Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I was preparing to deploy when this action occurred. We where boots on ground in november when he passed. The tales of the heroic actions of this man spread through the ranks. His sacrifice becoming somewhat of a battle cry. Generations of soldiers have had shining examples of heros that are revered, he is one of ours. This man deserves the medal of honor, I anxiously await the day his family receives it for him. God bless you, god bless your family, and may god protect your son who has courageously decided to follow in your footsteps. Rest in peace brother, you will always be remembered."
bradley balch of Winlock, WA 98596

"I had the pleasure of knowing, and serving with, SFC. Cashe and he was a grew NCO and a great man. I was on the QRF that responded to the incident and saw first hand the results of his heroism. God bless you SFC Cashe."
SSG Jeff Aaron (Ret) of Ft. Stockton, Texas

"SFC CASHE, and I were really good friends. I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to work with him while station at FT Benning,GA. While SFC CASHE was training his guys to get ready for Iraq, I was a OC in Hohenfels, Germany. The only thing he wanted to do was make sure his guys were ready to deploy. One of the best NCO'S I've ever meet. Rest in peace my friend you did an awesome job. You deserve the MOH......"
Riggs Peoples of Montgomery, ALA

"SFC Cashe will be memorialized on July 19, 2014 when the Sanford Army Reserve Center will be named after him.

https://www.facebook.com/search/results.php?q=SFC%20ALWYNE%20CASHE&form=FBKBFT&type=web&init=mag_glass&tas=0.4678402870505487&search_first_focus=1403229544815#!/groups/264150296957437/?fref=ts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqdzTMFIew4"
MAria Pia of San Bruno

"I had the privilege of meeting Al in 1993-94, we were stationed in Korea together. Had some good times with him that I will never forget. I had the honor of raising him from a Dead Level to a Living Perpendicular. I WON'T and CAN'T forget you brother."
LaMarr (Scottie) Payne of Jacksonville, FL

"We met at a facility in Port Orange. From one gold star family to another,Thank You and God Bless! Dee Mills (Sgt Lea Mills)"
Momma Dee of Brooksville, FL 34604

"Tango Mike Mike would be proud"
C Bivens of ATL, Georgia

"SFC Cashe, I recognized you as a great man when you were my Drill Sergeant. Your actions on the battle field are more proof of this. I owe you a lot. RIP Drill Sergeant. MADDOGS 254, FEB 2000"
SFC Dennis Leto of San Angelo, TX

"I don' t know what to say. Thank you. I truly believe what Mr. Cashe and others have done, keeps the rest of us free in every sense of the word. For that I will always be grateful. God Bless to all."
Stephen Flanagan of San Diego, CA. USA

"I just read the article titled "No Braver, Selfless act" Truley unbelievable and awe-inspiring. We all can ony hope to be as courageous as this true American and Brother in Arms."
MGySgt Parham of Camp Leatherneck

"DELTA CO 254 3RD PLT "MADDOGS" (jun-oct 2000)

DRILL SERGEANT CASHE,
I have been in the Army for 10 years and owe a lot of that to you for pushing me to never quit and never let anyone hold me back. I thank you for inspiring me to do my best. My condolences goes out to your family, REST IN PEACE BROTHER"
SGT Pratt, Joshua of FOB Tirin Kot ,Afghanistan

"SFC Cashe I miss you and you will never be forgot in rest in peace"
SSG Verga Patrick J Army Recruiter of Wilmington NC

"SFC Alwyn C. Cashe is one of many reasons why we observe Memorial Day in the USA. I learned of his Heroic Acts from another great NCO while serving in Afghanistan this past year. Job will done and we will see you again. Blessing to his wife, children, family and the lives he saved. Those lives saved is his legacy!!!!"
LTC William A. Speed of Olive Branch, MS

"To the family of:Alwyn C. Cashe
I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015.
Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga""

"You have touched my life without ever meeting each other. You meant alot to someone very important to me. He looked up to you and served with you during that tour. I know he struggles every fall with your loss. Thank you for your service and your leadership of the men in your care. I wish I could have met you, thanked you and given you a big hug. Your family was lucky to have you in their lives and I'm very sorry for their loss."
Karen T of Chicago, IL

"SFC Cashe, I wish I would have never offered my gunner seat to you now.I have thought about that night every day since it happened. I could not see the future, I didnt know what would happen. You did a better job than I would have done, YOU are a TRUE HERO. This my final message as Red 3G. Rest In Peace. REDDAWGS!!!!"
SPC Stephen Seals of Denham Springs, LA

"Rest in peace brother it was an honor to have served with you. Vanguards."
Sgt. S.Shockey of Austin, TX

"SFC Cashe, while only a brief segment of my life, was my DS (A Co, 2/54IN, July 1999-Dec 1999). At the time we thought you a hardass an unreasonably tough. After turning joining my unit I found that I had it rough in basic so I could succeed in the Army. I will never forget the lessons in discipline and pursuit of perfecting.

SGT Edwards, Cory L."
Cory Edwards of Clarksville, TN

"It was an honor serving with SFC Cashe while I was with 1-15. Although I never knew him on a personal level, his actions on 10/17/2005 has never been forgotten. I said it before, he defined what the Medal of Honor is on that night."
David Grove, 1-15 ('02-'06) of Pasadena, MD

"Drill Sergeant Cashe,
I will never forget you. You were always the drill instructor I told myself I would never forget. I found out that some of my closest friends and brothers served with you in Germany and in 1-15. Even though I never served with you after I got done with basic and AIT, I never forgot you and I do remember running into you as you transferred back to Benning as I was leaving the service, ironically on my final day of clearing and your first day back. I remember shaking your hand and thanking you for everything you taught me and you said to me, "I just did what I was supposed to do, it was up to you to learn it." I'll never forget that or you. You are a hero, and it is my hope that you will receive the Medal of Honor for your actions which ultimately lead to your death, but saved many more lives than your own. Mad Dogs!"
Zach Polachek, 3rd platoon "Mad Dogs", 2-54 INF, June-October 2000 of DeForest, WI

"You give us strength....to take care of our own!
Today, October 2011, I read your story on the military.com site..and as I read tears roll at the thought of you fighting unselfishly for all the lives in your hands at the time. A certain strength is gained as well from your story. This added strength is only one that Our Heavenly Father can give. As Non-Commissioned Officers we are molded to be strong for our Troops and our Country. You, Staff have succeeded..May you rest in peace & may your family,friends and fellow troops be comforted daily.
Thank you, we love you...and YOU will never be forgotten! The highest Award is already yours!...From a Veteran FT. Bragg Soldier out of the 496th Supply Co. of Stugartt, Germany."
SGT Sophia (Maybank) Pressley of Suitland, Maryland/USA

"To a great leader, and a true friend. In Germany you taught me one thing that has stuck to me, when your friends are in trouble and they need your help You will go the extra mile to help them out. What you did is what you preached to us, never leave your men behind no matter what. I have a picture of us in my bedroom you have this big smile and a dip in your mouth... Watch over us as you have done with me on my 4 deployment. We will meet again."
Clifford Gabriel of FT Lewis, WA

"To a great leader, and a true friend. In Germany you taught me one thing that has stuck to me, when your friends are in trouble and they need your help You will go the extra mile to help them out. What you did is what you preached to us, never leave your men behind no matter what. I have a picture of us in my bedroom you have this big smile and a dip in your mouth... Watch over us as you have done with me on my 4 deployment. We will meet again."
Clifford Gabriel of FT Lewis, WA

"SFC Cashe was my PSG when I was a PL. I remember this one thing from our first conversation. SFC Cashe said "Sir, know that when the **** hits the fan and we get into it, I'm coming."

Three weeks later, 19 May 2005, we got into our first firefight as a platoon. I called Red4 over the radio to pull up to a firing position. His response: "Red1, Red4...I'm coming."
At that point, I knew we'd win this firefight...and we did.

"Red4, this is Red1...well done, be thou at peace. Over.""
Paul A. Benitez of Austin, TX

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"There were days when i just wanted to quit the world the platoon was envolved in iraq that year. when sfc.cashe looked at me and says :hey fatboy what you doing get up i need you outthere i aint coming back home with out you.: lol he was the greates human being and leader next to my blood father that i have ever meet in my life. this is painful but it only makes me stronger when times are bad i think of him saying get up fatboy lol and the rest of my day is to easy. all my love to him and his family. sgt.eulloque carlos. 1-15 in can do"
sgt.eulloque. carlos of columbus,ga

"I am thankful to all that have signed at this site, all that have remember my brother with love and respect. Thank You for the memories and the words of condolences. I truly miss him each and everyday. I pray all the service personnel will return home safely and shortly. I do not wish the pain of a loss on another family. I love you little brother, hold it down for me until I too reach heaven."
Kasinal Cashe White of Tallhassee, Fl

"SFC Cashe, 17 October 2005 is still a fresh memory in my mind and it is one I will never forget. My heart is still filled with guilt knowing that my Bradley should have been the first vehicle in our last patrol together. You stubborness and willingness to lead saved the men in my Bradley and it was truly an honor to serve as your Platoon Leader. You were a father, a friend and an awesome mentor. My heart is at ease knowing that you are with God. Seeing you walk from the CASEVAC to the MEDEVAC bird was the last time that I saw you, but you were still strong during your final walk on the Battle Field. SFC you are my hero and I owe my life to you. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers and the fond memories of you willing continually be in my heart. God Bless! - Red 1"
CPT L. M. Jr. "Red 1" of Pinehurst, NC

"Old Red 4, not a day goes by that I don't think about you. Heres to you this Memorial Day weekend - you were the best America had to offer. A true warrior and hero but most of all a friend."
CPT Bill Ayres of Philadelphia, PA

""Old C", "Red 4, this is Red 1".

Brother, I'm sorry it took this long to leave you a message. Thanks for all those great times we had together. You were a great PSG and I was extremely fortunate to have had you while I was your PL.

I want you to know that not a day has gone by without me wishing you well. See you on the high ground......you are truly missed."
CPT James D. Ryan of 173D Airborne Vicenza, IT

"SFC Cashe and I were planning a deer hunting trip after the deployment was over. My name is SSG (RET) Benjamin Shaw and I served as the Senior Scout of the Task Force 1-15 Scouts. He helped keep my sanity by letting me borrow his hunting DVDs so that we could have something other than Army stuff to talk about. I didn't speak in Iraq after his death because I couldn't get the words out, but I'll say now, Thank you SFC Cashe. I miss you and I promise to try to kill at least one deer a year for you brother

SSG (RET) Benjamin Shaw
Taskforce 1-15 INF
Ft. Benning Ga."
Benjamin Shaw of Chicago Illinois

"I was deaply saddened by the loss of your loved one. Alwyn was a true Soldier. I served with him also as a senior drill sergeant with BCTB's 2nd Bn., 54th Inf. Regt.
The loss Alwyn, as a trainer and leader is a significant loss to our Armed forces.
As a true friend, there are few that will ever live up to him.
Again, I wish only the best for all who knew and loved him, he was a true Warrior and Friend."
SFC (Ret) Paul Vasquez of Copperas Cove, Texas

"I would like to pass on my prayers and thoughtful blessings that you are getting through this holiday season. I lost my daughters dad with him SSgt George Alexander. So I do know what you are going through this day and all days. I tried to get in to see him but when I got to BAMC Alexander was dead and so I could not get over to see him."
Victoria Madison/Alexandria Alexander of Bolling AFB, DC

"SFC Cashe "Casheman". I know you are in more peaceful place now. You will always be remembered not only for your heroism, but for the great NCO that you were to all of us."
COL Gary Brito of Fort Monroe, VA

"A few short months will mark 3 years since..... I remember everything as if were yesterday, but fortunately I don't think about it that often anymore. Before every patrol you would say to everyone, it's going to be hard going back home without everyone we came here with... You were right.
SFC Dodge."
Douglas Dodge of Ft Lewis Wa

"May 25, 2008
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe:
Alwyn gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"I don't know what you saw in me, but i am grateful, thankyou"

"For all you did for my husband and the years of service..I will never forget.."
Tiffany Dodge of Kent, wa, usa

"To the Cashe Family and Friends of Alwyn: On this past Memorial Day Weekend, everyone at my church was given a card with the name of a service man or woman who had died fighting the war in Iraq, and we were asked by my pastor to keep this person in our prayers. I was honored to receive a card with Alwyn's name on it. I just want you to know how saddened I am by your loss of your son and husband, this brave young man and to say Thank You for sharing your hero with all of us so that we may live free. I will keep Alwyn and his family in my prayers. God Bless You."
Lynda Wagar of Loudonville, NY

"This is his favorite nephew sending a remembrance shout out."
Marieio Spradley of Tampa, FL

"CHIN UP TAMMY. HE'S ALWAYS WATCHING OVER YOU AND LITTLE BIT. WE WILL KEEP BOTH OF YOU IN OUR PRAYERS."
HOPE A. S. RODGERS of SCHWEINFURT, GERMANY

"SFC Alwyn Cashe was my Platoon Sergeant and I'm truly honored to have served with him. I was there on that terrible night 17 Oct 2005 and his action were heroic and outstanding.


Annette Fournier
Tamara Cashe is comforted by Col. Charles Durr after unveiling the sign dedicating Sand Hill's new MOUT site, named in honor of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe.

Soldiers dedicate 'Cashetown' on Sand Hill

Annette Fournier
Bayonet staff

Sand Hill's new MOUT site was dedicated May 19 to honor a former drill sergeant and 3rd Brigade Combat Team NCO who died after saving the lives of six Soldiers in Iraq.

Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe and his troops were conducting a route clearance mission Oct. 17 near Samarra, Iraq, when their Bradley fighting vehicle was hit by an IED. Cashe was not hurt in the initial explosion, and managed to exit the vehicle and pull the driver out. The Bradley was engulfed in flames but he returned to the burning vehicle twice to pull the rest of the team out.

Cashe was burned over 72 percent of his body while rescuing his troops. He died Nov. 8 at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Three other Soldiers - Staff Sgt. George Alexander, Sgt. Michael Robertson and Spc. Darren Howe also died at Brooke Army Medical Center as a result of their injuries.

In an emotional ceremony, friends, family and fellow Soldiers remembered Cashe. His wife, Tamara, unveiled the sign which identifies the site as the Sergeant First Class Alwyn C. Cashe Urban Training Facility. She was aided by Col. Steven Salazar, 3rd BCT commander, and Col. Charles Durr, Basic Combat Training Brigade commander.

Cashe, 35, was a platoon sergeant with 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, when he deployed, but had formerly served as a senior drill sergeant with BCTB's 2nd Bn., 54th Inf. Regt.

"Three words describe 'Big Al,'" said Lt. Col. Gary Brito, commander, 1st Bn., 15th Inf. Regt. "Brave, caring and committed. I know he wouldn't like it, but we need to add hero to that description."

Cashe was a dedicated NCO who wouldn't rest until his troops were taken care of, so it's appropriate to dedicate a MOUT site to him, Brito said.

"Cashetown" is a complex of buildings designed to replicate a village in Iraq or Afghanistan. Catwalks run over the top of the roofless buildings so drill sergeants can watch Soldiers training. Cashe's award citation and picture are posted on a placard on the side one of the buildings.

"This sign reminds us what right looks like," Durr said, referring to the placard. "His memory will live on in the walls of these buildings and in the faces of the Soldiers who train here. I can't think of a better tribute than this."

Staff Sgt. Anthony Dennison served with Cashe in the 1st Bn., 15th Inf. Regt., and attended the ceremony.

"He had a heart when it came to people," Dennison said.

"His guys knew they could go to him if they needed something. I wasn't surprised when I heard that he pulled the other guys out. I wouldn't have expected anything less from him."

Following the ceremony, Soldiers comforted Cashe's wife and daughter and took pictures next to the placard.

"He was a great leader, but more than that, he was a friend," said Staff Sgt. Douglas Dodge, who served with Cashe in Iraq. "We're still missing him and all the guys we lost.

"He would have played down all this recognition and say he didn't do anything special, but this facility is awesome. He deserves to be remembered like this."
L. M. of Fort Benning GA

"Sgt. 1st Class Cashe gave me a chance when others would not. He was a good man. I will never forget. Carpenter B co. 1-18 3rd Platoon"
Chad Carpenter of Peoria, AZ.

"Sgt. 1st Class Cashe gave me a chance when others would not. He was a good man. I will never forget. Carpenter B co. 1-18 3rd Platoon"
Chad Carpenter of Peoria, AZ.

"To Alwyn's Family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers. To Alwyn, thank you for all you have done in Iraq and keeping us safe at home. You Alwyn are a true American Hero. May God Bless you Alwyn and God Bless your family."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"If tears could build a stairway,
And memories were a lane.
I would walk right up to heaven,
To bring you home again.

No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say good-bye.
You were gone before I knew it,
And only God knows why.

My heart still aches in sadness,
And secret tears still flow.
What it meant to lose you,
No one will ever know.

You and angels around Gods happy throne.
I would have held you closer if I had known
~Unknown Author~
Gone – but not forgotten.
Thank you for sharing your loved one with us,
and for the sacrifice made by you and your family on our behalf.
Proud mom of Lcpl Alex. Currently serving in Iraq"
Patricia of Bishop, CA

"Alwyn,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to exend my deepest sympathy.

"Can Do"(15th Inf. Motto)"

"I am his nephew and I will always remember my uncle."
Robert Holmes of Lake butler,florida

"TO THE CASHE FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. DEEPLY SADDEN BY THE NEWS. OUR HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH ALWYN AND YOUR FAMILY. WE FULLY UNDERSTAND THE HEART ACHE. NOT AN EASY PROCESS TO DEAL WITH. NOT SOMETHING THAT HEALS OVER NIGHT. JUST TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME. WE ALL DEAL WITH OUR LOST VERY DIFFERENTLY. JUST ALWAYS BE SUPPORTIVE TO ONE ANOTHER. AN REMEMBER ALWYN IS WITH YOU! THAT HE ANSWERED HIS CALLING IN LIFE. TO BE A PROFESSIONAL SOLDIER. ONE THAT WAS VERY UNSELFISH FOR EVERY AMERICAN. I APPRECIATE ALWYN SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY. I CAN ONLY HOPE ALL AMERICANS ARE JUST AS GRATEFUL. HE MADE AMERICA ALOT SAFER SINCE 911. MAYBE JUST ONE, JOINED BY ALL HIS MILITARY BROTHER'S AND SISTER'S. ALL SHOWED THE WORLD AMERICAN SOLDIER'S ARE THE VERY BEST IN THE WORLD. AN THAT OUR SOLDIER'S RISK HIS OR HER LIFE FOR THEM AS WELL. ALWYN WILL BE REMEBER AND NEVER EVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. HE IS SOMEONE'S SOMEONE AND HE IS SOMEONE TO THE WAHL FAMILY. SADLY, ALWYN RE-UNITED WITH HIS BROTHER GREGORY AND ALL OUR FALLEN SOLDIER'S. WE LOST OUR SON SGT GREGORY L. WAHL DRAGON SOLDIER 05-03-04 IN BALAD, IRAQ. SO ALWYN THANK YOU FOR BEING GREGORY'S BROTHER. AS HE KNEW YOU HAD BEEN TO HIM. KNOWING MEN AND WOMEN LIKE YOU. MADE ME WORRY ABOUT GREGORY'S FAMILY THEN ON HIM. FOR I KNEW YOU ALL HAD EACH OTHER'S BACK. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness,
and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief.
Our nations HERO, Alwyn will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana God Bless you ALWAYS. "

"Thank you Alwyn Cashe, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Alwyn for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Alwyn, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia