Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Capt. Paul J. Cassidy

36, of Laingsburg, Michigan.
Cassidy died as a result of non-combat injuries in Camp Babylon, Iraq. Cassidy was assigned to the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion in Wisconsin. Died on July 13, 2003.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Capt. Paul J. Cassidy.

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"17 March 2016
I am trying to locate CPT Cassidy's family to invite them to a memorial service for fallen 432nd Soldiers. Any help will be very much appreciated.
Please email me at john.d.craemer.mil@mail.mil"
MSG John Craemer of Green Bay, WI

"Capt. Cassidy,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just in OIF but also for your service in Desert Storm, Bosnia and Kosovo as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike C. of El Paso, Texas

"We are having our 25year class Reunion on August 7, 2010. We will be having a moment of silence for Paul as he was a member of our class and will not be forgotten. MCC Class of 1985"
Tim Linck of Ravenna, MI 49451

"To Paul's family and friends,
I did not know your soldier but wanted to send my thoughts of extreeme thanks and gratitude for doing what they did. My name it Kelly (Tyrrell) Zitelman and my younger brother PFC Scott Tyrrell also died "from injuries sustained in Iraq during a non-combat related incident" in 2003. He was near an amunitions hold when it exploded on Nov. 14th and died from his injuries on Nov. 20th at Brooks Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, TX.
It has been just over 6 years for us...and I just wanted you to know that yours, as well as mine have not been forgotten. I want to thank you for the sacrifice that, not only your soldier, but all of you also gave! I hope that you are able to keep Paul's memory alive but have also learned to live with the pain of him being gone. Please know that I will be thinking of all of you and that if any of you ever need to talk with someone "that truely understands"...you can reach me at zitelmanzoo@yahoo.com
Kelly :)"
Kelly (sister to a fellow fallen soldier) of Dixon, IL

""To the family of Paul J. Cassidy ,I am so sorry for the loss of your love one.He died a hero.May you know the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to pray with you or talk to please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church,Rev John B Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington Ga. 30016 phone 770-787-1015""

"On this Memorial Day in 2009 I pause to remember you, your service to our nation, and your sacrifice so far from home. I recall your strength, wit, intelligence, and determination to this day. Be at peace with God's blessings as you rest in His loving embrace."
Todd of Olathe, Kansas

"As a member of the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion, I served with Paul in Iraq. Anyone would be hard pressed to find a better man. Brother you are gone but not forgotten. God bless you and your family. May peace be with you. Amen."
MAJ Tom LaChance of Upper Peninsula of Michigan

"May 25, 2008
To the family of Capt. Paul J. Cassidy:
Paul 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

"My prayers are with you"
Heather V of wyoming Mi.

"I think you should listen to "Brothers in Arms" by Dire Straits while thinking of Paul. It captures the poignancy of what it is to be a soldier.

As for me, I can only express my deepest sympathies for your loss."
Paul B of Chicago

"I went to church with Paul's wife and her family. I never knew him very well, but I saw how Sue lit up when he came into her life and when she married him. She adored him, everything about her showed that. I remember thinking, "I hope I'm like that when I meet the love of my life." Paul passed the day after my wedding--and I know what Sue felt, that adoration and love for a husband.
I think of Sue and her family often. Please know that you are still in my prayers!
Shannonleigh1976@aol.com"
Shannon (Swinburne) Faust of Orange Park, FL

"To the family of CPT. Paul Cassidy:
I am a member of the 432nd who got the honor of serving with him during his time in Iraq. Although I may not have known him for long or very well, he will forever be a great man, husband, father, and lastly soldier. I offer you my prayers as you move on in your journey of life."
SPC Mary Bigalk of 432nd CA BN in Green Bay, WI

"I WILL BE REPORTING FOR MY SECOND TOUR OF DUTY IN SOUTHWEST ASIA IN THE COMING MONTHS. I ONLY HOPE THAT I HAVE THE SAME COURAGE AND STRENGTH TO FIGHT AS DID MY FELLOW BROTHERS IN ARMS. THANK YOU GENTLEMEN. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN."
SFC CHET CHRAPLIWY of FT BRAGG, NC

"Thank you so much for your warm words of sympathy, support and encouragement. We miss Paul very much and are grieved that his little boy won't be able truely know how great a man his father was. His smiles and laughter live on in his family. Thank you for sharing in the grieving process. (03/07/05)"
Pat Cassidy (Sister) of Maitland, FL

"I received a hero bracelet today with Cpt Paul J. Cassidy's name on it, and I will wear it with pride. I will tell anyone who asks the wonderful things I have read about this hero, and the bracelet will be a constant reminder to me to think of him. His picture is now the background on my desktop. To his family, thank you for your sacrifice and his. May God bless you."
Mary-Frances of Dearborn, Michigan

"Rest in Peace Sir. Thank you for your service to the country."
SSG Garcia of St. Johns, MI/Ft. Benning Ga

"I too wear a hero bracelet with Cpt. Cassidy's name. I want to thank him and his family for paying the ultimate sacrafice. I promise the family of Cpt. Cassidy, I will proudly wear his name and honor his service by telling all who ask about him, what a wonderful soul he was to think of his country first. I regret that I did not have an opportunity to meet such a man.

May God Bless your family."
Dawn of Indianapolis

"I recieved Cpt. Paul J Cassidy's name on a hero bracelet today. I intend to wear it everyday, and to let everyone who asks, know about this brave soldier. I would also like more information about him, instead of just how he passed. To his loved ones, may God bless you. The memory of Cpt. Cassidy will live on as an eduring legacy. I would like to honor him for making the greatest sacrifice for his country. He shall never be forgotten. Please contact me at ryka_fields@hotmail.com."
Ryan Callahan of Winter Park, FL USA

"My name is SPC Erin Malone and I served with CPT Cassidy overseas in Iraq. I'm with the 432nd Civil Affairs BN. I just want you to know that no matter what-he will never be forgotten by any of us. He was a wonderful person and an excellent leader to all of us."
SPC Erin Malone of Tampa, FL USA

"I had the honor of serving with Paul both on active duty and reserve. We were good friends, and I have many good memories of our adventures. The last time I talked with Paul was in Bosnia, 1996. He was a great soldier and fine person. He will be missed."
Captain Kirby Reber of Traverse City, MI

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. God bless you. As a former sister unit psyoper I'm saddened to find quite a few Civil Affairs soldiers have been killed over there. Psyopers train with Civil Affairs and often work with them. They are bringing basic needs to the people. I pray no more names get added to the list."
Clint Deriemaeker of Coon Rapids, MN

"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. Your HERO, Paul, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Captain Cassidy, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"Just Found this article on the internet.
At the very end there is a comment by Paul.

Inaugural job fair draws thousands
Submitted by: I Marine Expeditionary Force
Story Identification Number: 20036253126
Story by Army Staff Sgt. David Bennett



AL HILLAH, Iraq(June 21, 2003) -- The promise of jobs and a new way of life in post-Saddam Hussein Iraq brought thousands of area residents to a local soccer field June 21.

The job fair, coordinated by 1st Battalion, 4th Marines and Army civil affairs officials, marked the first time a widespread attempt has been made to place Al Hillah residents in jobs. Maj. Bob J. Broody, a team leader with the 358th Civil Affairs Brigade, an Army Reserve unit in Norristown, Pa., said the job fair sends a message that coalition forces want the Iraq people to become more independent.

"It's about paying people, which is a good thing," Broody said. "It's putting some money into the economy, which is a good thing. This is a patriarchal society. If the man can't provide for his family, he's not happy."

Broody, who is a chiropractor in Philadelphia, is attached to the Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Center in Al Hillah.

There are more than 500,000 unemployed soldiers from Iraq's disbanded army, including 18,000 that live in Al Hillah. This doesn't include pensioners and military widows who had been receiving regular payments from the state, but have not been paid in more than two months.

The former soldiers have been the most outspoken of state employees regarding the interruption of salaries. To assist them, coalition forces had arranged to give each an emergency payment of 30,000 Iraqi dinars, which is equivalent to about $20.

Lt. Col. John L. Mayer, commander of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, said though the job fair isn't a final solution to joblessness in the city, it's a small push toward a building a more stable economy.

"You have 18,000 unemployed soldiers in Al Hillah," Mayer said. "Today is about paying them and getting them jobs."

Though 18,000 people didn't show, at least 3,000 people turned up, including hundreds of Iraqi soldiers who arrived to receive the emergency payment. However, that number was more than anticipated, said Capt. Don J. Reese, company commander of the 372nd Military Police Co. based in Cumberland, Md.

"I hope it doesn't get anymore than this," Reese said. "We got five times the people we thought we were going to get."

It took all of organizers' skills to keep the big crowd focused on registration forms and in orderly lines in the sweltering heat, especially when some applicants voiced frustration over the wait.

Others in the crowded waited patiently, such as Mezher Rashied Al Shemary, an unemployed soldier.

"It is helpful that the soldiers are getting paid," he said. "It is not helpful that is so disorderly and noisy."

Event sponsors expected funds to be sufficient enough to pay all those eligible. However, they were prepared to go back for more money, said Capt. Paul J. Cassidy, a government support team leader with the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion of Green Bay, Wis.

"We're set to go back to the bank if we need to," said Cassidy, a resident of Lansing, Mich."
Henry of Memphis

"To Paul's Family, truly a hero

As my husband prepares for deployment, I pray he will return safely. I am so sorry for your devastating loss, but I am so proud for Paul who gave his life for a noble and just cause. He was watching our backs and we as Americans can only say "thank you for your sacrifice". My heart goes to you and I pray that your family will overcome your grief and realize just what your soldier has done for you, your family, and our country.

God Bless you, and thank you"
Kathy Niles of Fort Hood, Texas

"To Captain Cassidy's Family:
Though we are strangers, we want you to know how sorry we are your Paul was taken from you. There is no doubt his thoughts were of you as he served in the Army in Iraq. We will never forget. You are in our hearts. (1/27/04)"
Carol & Larry Miller of Tampa, Florida

"I never knew Paul Cassidy personally, but my husband serves in the same unit. My condolences,prayers, and tears go out to his family. I am proud to be part of this unit in a sense, and I support the troops of all branches of the military. Paul has given his life in service, and though we still shed tears when we hear mention of his name, we all have to be strong and know that he gave his life protecting everyone so that we may live as we do. If not for people like Paul, we wouldn't be safe from dangers, from terror, from anything. Please continue to support the troops, and know that everyone mourns the loss of a soldier even if you didn't know them personally."
Lora Stubenvoll (Wife of Aaron Stubenvoll, 432nd CA Battalion) of Manitowoc, WI

"Thank you Paul Cassidy, 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

"While I never met Paul personally, he worked with my husband while in the 432nd and he was spoken of very highly. I am sorry that Paul had to pay the ultimate price for being a soldier in today's army. He is a true American hero for doing what is right and going to serve where he was sent. Military families everywhere cry tears for your loss and pray for your family."
MarcyJo of Richton Park, IL

"hello i think you're a distant relative of myne"
jessica louise cassidy of durham

"To the Family you are in my prayers...May God bless you. I do want to say it was a honor to have him in our military Thanks for serving our country"
Stacey (Proud Army Wife) of Zephyrhills,Florida

"I was, for a time, on the same Civil Affairs team as then Lieutenant Cassidy during the first Gulf War. It has been some time, but I can tell you a bit about him. Lieutenant Cassidy was not loud or boisterous, as Special Operations soldiers are often portrayed by the media, but rather, a quiet individual. He never complained about the heat, the lack of privacy, the separation from family, or any of the other things apparently designed to separate us from our sanity. He took the maxim "shut up and soldier, soldier" to heart, and kept any negative thoughts or commentary he might have had to himself.

As we visited empty and vandalized schools in Kuwait City to conduct surveys, he often entered the building first. This was a bit nerve-wracking, especially in the early days, as Iraqi soldiers had been billeted in these schools, and evidence of their recent departure was often present in the form of weapons, amunition, and other items, to include piles of their feces in the corners of rooms. We never knew if we might find one of these individuals still holding his position and waiting for the hated Americans to arrive.

It has been nearly thirteen years now since I last saw Captain Cassidy. I am saddened that I will not see him again for... perhaps quite some time yet... though who can say?

I cannot imagine the circumstances that led to his death, but this is the price of freedom, and the currency is always the blood and tears of soldiers. Captain Cassidy paid his portion in his own blood. Those of us who knew him and soldiered with him will supply the tears.

Formerly, SSG Raby, USAR, 432nd CA BN"
Dale Raby of Green Bay, WI

"To the family and friends of Cpt. Paul Cassidy:
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 Paul 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 Cpt. Paul Cassidy:
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 Paul, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on