Fallen Soldier: Andrew W. Harvell

Staff Sergeant Andrew W. Harvell, 26, of Long Beach, Calif., was assigned to the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Field, N.C., and served during Operation Enduring Freedom. On August 6, 2011, Staff Sgt. Harvell was killed when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was riding in crashed in Tangi Valley, Wardak province, Afghanistan.

After graduating from Millikan High School in June 2002, Staff Sgt. Harvell enlisted in the Air Force. Upon graduation from Basic Training, he completed numerous Air Force and joint service training courses and was then assigned to the Special Tactics Training Squadron, where he completed the Special Forces Combat Dive course, Special Forces Military Freefall school and all upgrade requirements for combat-mission-ready status as a Combat Controller – a Static-Line Jumpmaster.

“He was a warrior and took to the enemy without hesitation, but when home, he was kind, gentle, patient and completely loving to our children and myself.” said his wife.

Both Staff Sgt. Harvell’s sons are Folds of Honor Scholarship recipients.