Andre Darnell Mitchell, a PSC Specialist in the United States Army, who grew up in Elmont, died on July 31 after the Humvee he was riding in got into an accident while he was stationed in Mosul, Iraq.

Born on June 4, 1983, Mitchell grew up in Elmont, a community he was very proud to be a part of. He attended Clara H. Carlson School and Sewanhaka High School, graduating in 2003. He continued his education at Nassau Community College where he was a celebrated member of the African American Student Association. The club chose him to represent the school at several conferences and events throughout the United States, most notably in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mitchell's dream was always to serve his country and he was very passionate about the United States of America. Even though he knew that his pursuit would lead him to harm's way, he felt it was his duty to serve. Mitchell enlisted on Valentine's Day 2006 in the United States Army. His first station was at Fort Hood Texas, where he spent 14 months training. He was deployed to Mosul, Iraq in November 2007.

"He would always say to us that this is what he wanted to do - I want to serve my country. He did it so well and he'd never have it any other way. I'm so proud of Andre. He was a leader in pursuing his dreams. Nothing could deter him from pursuing what he wanted to do," said his mother Yasmin Patterson.

His brother, Malique Patterson, a recent graduate of Alden Terrace School added, "He was a hero to me. He would say something to me, offer me advice and I wouldn't understand what he was saying but later on he was always right. He would smile at me and say I told you so."

Assemblyman Tom Alfano, a friend of the Patterson family, said, "Andre served his country with great distinction. It was his dream to serve in the Army. He was so proud the day he enlisted. He told everyone who knew him that he was proud to be an American and this was what he wanted to do. He wanted to serve. His loss is tragic and our entire community has his family in our thoughts and prayers. Truly, Andre is a great American."

Throughout Mitchell's pursuit of his education, he worked at Antun's Catering in Queens Village on the weekends and later at the Marriott Hotel in Uniondale. He was a hard worker and was known to always be there on time, ready to do the job.

Mitchell is survived by mother Yasmin, brother Malique, the Duncan family and many friends. He is the grandson of the late Narcisco Patterson.