Silver Star recipient and Green Beret, Master Sgt. Andrew “Andy” Marckesano lost his life to suicide on July 7th, 2020. The MSG Andrew Marckesano Suicide Prevention Fund (#AndysFund) was established not only to honor the life and legacy of MSG Marckesano, but to earmark funds specifically for meeting the mental health care needs of Green Berets and their families not covered by military healthcare or other benefits.

The matter of military and veteran suicide is a deeply nuanced, sensitive, and constantly evolving issue, and at the Green Beret Foundation, our objective is to ensure that every Green Beret and Green Beret family member suffering from mental health challenges has access to all necessary avenues of treatment and care. We approach this matter from a holistic perspective, considering “mental health care” and “suicide prevention” to include treatments and therapies which may address other underlying concerns, such as substance abuse, post-traumatic stress (PTS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), chronic pain, and additional issues which may contribute to suicidal ideation. Our goal is to leave no Green Beret or Green Beret family member behind, affording them the necessary care to enjoy meaningful and fulfilling lives free from the shadow of suicide.

Special thank you to Brack Yard Films, LLC for producing this video.

Master Sgt. Andrew C. Marckesano

Master Sergeant Andrew Christian Marckesano was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on October 22, 1986. He graduated from San Luis Obispo High School in 2004 and joined the Army in 2005 as an Infantryman. MSG Marckesano was assigned to Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg, North Carolina), where he served in C Co 2/508 PIR 82nd Airborne Division from Rifleman to Squad Leader. While at Fort Bragg, he deployed to Afghanistan in 2007 and 2009. In 2011, MSG Marckesano was assigned to Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. In 2013, MSG Marckesano deployed again to Afghanistan. In 2013, MSG Marckesano attended the Special Forces Assessment and Selection at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and was selected to participate in the Special Forces Qualification Course. He graduated in 2015 as a Special Forces Weapons Sergeant and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). MSG Marckesano deployed to Afghanistan as the Senior Weapons Sergeant on ODA 7223 in 2016 and then to Colombia in 2017. MSG Marckesano was deployed again to Afghanistan as the Operations Sergeant for ODA 7235 in 2018.

MSG Marckesano’s schools include Basic Airborne Course, Modern Army Combatives Level 1 and 2, Ranger Indoctrination Program, Small Unit Ranger Tactics Course, Warrior Leaders Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Ranger Course, SERE (High Risk), Free Fall Parachutist Course and the Special Forces Weapons Sergeant Qualification Course.

MSG Marckesano’s Awards include Silver Star, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Valorous Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal CS-5, Global War on Terrorism, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, NCO Professional Development ribbons, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Ranger Tab, Special Forces Tab, Parachute Badge, Military Freefall Parachutists Badge.

MSG Marckesano is survived by his three children from a previous marriage, his parents, Kathryn and Patrick, and his sister Michele.

Any reproduction, editing, or other use of this video without the express written consent of Brack Yard Films, LLC and Kathryn Marckesano is strictly prohibited.