Meet Andy Negra – 101 Years Young and Still Inspiring the World
Posted by Scott Lien, CEO & Co-Founder of GrandPad
May 30, 2025
Today, I want to introduce you to someone truly special—Andrew “Andy” Negra Jr., a WWII veteran who just celebrated his 101st birthday earlier this week and has made the trip to Normandy several times. Andy is not only a decorated veteran and proud American hero—he’s also a living legend whose story has touched my life in ways I’ll never forget.
A Connection Sparked by Kindness
I first learned about Andy last fall when Virginie Durr from Delta Air Lines introduced us. She told me about this incredible man with a brilliant smile, a deep love for his country, and an energy that could light up any room. I had the honor of connecting with Andy shortly after—and from our very first conversation, I was inspired.
He’s a loyal GrandPad user, and it didn’t take long before I realized: if Andy found joy, connection, and purpose through GrandPad, then we had an opportunity—and a responsibility—to get a GrandPad into the hands of other WWII veterans participating in the Delta and Best Defense Foundation program.
Andy was our inspiration. And today, many of his fellow veterans are using GrandPads to stay connected with their families, share stories, and preserve memories for future generations.
Wisdom From a Living Legend
Andy has a quick wit, a love of life, and a deep reservoir of wisdom. Every time I speak with him, I learn something new—not just about history, but about gratitude, resilience, and living fully.
I recently had the joy of interviewing Andy for my podcast, Living Legends. In our conversation, he shares powerful life lessons that have stuck with me ever since.
🎧 Listen to the full interview here:
https://youtu.be/kmJT2bXH91I?si=WadU7otxUv5BgT-a
Celebrating Andy's Legacy
Andy Negra Jr. was born on May 28, 1924 near Avella, Pennsylvania and was the first in his family to graduate from high school. Joining the U.S. Army on August 2, 1943, he attended basic training at Ft. Bragg, N.C. and shipped out overseas on February 11, 1944. Upon landing in Wales, he was attached to the 128th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 6th Armored Division.
Andy´s unit landed on Utah Beach in Normandy on July 18, 1944. From Normandy, he fought in the battle of Brest, France. In December 1944, the 6th Armored Division was ordered to take part in the Battle of the Bulge. The unit was heavily engaged in the battle for Bastogne, Belgium and after a short period of rehabilitation in January 1945, the division resumed the offensive, penetrating the Siegfried Line. On April 11, 1945 battalions of the 6th Armored Division liberated Buchenwald concentration camp. The division continued to race on, taking Leipzig followed by the crossing of the River Zwickau Mulde at Rochlitz on April 15, 1945. Andy and his unit held their defensive positions along the Mulde River until the end of hostilities in Europe. He then went on to serve in the Occupation of Germany with the 2nd Armored Division. Andy was honorably discharged on December 17, 1945.
Why This Matters
Andy reminds us why we do what we do at GrandPad. He reminds us that behind every uniform is a story, and behind every story is a legacy. His joyful spirit, his unwavering gratitude, and his continued generosity with his wisdom have impacted me personally—and so many others.
Heroes like Andy deserve to be seen, heard, and honored—not just on anniversaries, but every single day.
📬 Follow along and invite others to join this journey:
https://www.grandpad.net/normandy-updates
Please share this blog post with anyone who would be inspired by Andy’s story. Let’s keep honoring the Greatest Generation by learning from them—and lifting them up.
With admiration,
Scott Lien
CEO & Co-Founder
GrandPad
