DOB/DOD: June 8, 1984 (South Miami, FL) – March 11, 2013; 28 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Engaged to be married to Celeste P. Pizza (1985-).
LOCAL ADDRESS: Buttonball Lane; Madison
COMMISSIONED: May 2006
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 18A; Special Forces Officer
UNIT: B Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) [Operation Detachment Alpha 3126]; Fort Bragg, North Carolina
FAMILY: Born to Henry S. Keel (1947-2015) and Helen Pedersen Keiser (1948-). Stepfather, Robert W. Keiser (1949-). One sister, Mary E. Keel (1976-).
DECORATIONS: Awarded the Bronze Star Medal with two devices, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal (Expeditionary), NATO ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) Medal – Afghanistan, Ranger Tab, Special Forces Tab, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge, Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Expert Infantryman Badge.
CIRCUMSTANCES: Captain Pedersen-Keel was killed in action in the Jalrez District. Wardak Province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when his unit was attacked by small arms fire. Also killed in the incident:
Army Staff Sergeant Rex L. Schad; Edmond, Oklahoma.
Avon Old Farms School (Avon, CT) Class of 2002; yearbook photo. Honor roll student in his senior year. Photos contributed by Avon Old Farms School, Avon, CT.
United States Military Academy at West Point; Class of 2006
From The Avonian, Spring 2013 edition
By Morgan C. Cugell
In Memoriam: Andrew Pedersen-Keel ‘02
Andrew Pedersen-Keel ’02, affectionately known as PK, was killed on March 11, 2013, while bravely serving in Afghanistan. The victim of a well-coordinated attack, he was one of two soldiers killed by an Afghan policeman
who opened fire while PK was leading a briefing in Wardak. According to reports, it is not known whether the assailant was targeting the Afghan policemen along with the U.S. special operations forces; it is also unclear whether the incident was directly related to the simmering tensions between villagers in Wardak who are
unhappy with the U.S. special operations forces and their Afghan partners. A U.S. defense official in Washington and a coalition official in Afghanistan said 10 Americans—both special operators and regular soldiers who worked in a combined team—and at least 12 Afghans were wounded in the attack. Throughout his impressive four-year career at Avon, PK embraced all that the school had to offer. As a Dean’s List student, tri-sport varsity athlete, two-year dormitory monitor, and editor of the Avon Record, he was one of the most well-respected members of the entire school community. He was also involved in Habitat for Humanity and the Model United Nations. Beyond all his academic and athletic achievements, however, was PK’s appreciation for the brotherhood and camaraderie that exist at Avon. He was a leader of men, which is why it came as no surprise when he was admitted to West Point to serve his country proudly, from which he graduated in 2006. “I will always remember PK’s enthusiasm and energy,” said Headmaster LaRocque. “He displayed such passion as a young man and obviously continued to approach life with that same vitality at West Point and beyond. While it is so sad to lose such an impressive young man, PK loved being a soldier, serving his country and his life. He understood the risks that accompanied his profession and embraced them courageously. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.” Dean Kevin Driscoll ’72, who coached PK in football and was dean of students at the time, called him “the alpha dog” despite being one of the smaller players at 5 feet 10 inches tall, and 180 pounds. People listened to him; “he was the man,” Driscoll said. He described him as a hard worker who taught others loyalty and had a high moral standard. PK was never someone who’d just sit around, Driscoll said. PK’s friendships were profoundly important to him, and he earned the trust, respect, and admiration of those around him. Nate Miller ‘02, his best friend and his roommate at Avon, commented, “PK was someone who showed unconditional and unrestrained love for those closest to him, and through that had an amazing ability to allow people to be who they truly are around him.” Describing PK as the brother he never had, Nate nevertheless explained that wasn’t always the case—but once they found their friendship, they never looked back. “We most definitely were not friends and were known to argue for no reason long into the night, annoying our neighbors,” he recalls. “Around Thanksgiving of our freshman year, we both hit a rock bottom point in our lives and realized that the only way we’d get through it was with each other, and that became the foundation of our friendship. “PK was unrestrained, infectious, hilarious, trustworthy, courageous, genuine, loving, and real,” commented Nate. “He was a guy that you always wanted on your team, and I’m infinitely thankful to have been on his.” PK was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. According to his Army biography, he was first deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 for a 12-month tour, serving as a company executive officer and platoon leader. Following that deployment, he began Special Forces training, which he completed in 2012. At the time of his death, he had been in Afghanistan for his first tour as a Special Forces commander for less than a year. PK’s awards and decorations include two Bronze Star Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Air Assault Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Ranger Tab, and the Special Forces Tab. Governor Dannel P. Malloy ordered U.S. and Connecticut flags to fly at half-staff to honor PK. “Captain Pedersen-Keel made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our state and our nation,” Malloy said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and his unit during this very difficult time. We pray for a safe homecoming for our troops who are stationed around the world and thank them for their bravery and service.” PK’s body was returned to the United States, to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, in a dignified transfer, where family members were waiting. After a family funeral service in Guilford, Connecticut, PK was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Avon Old Farms honored PK at a memorial service on May 18, during Alumni Weekend.
From AvonOldFarms.com on November 15, 2022
AVON OLD FARMS HONORS ARMY CAPTAIN ANDREW PEDERSEN-KEEL ‘02
For the third consecutive Veterans Day, the Avon Old Farms School community honored a fallen brother in cooperation with APK Charities Corporation—a non-profit founded to honor and remember the ultimate sacrifice made by Avonian Captain Andrew M. Pedersen-Keel, US Army Special Forces. Decorated soldier Pedersen-Keel ’02 was a proud member of the Avon Old Farms community. Throughout high school, he embraced all that AOF had to offer. He was a Dean’s List student, tri-sport varsity athlete, dormitory monitor, and editor of the school newspaper. Remembered for his enthusiasm, energy, loyalty, and high moral standards, he earned the trust, respect, and admiration of those around him. He graduated in 2002 and then from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2006. Andrew was first deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 as an Army Ranger, serving as company executive officer and platoon leader. Following his first deployment, he began Special Forces training, which he completed on June 28, 2012. Andrew was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne). On March 11, 2013, Captain Andrew Pedersen Keel, known as ‘PK,’ was killed in action in Eastern Afghanistan. At the time of his death, Pedersen-Keel was serving as Detachment Commander of the Green Beret Special Forces team in eastern Afghanistan. On that day, several NATO and Afghan service members, including Andrew, a second American soldier, Staff Sergeant Rex L. Schad from Oklahoma, and the military working dog “Bak,” were killed when an assailant wearing an Afghan National Security uniform opened fire on the group. Andrew was 28 years old. Pedersen-Keel received several awards during his career, including three Bronze Stars, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Purple Heart. In his career, Andrew also earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Special Forces Tab, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge, Parachutist Badge, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the NATO Medal. During the all-school Morning Meeting on Friday, November 11, Andrew’s mother, Helen, took the podium and shared a letter written by one of Andrew’s best friends. It spoke about Andrew’s character, how he was an unwavering friend with heroic bravery. The plan for the afternoon was to host an all-school 5K for APK charities, but the remnants of Hurricane Nicole thwarted those plans. The run will be rescheduled for the spring. The APK Charities provides financial aid and material assistance to charitable organizations and causes. APK Charities’ mission is to serve as a bridge connecting our society and our Armed Forces, opening our hearts and minds to serve those who protect us. We are forever grateful to the brave men and women who have protected our country, and we will always remember the life of an extraordinary Avonian, Captain Andrew Pedersen-Keel ’02 who died doing what he loved: serving the United States of America.
From The Hartford Courant on March 13, 2013
By Kelly Glista
SOLDIER WITH STATE TIES AMONG DEAD
MADISON — Army Captain Andrew Pedersen-Keel, who had lived in Madison and graduated from Avon Old Farms School, was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan Monday, Madison First Selectman Fillmore McPherson said. His family was told of his death Monday, McPherson said. McPherson said that Pedersen-Keel was one of two American soldiers killed on Monday in the eastern province of Wardak. Three police officers and two Afghan Army officers were also killed in the attack when a man dressed in an Afghan military uniform opened fire on U.S. and Afghan forces at a joint base, according to a report by Reuters. It was not clear if the attack targeted U.S. special forces, Reuters reported. “There are no words that could ever compensate for that kind of loss,” said U.S. Representative Joe Courtney, who represents the state’s 2nd District, which includes Madison. “Our country is so lucky to have people who are always ready to serve.” U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said Pedersen-Keel’s death was a reminder of the enormous toll the war has taken. “Wardak Province, where he was, is a particularly perilous and problematic place these days,” Blumenthal said. “It’s one of the toughest, and he was doing some of the most dangerous and demanding work.” According to the Reuters report, the attack came as a deadline for U.S. special forces to leave the province expired, following accusations by Afghan President Hamid Karzai that they and Afghans working for them were overseeing torture and killings in the area. U.S. forces denied involvement in any abuses in the region, Reuters reported. “This is the worst kind of incident of all,” Courtney said. “I know from talking to people at the House Armed Services Committee that these types of incidents produce a lot of anger and outrage in the military. It is betrayal, and it undermines the trust and the whole plan of transition to Afghan security forces.” Pedersen-Keel’s body was scheduled to return to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Tuesday night, according to the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Public Affairs Office. “There is no easing the worry that loved ones suffer and now the profound grief and pain of his family,” Blumenthal said. “My heart goes out to them, and my thanks for giving us this hero.” Pedersen-Keel graduated from Avon Old Farms School in 2002 and from the West Point Military Academy in 2006. He grew up mostly in Florida but was a boarding student while at Avon Old Farms, and his mother lived in Canton at the time, according to neighbors who knew the family in Canton. Pedersen-Keel and his mother later moved to Madison. Neighbors said his mother works at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Kenneth LaRocque, headmaster at Avon Old Farms School, said Pedersen-Keel — or “PK” as he was known — was an excellent student. He was a three-sport varsity athlete, an honor roll student, and a participant in many other school activities, and he was thrilled when he was accepted at West Point, LaRocque said. The school holds its alumni weekend in May, and LaRocque said he was sure a memorial for Pedersen Keel would be planned for that weekend. Courant Political Editor Rick Green and FOX CT reporter Laurie Perez contributed to this story.
From The Record-Journal (Meriden, CT) on March 23, 2013
By Eric Vo | Record-Journal staff
WAS HE A HUMANITARIAN? YES. A HERO? ABSOLUTELY.
Wallingford Remembers Soldier Who Was Killed In Afghanistan and The Lessons He Taught Here
WALLINGFORD — U.S. Army Captain Andrew M. Pedersen-Keel spent a good part of his youth living in town and attending local schools. Determined, funny, smart, ambitious, a humanitarian — those are just some of the ways he’s being remembered in Wallingford. Pedersen-Keel, 28, was one of two U.S. soldiers killed in Afghanistan on March 11 when an Afghan police officer opened fire on U.S. and Afghan forces. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. A West Point graduate and recipient of two Bronze Stars, Pedersen-Keel attended Parker Farms School and Moran Middle School before his family moved to Florida. He then began attending the boarding school Avon Old Farms, from which he graduated in 2002. The family now lives in Madison. Pedersen-Keel’s fifth-grade teacher, Maureen Binder, said Friday that she remembers him well and can recall where he sat in her class. “He was just one of those children you always remember,” she said. “He had blonde hair and blue eyes. I still remember his smile to this day … that wonderful, bright smile.” Binder said she plans to attend his funeral service in Guilford on Monday. She said she won’t be able to make it to Arlington National Cemetery for Pedersen-Keel’s military burial, but she plans to visit during the summer. “This summer, I was planning on going to Arlington. Now I have a beautiful reason to go,” she said. Even when he was young, Pedersen-Keel’s teachers recognized something special about him, she said. He knew what he wanted and wouldn’t give up until he succeeded, Binder said, and he had innate leadership ability. “He was someone who wanted to take charge,” and “you just knew good things would come from him,” she said. Sometimes, when you have those qualities as a young kid, it makes you an amazing adult.” James Andreson, an eighth-grade history teacher at Moran, also saw something in Pedersen-Keel. Andreson said he frequently has his students participate in a video project. He chose Pedersen-Keel to be an anchorman, which meant he had the responsibility of introducing each student’s news segment. “I selected him because I knew he was very smart,” Andreson said. “It was the leadership quality or charisma that made me very comfortable with putting him in that role for the project.” Binder said she wasn’t surprised when she heard that Pedersen-Keel had been accepted into the U.S. Military Academy at West Point or that he achieved the rank of captain at a young age. He graduated from West Point in 2006. Michael Somers met Pedersen-Keel at Moran, and the two remained close friends, he said. He was someone who wanted to make the most out of life, Somers said. “He was always on the lookout for a new adventure,” he said. About five years ago, Pedersen-Keel returned to Parker Farms to collect school supplies to donate to children in Afghanistan. It was something both Binder and Somers said was typical of him. “He was always trying to help other people,” Binder said. “Was he a humanitarian? Yes. A hero? Absolutely.” Though Somers says he and Pedersen-Keel were polar opposites, they struck up a friendship that lasted well past their middle school days. The two made sure to see each other during the holidays and to talk on the phone every once in a while. After hearing the news of his death and as a way to express his thoughts and feelings, Somers said, he wrote a letter to Pedersen-Keel. “You taught me more than you’ll ever know: you taught me that life isn’t well lived if you don’t do things that scare you and make you uncomfortable from time to time. You taught me not to care what other people in school thought of me. You showed me the value in breaking some rules, of questioning authority, of talking to people who frighten you, of standing up for myself,” Somers wrote. “Most importantly, you always reminded me that, like you, I was special — and knowing that someone who could have had any friend he wanted in school but instead chose to hang out with me, instilled me with a sense of confidence that I still carry with me today.” While tragic, Pedersen-Keel’s death was a “teachable moment” for educators, Andreson said. “It’s one of those things where something happens, and you just drop what you’re doing, and you teach that (event) because it’s all related,” he said. When Binder learned of Pedersen-Keel’s death, she said, she made a point of describing him to her students. To honor him, she said, her students are planning to plant a tree and carve his name into a stone to place at the base. At Moran, Andreson said he is planning a Memorial Day event to teach students who Pedersen-Keel was and the meaning behind the holiday. While Pedersen-Keel spent only a part of his life in town, his legacy lives on — inspiring students and, as with Somers, giving them a sense of confidence they didn’t have before. “The only silver lining in this tragedy is that you accomplished and experienced more in your 28 years than the vast majority of people do in a lifetime. … You touched and inspired literally thousands of people with your life of valor,” Somers wrote. “The world, your family, your friends, and myself are worse off after this tragedy but infinitely better off for having the opportunity to have known you.” Governor Dannel P. Malloy has ordered all flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of Pedersen-Keel.
Memorialized with a segment of Route 79 from Route 1 to the intersection of Green Hill Road in Madison, Connecticut.
Captain Pedersen-Keel is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Memorial Avenue, Arlington, Virginia; Section 60, Site 10108.
Almighty God, Who art the Author of liberty and the Champion of the oppressed, hear our prayer.
We, the soldiers of the Special Forces, acknowledge our dependence upon Thee in the preservation of human freedom.
Go with us as we seek to defend the defenseless and to free the enslaved.
May we ever remember that our nation, whose motto is “In God We Trust,” expects that we shall acquit ourselves with honor that we may never bring shame upon our faith, our families, or our fellow men.
Grant us wisdom from Thy mind, courage from Thine heart, strength from Thine arm, and protection by Thine hand.
It is for Thee that we do battle, and to Thee belongs the victor’s crown. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power and glory, forever, Amen.