Air Force Veteran Master Sargent 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 Saudi Arabia. 

            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; Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Air Force Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters; AF Outstanding Unit Award with seven oak leaf clusters; National Defense Service Medal with one service star; the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

            After retirement, Carla worked at the Veteran Service Office as an assistant to help Veterans and their families, as well as a Facilities Manager and Administrative Assistant. During these positions, she returned to school completing her degrees in Software Developing and Programming, and Graphic and Web Design.

            A Life Member of Berg-Averkamp VFW Post 5276 since 2019, Carla continues to serve as Post Quartermaster, earning All-State and All-American honors in both 2021-22 and 2022-2023.  She also earned All-State (Co-Captain) District Commander as well as All-American District Commander for 2022-2023.   She is serving her second consecutive term as District 3 Commander and has also served as a National Deputy Chief-of-Staff.

          Master Sergeant Carla McAndrew and her husband of 32 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.