Joel E. Cahill Obituary

Debbie Nicholson '79 posted a photo:

joel_cahill__lincon_Journal_star_Sept_11_2011

Debbie Nicholson '79 posted a photo:

joe_cahill_botston_globe_nov_10_2005

Debbie Nicholson '79 said:

Joel Eric Cahill
in the U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010 Name Joel Eric Cahill
Gender Male
Birth Date 7 Jun 1971
Death Date 6 Nov 2005
Cause of Death Combat

Enlistment Branch ARMY
Enlistment Date 21 Aug 1990
Discharge Date 26 Nov 1993
Enlistment Branch 1 ARMY
Enlistment Date 1 19 Apr 1995
Discharge Date 1 9 May 1997

Debbie Nicholson '79 posted a photo:

CPT Joel Eric Cahill VVETERAN
BIRTH
7 Jun 1971
Norwood, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, USA
DEATH
6 Nov 2005 (aged 34)
Iraq
BURIAL
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, USA
PLOT
Section 60 Site 8255 He was in the military for 15 years and was among the assigned military that helped with the rescue of Jessica Lynch, who was taken hostage early in the war in Iraq. He also helped with the elections in Iraq. He earned his college degree and an ROTC commission after several years as an enlisted man. At the time of this death, he was the highest ranked soldier from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team to die in action. Among his military awards and decorations were the Bronze Star; Purple Heart; and Soldier's Medal.
He was survived by his parents; his wife; two daughters ages 3 and 4; and two brothers.
Interment on November 18, 2005.
No photo description available.

Debbie Nicholson '79 said:

Joel Eric Cahill
in the U.S., Casualties From Iraq and Afghanistan Conflicts, 2001-2012 Name Joel Eric Cahill
Rank Captain
Service Army
Pay Grade O03
Occupation Code 11A
Occupation Infantry
Unit COMPANY B, 1ST BATTALION, 15TH INFANTRY (TF LIBERTY), FORT BENNING, GA
Incident Date 6 Nov 2005
Incident Place Iraq
Death Date 6 Nov 2005
Death Place Ad Dawr, Iraq
Cause of Death Hostile
Age 34
Birth Year abt 1971
Gender Male
Race American Indian/Alaska Native (American)
Home Town Lavista, Nebraska, USA
Conflict Operation Iraqi Freedom

Debbie Nicholson '79 said:

Captain Joel E. Cahill (89)
KIA IN
Ad Dawr, Iraq, on November 6, 2005, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. Cahill was assigned to the Army's 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Georgia.

Army Capt. Joel E. Cahill
Died November 6, 2005 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom
34, of Norwood, Mass.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.; killed Nov. 6 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee in Dawr, Iraq.

Capt Joel Cahill was a Papillion-La Vista High School graduate, and was one of five siblings in his family. He was among the men that helped with the rescue of Jessica Lynch, who was taken hostage early in the war in Iraq, and recently Cahill helped with the elections in Iraq. He spent 15 years in the military. He strongly believed this is what he needed to do to keep his girls safe in the future. He believed he was doing the right thing. He was intelligent, funny and athletic. He had earned his college degree and an ROTC commission after several years as an enlisted man. He is also the highest ranked soldier from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team to die in action in 2005. Bravo Company, which Cahill took command of in August, is rich in Army lore, being the company of World War II's most decorated soldier, Audie Murphy. Though he was born in Massachusetts, and lived in Wrentham, as a youth, Cahill's family relocated to Nebraska before he began high school. The 15-year Army veteran is a graduate of Papillion-LaVista High and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he graduated with honors in 1999 and garnered an ROTC commission. After graduating from high school in 1989, where he had been a star linebacker on the school football team, Cahill joined the Army and later became a decorated member of the Rangers. He had a good sense of humor, was compassionate and cared about his troops. He earned several awards and honors, including a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Soldier's Medal, said Randy, adding that his brother was in full support of the war and strongly believed in America's mission in Iraq. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Not surprising, as Arlington is also Audie Murphy's final resting place. He left behind his wife, Mary, and their two daughters, Faith, 4 and Brenna, 3. Other survivors include his parents, Larry and Barbara Cahill; brother Larry Jr., all from the Omaha area; and brother Jason, of Columbia, Missouri. He was 34.