Porr, and girlfriend Kate DeGall of Middletown

Porr completes service in Iraq

(July 21) - City of Newburgh native Andrew M. Porr, son of Harold and Joan, has returned home from 14 months of combat service in Iraq.  Andrew Porr is a Specialist with the US Army 1-30th Infantry and a member of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (2nd BCT), which is part of the 3rd Infantry Division based in Fort Stewart, Georgia.  Porr and his fellow soldiers have been operating out of a patrol base located just south of the City of Baghdad alongside the Tigris River.

Porr was assigned to the so-called “surge” that was deployed last year as part of the overall plan to neutralize Al-Qaida forces controlling areas throughout Iraq. 

As reported in US ARMY news outlets the area south of Bagdad on the west bank of the Tigris was considered one of the most dangerous places in all of Iraq.  Fourteen months after arrival in Iraq the soldiers of 2nd BCT can look back and see a place made much safer by their selfless work.

The 2nd BCT achieved significant success in fulfilling its mission. During their tour of duty 5,943 houses cleared, 1,433 suspects detained, 1,241 small arms fire engagements, 577 weapons caches found and 532 improvised explosive devices safely destroyed.  As a result of these successes since March 08 their mission became largely humanitarian, civilization building, water systems, school and food aid.

Although stationed at Fort Stewart, Porr will return to Newburgh to spend leave with family and friends.   Andrew thanked family members, friends and strangers for their letters, packages, and prayers of support.  He said, “you don’t know what it’s like to be back in the US, it’s paradise!”