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Andrew Sharkey, a 2001 graduate of Abington High School, attended classes at Montgomery County Community College before joining the Pennsylvania National Guard in October of 2003.  Andrew was immediately shipped to Fort Knox, KY for basic training.  For his advanced individual training, Andrew was assigned to learn how to operate and repair the 19K M1 Series tank.  Following his specialized training, Andrew was sent to Mississippi for pre-deployment training for a period of five months with the 70th Main Battle Tank Unit.  In July of 2005, Andrew’s unit was sent to Ar Ramidi, Iraq where he patrolled, both as a driver and dismount, in an armored Humvee in the hostile regions of Iraq.  In June of 2006 Andrew’s unit was incorporated into the 2nd Brigade Combat Team – 28th Infantry – PA Army National Guard.  While Andrew still has three more years of obligated service, he envisions himself reenlisting when the time comes.

            Daniel Sharkey, a 2003 graduate of Abington High School, immediately joined the Marines in the summer of 2003.  Following Boot Camp at Paris Island, SC, Daniel attended Combat Training Camp at Camp Lejune, NC.  Daniel was then sent to Personal Administration School for his individual advanced training.  In December of 2003, Daniel was assigned to the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 based in New River, NC.  Here he was trained to be an aerial observer and gunner on the CH46 Echo Helicopter, better known as “Frogs”.  In January of 2004, Daniel’s Unit was deployed to the Al Asad Airbase in the Ar Anbar province of Western Iraq.  His unit remained at the airbase until September of 2004.  In May of 2005 Daniel’s Unit was incorporated into the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, which was deployed to the waters off the coast of Kuwait and Djibouti, on the USS Nassau, an LHA or aircraft carrier for helicopters.  While on the USS Nassau, Daniel’s Unit played a critical role in capturing modern day pirates.  Daniel’s Unit returned home in May of 2006.  His obligation to the Marines lasts until June of 2007.

            The members of the Fort Washington Fire Company No.1 would like to express our sincere gratitude and pride toward B.J., Andrew and Daniel Sharkey.  They join a distinguished list of Fort Washington Fire Company members that have fought bravely for their country in a time of war.  We wish the Sharkey Family, as a whole, a wonderful holiday and pray that all of our members are safe in their future endeavors.