Remembering an Amazing Marine, Candidate, and Man

This week brought tragic news that particularly hit hard for the VoteVets.org family. Among the painful and heartbreaking losses of those Killed in Action was Bill Cahir, a Marine Sergeant, killed in Afghanistan.

Bill epitomized what is so great about so many who serve our nation in uniform. At the age of 34, he enlisted, motivated by the September 11th attacks. But, his first action wasn't taking on al Qaeda in Afghanistan. He was deployed twice to Iraq, from 2004-2005, and again from 2007-2008. If Bill, a political progressive, thought Iraq wasn't the war we should be in at the time, his willingness and readiness to go and stand by his men sure took precedence over his personal feelings. Then, this May, he was sent to Afghanistan, serving in the Helmand Province, which is one of the most violent areas in the region that very few Americans know about.

Between his time in Iraq and his service in Afghanistan, Bill ran for Congress. It would have been incredibly easy -- and everyone would have said advisable -- to come back and rest after two tours in Iraq. But Bill, whose line of work was journalism, saw that Capitol Hill needed more leadership. His own comfort took a backseat to his sense of responsibility.

The seriousness with which he took that responsibility is why VoteVets.org PAC endorsed him in his primary race, which he ultimately lost.

And though he will never be able to make a run for office again, we at VoteVets.org are not done talking about him, or the people like him all over America who are still alive, and mix patriotism, progressivism, and sense of duty. Continuing to remember Bill and what he stood for, and standing up for the people like him, is the best way to honor his memory.

It's essential that everyone know about people like Bill Cahir, whose overriding purpose in life was to help and defend others. That's why we were heartened to see Chris Matthews devoted a segment to Bill's memory on Hardball the other day.

We're hopeful that other news shows took notice, and remember that as we debate health care or energy or stimulus funds (all of which ostensibly are meant to improve America) there are real American lives being risked every day in Iraq and Afghanistan. They want to make America better, too. It doesn't take much for the news to put a talking heads segment aside for the day (including any that I might be called to do) to tell amazing stories like Bill's.

Note: Bill left unborn twin daughters and a wife. A memorial fund has been established to help provide an education to the daughters who will never be able to meet their amazing father. You can help by making checks payable to the "Bill Cahir Memorial Fund" and sending them to: Burk and Herbert Bank, c/o Mark Ragland, P.O. Box 268, Alexandria, Va., 22313.

Crossposted at VetVoice.com

Follow Jon Soltz on Twitter: www.twitter.com/jonsoltz

Comments

[Daniel Powers]

great piece Jon

[roudy]

A tragic wasted life in a tragic wasted war.

[RightWingMarine]

Semper Fi

[vew]

Berettasskeeter. Because your a Fascist you feel disdained by Chris Matthews mentioning "liberal" Sgt. Bill Cahir??

[lastpost]

One day, soldiers will be sent only to save, serve, and support Earth’s citizens.

Here’s to the end of our innocence.

[yankee452]

God bless you Sgt. Cahir !


...no better friend....

[ReealOne]

Thank you Jon for sharing this story about Bill Cahir, a Marine Sergeant, who was tragically killed in Afghanistan. Thanks to the brave men and women like Sgt. Bill Cahir who are fighting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan every day, and protecting this country, and willing to do something most of us do not have the courage to do. And I am so very grateful.

My thoughts and condolences go out to Sgt. Cahir's wife and unborn twin daughters, family members and friends. I also extend my condolences to all of the brave men and women who have given their precious lives for this country.

[maddy48]

Thanks for putting this story out. Thanks for reminding all of us about those guys in the desert & unforgivving mountains. You reminded me that the military is full of diverse young men. From 18yrs to way beyond that on their way to finding & learning what all of us must in an absurd classroom. That some may want to participate in this (sort) of democracy after getting out makes me proud & I feel like saying a very rare prayer.

[demfriend]

Another huge loss for us of another Great American! That the news now days is full of lies brought out from the insurance companies and lobbyists about healthcare for us all, the media has forgotten about the troops in harms way. We have had so many in leadership roles in the ranks of the military serving quietly and some dying without notice and yet the ability to even know about these fine Americans is being swept under and around the news like we don't need to know as there is other things we should be focused on as decided by the media. We have too many returning for third and more deployments as the numbers of troops available to be deployed appears to dwindle. Thank you Jon for not allowing this loss to go unnoticed/­ignored/un­known...

[SueMVetforObama]

Rest in Peace, Sergeant of Marines.

You are remembered.

Semper Fidelis

[Berettasskeeter]

Every Marine, soldier, airman and Sailor that dies in the service of his or her country deserves our love and prayers, but what do you hear from Chris Matthews? Sarah Palin, birthers, town hall, etc. Why this man now? Because he was a Liberal. He was my brother Marine, and for that I love him. But he deserved no more thanks than the unknown Lance Corporals who have died in battle, ignored by MSNBC.
Shame on you Jon, for not calling Matthews out for his apparent disdain for the bulk of our forces.
Semper fi

[argyle]

No, because he was a journalist who saw war and became a Marine at 34.
Shame on you for using the death of a Marine to make a point.
People who are faithful rarely talk about it.

[alicarn]

What a sad piece of news. Kudos to both Jon Soltz and Chris Matthews for letting us know of the loss of this great American. I am writing a check as I type this. Sympathies to his family, this loss must be overwhelming for them.

[Aaror]

OoRah Mr. Soltz

[AGoldStarMom]

RIP Sgt Cahir. My thoughts are with his family & friends during this difficult time.

[Bobzmcishl]

A very sad story - this young man was not just a flag-pin patriot but someone who walked the talk. RIP Bill Cahir. In Bill's memory, I hope more returning Iraq and Aghanistan veterans will decide to run for public office. Our country needs more citizens in public leadership roles who understand the horrors of war and the need not to get involved in wars willy nilly.