Andre Darnell Mitchell, a PSC Specialist in the United States Army stationed in Mazul, died on July 31st, 2008. He was the victim of a Humvee accident. Andre was born June 4th 1983, and grew up in Elmont, New York a community he was very proud to be a part of.
He attended Clara H. Carlson School and Sewanhaka High School. He continued his education at Nassau County Community College where he was a celebrated member of the African American Student Association. The club chose him to represent the school at several conferences and events throughout the United States, most notably in Atlanta Georgia.
Andre's dream was always to serve his country, and was very passionate about his country he loved- the United States of America. Even though he knew that his pursuit would lead him to harms way, he felt it was his duty to serve. Andre enlisted on February 14th 2006 in the United States Army. His first station was at Fort Hood Texas, where he spent 14 months training. Later, he was deployed to Mazul, Iraq in November 2007.
His mother, Yasmin noted, "he would always say to us that this is what he wanted to do- I want to serve my country. He did it so well and he'd never have it any other way. I'm so proud of Andre. He was a leader in pursuing his dreams. Nothing could deter him from pursuing he wanted to do."
His brother Malique Patterson, a recent graduate of Alden Terrace elementary school added, "he was a hero to me. He would say something to me, offer me advice and I wouldn't understand what he was saying but later on he was always right. He would smile at me and say I told you so."
Assemblyman Tom Alfano, a friend of the Patterson family said, "Andre served his country with great distinction. It was his dream to serve in the Army. He was so proud the day he enlisted . He told everyone who knew him that he was proud to be an American and this was what he wanted to do- he wanted to serve. His loss is tragic and our entire community has his family in our thoughts and prayers. Truly, Andre is a great American."
Throughout Andre's pursuit of his education, he worked at Antun's Catering in Queens Village on the weekends, and later the Marriot Hotel in Uniondale. He was a hard worker and was known to always be there on time, ready to the job.
Survived by mother Yasmin Patterson, brother Malique, the Duncan family and many friends. He is the grandson of the late Narcisco Patterson.
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