Staff Sergeant Andrew Sheehan Awarded Bronze Star

Staff Sergeant Andrew P. Sheehan, of Neoga, was awarded the Bronze Star medal. Sheehan was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a Ranger Rifle squad leader.

The Bronze Star medal is awarded to individual members of the U.S. Armed forces for bravery, acts of merit or meritorious service. It is currently the fourth highest award a military servicemen can earn and the ninth highest in the military overall. His award read: to Staff Sergeant Andrew P. Sheehan, Joint Task Force for exceptionally meritorious achievement as a Ranger Rifle squad leader for a joint task force in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During this period, Sergeant Sheehan led a Ranger Rifle squad with uncommon distinction and an unmatched level of maturity. His leadership through multiplel direct fire engagements, with a determined enemy, was critical to the success of numerous operations of national significance. Through his distinctive accomplishments, Staff Sergeant Sheehan reflected great credit upon himself, this command and the United States Army.

Sheehan and his wife Madelyn live in Columbus, Ga. He has been stationed at Fort Benning, Ga. since joining the Army in 2006. There he received his basic training, advanced infantry training and ranger school. He received the Elite Ranger tab in 2009. He served with the 3/75th Ranger Regimate as a Rifle Squad leader and is currenlty teaching advanced markmanship.

Staff Sergeant Sheehan graduated from Neoga High School in 2006. He is the son of Dan and JoAnn Sheehan of Neoga.