A Padua alumnus MSG. Joseph Andres Jr. ’89 was honored by the City of Seven Hills on Veterans Day Tuesday, November 11, 2025. They dedicated the area commonly known as the Seven Hills Farmers Market after the Master Sergeant, who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving with the U.S. Army Special Operations Command in Iraq. He was killed in action on Dec. 24, 2005. The area near the gazebo (at the corner of Broadview and Hillside Roads) is now named MSG. Joseph Andres Jr. Memorial Park. Padua’s Choir was part of the ceremony and sang the national anthem and "God Bless the USA". American Legion Post 572 also participated with taps and a 21-gun salute to honor him for his service.
Throughout his career, Andres completed elite training as a Ranger, Paratrooper, and Special Forces soldier, earning numerous commendations, including the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device, Meritorious Service Medal, and Purple Heart (posthumously).
The U.S. Army Special Operations Command leads the nation’s most elite units, including the U.S. Army Rangers, Special Forces (Green Berets), and Psychological Operations soldiers. USASOC conducts high-risk missions across the globe, ranging from counterterrorism and direct action to intelligence, training, and humanitarian efforts. Its soldiers are among the most skilled and disciplined in the world, dedicated to protecting freedom and advancing national security wherever duty calls.
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