The fifth annual 1^st SGT. P. Andrew McKenna Beer Tasting event will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Aidan’s Pub, starting at 6 p.m.

Family members and friends of the late Sgt. McKenna will be on hand to honor and pay tribute to this beloved hometown war hero who gave his life in defense of his country in 2015. As in recent years, the beer tasting event will help raise money for the scholarship fund in Sgt. McKenna’s name.

All profits from the Beer Tasting event benefit the 1st SGT. P. Andrew McKenna Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, which was set up after Andrew passed, by his friends and family. Scholarships are awarded annually to graduating high school seniors moving on to a two- or four-year institution, or entering into a career in any branch of the U.S. military.

Carol McKenna, Andrew’s mom, said she can’t thank the folks at Aidan’s Pub enough for their generosity and cooperation in helping making this beer tasting event the success that it has become.

“Everyone has been so kind,” she said. “And the committee who puts this event together has done a great job in helping keep Andrew’s memory alive.”

The evening’s activities will include a 5 oz. tasting glass with event logo to keep; beer from Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island, Narragansett Beer, Proclamation Ale Co., and Sons of Liberty Spirits; and food and live entertainment by Tom Hanson. There will also be a raffle held, and specially designed T-shirts by Impact Graphics.

Those people who can’t make the event can still donate to the cause by going to: www.1sgmckenna.com and click on “Donate Now.”

First Sgt. P. Andrew McKenna, 35, a highly-decorated war hero, was a Green Beret from Bristol, killed in action on Aug. 7, 2015, in Kabul, Afghanistan while defending Camp Integrity. Andrew served active duty for 17 years, and was a member of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) since 2003, based in Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. He completed the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2002, and was assigned to 7th Group as a communications sergeant in May 2003.

A lifelong Bristolian, Andrew, the son of Peter A. and Carol A. (Fennell) McKenna of Bristol, entered the Army in 1998, after graduating from Mt. Hope High School. He also earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Norwich University. Just prior to his death, Andrew was honored by the Bristol Fourth of July Committee as the farthest traveler for the Bristol Fourth of July Celebration in 2015.