Bill Cahir Memorial Fund

Sergeant William John Cahir was killed while serving with the United States Marine Corps in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan on August 13, 2009. 

I had the honor of being Sergeant Cahir's team leader, but more importantly, I had the privilege of being his friend. 

Putting his successful and promising journalism career on the shelf, Bill Cahir walked into the Marine Corps armed with a burning desire to contribute to our US national security in a post 9/11 world.  Sergeant Cahir, known affectionately by those on our team as "Werewolf," was always immensely enthusiastic about his duties as a Marine that included leading patrols in the city of Fallujah, conducting engagements with key leaders, training his Marines, and developing the battalion's intelligence picture.  Not only did he enjoy being a Marine, but he was damn good at it. 

Sergeant Cahir conducted key leader engagements with the poise of a seasoned diplomat, he produced reports with the technical acumen of the seasoned journalist that he was, he maneuvered the battle space with the ease of a hardened infantryman, and most importantly he possessed the naturally ability to always lead from the front. 

Many refer to counterinsurgency as graduate level warfare - if this is the case then Sergeant Bill Cahir was a candidate for post doctoral study. 

He possessed an intricate understanding of the complexities of insurgencies from an academic and historical perspective.  More importantly, he was able to skillfully translate theory into practice. 

By late 2006, most Americans had all but written off US efforts to stabilize and secure Anbar Province.   Sergeant Bill Cahir was one of the few Americans who believed that the Marines could, and would succeed in Anbar.  Equipped with tremendous knowledge, resolve, and determination, Sergeant Cahir was relentless in his efforts to apply the appropriate tactics to the tumultuous and volatile situation in Fallujah.  Even before General Petreus had formally introduced the co-counterinsurgency doctrine and injected the "Surge" strategy, Sergeant Cahir was a dedicated practitioner and disciple of the appropriate counterinsurgency tactics. 

Sergeant Cahir recognized the significant value of establishing a dialogue with everyone in the battle space, even our "enemies."   His tribal engagement efforts in Fallujah, particularly on the peninsula with Alpha Company contributed to the "Anbar Awakening" and now historic reconciliation of Sunni tribal leaders. Without question, Bill was again diligently translating his counterinsurgency knowledge and experience into action this summer in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.  

I often remarked that it was unfortunate that Bill didn't join the Marine Corps until later in his life, but then again it was his maturity, civilian work experience, and seasoned perspective on life that made him such a valuable asset to the organization and his fellow Marines. 

Bill was the epitome of a warrior and U.S. Marine - smart, tough, and compassionate. Bill was firm in his convictions, but equally open-minded and possessed an infectious level of intellectual curiosity, probably attributed to the fact that the Cahir family is rich with academic and intellectual superstars.      

His professionalism, work ethic, devotion to duty, and loyalty to his fellow Marines was unprecedented.  I've never known a Marine to be so looked up to by so many, and I'm not only referring to his peers and subordinates. 

On paper I was his team leader, but his opinion mattered as much to me as any senior officer's.  General Petreus' counterinsurgency field manual states that "rank is not necessarily an indicator of talent."  Sergeant Bill Cahir exemplified this theme - few if any sergeants have had the impact that Bill had in Anbar and Helmand.       

It is serendipitous I think that we gather here today to commemorate Bill's sacrifice and service to our nation on the anniversary weekend of the 9/11 attacks. It was the events on 9/11 that were the driving force behind Bill's decision to join his beloved Corps.  I had the opportunity to attend the FDNY's 9/11 Memorial Service in Manhattan on Friday and pay tribute to the 343 members of the FDNY who gave their lives that fateful day. One of my captains in the FDNY pulled me aside on Friday and asked that I personally pass along his condolences to Rene, the Cahir family, and Bill's fellow Marines. 

He also shared with me a quote that he thought I might find comfort in, and I will share it with you now:      

"Nations go to war over ideas and politics,

but minds can change and politics may shift.

What is constant is the essential humanity of the warrior, and the pain of those left behind, who reach for hands they can no longer touch and listen for voices they can no longer hear."  

We had a tradition in our 1/24 CAG Team that we would religiously carry out before departing friendly lines on each and every patrol.  It involved a simple prayer and us passing around a piece of glass from the World Trade Center as a reminder of why we continue to answer our nations call.  Many of you in attendance here today have many patrols in harm's way ahead of you - and I'm going to pass this piece of glass around the chapel this afternoon so that each of you can reflect on the sacrifices of Bill and those warriors who have gone before as you prepare to carry on their legacy in service to our nation and Corps.  

"May God bless us and protect us;

and, may we NEVER FORGET..."