SGT WILLIAM J. CAHIR, USMC, KIA

ARLINGTON, Va. — Marine Sgt. William J. Cahir, a former news reporter and congressional candidate, was laid to rest with full military honors Monday at Arlington National Cemetery.


Cahir, 40, died Aug. 13 of an enemy gunshot wound while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. - Associated Press, August 31, 2009

I did not know Sgt Cahir but I respect him. When I joined the US Army at age 23, I was considered the Old Man in my platoon. When I retired at the age of 49 I was considered a living fossil. I have nothing but respect for a man who signs up during wartime, at the age of 35. -Sean Linnane


For a lot of the younger Marines, Sergeant Cahir’s enlistment was the confirmation that they sought and needed — especially as they were about to go to war. Confirmation that their decision to enlist was a smart and wise decision. Confirmation that there was nobility and wisdom in that decision. Confirmation that even older, better educated, and more professionally accomplished men and women join the Marine Corps and serve in the Marines’ enlisted ranks.

Sergeant Cahir remained with the CAG for three full deployments.


His first two deployments were to Iraq, where Sergeant Cahir earned the Combat Action Ribbon, the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Navy Meritorious Commendation Medal, among other awards.


This civic-minded Marine (there is no other kind of Marine really) left his job as a journalist in 2008 to run for Congress in his hometown in Pennsylvania’s 5th District. Cahir narrowly lost the Democratic Party primary, but captured 35% of the vote in a seat that was ultimately won by the Republican Party candidate, Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson.

He was a United States Marine, killed in action defending Freedom and our American way of life. Honor him.

- STORMBRINGER SENDS