Air Force Veteran Master Sergeant Carla McAndrew of Potosi signed up under the Delayed Enlistment Program in 1985, following her graduation from Potosi High School. Following basic training at Lackland AFB in Texas, she attended technical training school at Lowry AFB, Colorado, specializing as a Materiel Facilities Specialist. The ensuing 20+ years took her to assignments in Sicily, New Jersey, Nevada and back to New Jersey, during which time she deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, earning her eligibility for the VFW.

Carla’s final assignment concluded as the Chief of Supply at the 95 Reconnaissance Squadron (RS), Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, from August 2007 to retirement in September of 2010, after a total of 24 years, 3 months on active duty. Among her numerous military medals and ribbons are the Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster; National Defense Service Medal with one service star; the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

A Life Member of Berg-Averkamp VFW Post 5276 since 2019, Carla continues to serve as Post Quartermaster, earning All-State (2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024) and All-American honors (2021-22 and 2022-2023). She also earned All-State (Co-Captain) District Commander as well as All-American District Commander for 2022-2023. After serving two consecutive terms as District 3 Commander, she is honored to serve her appointment this year as Chief-of Staff, in honor of Mary Ann Christopherson.

 Master Sergeant Carla McAndrew and her husband of 33 years, Master Sergeant Kenneth McAndrew, were both assigned to RAF Mildenhall, England at the time of retirement. Both MSgts retired on the same day as their only son, Joseph, graduated from RAF Lakenheath High School, England. Joseph is also an Air Force Veteran and he and his wife Amber are the proud parents of the two McAndrew grandsons.