foremost I would like God. If it was not for him I would not be standing here today. Second my wife for being my rear D commander, and my employer The City of La Verne for all their support back home," said McKindley.

There to present McKindley with his Purple Heart were Medal of Honor Recipients Robert Howard, Col. (Ret.), and Gary Littrell, Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.).

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