My walk today was dedicated in honor of:
Army SFC Alwyn C. Cashe, Age 35 of Oviedo, FL.
KIA Nov. 8, 2005 Operation Iraqi Freedom
Cashe wasn’t initially hurt when a roadside bomb exploded Oct. 17 next to his Bradley Fighting Vehicle while on patrol in Samara, Iraq, family members said.
But he suffered second- and third-degree burns over 70 percent of his body when he ran back into the vehicle in an attempt to rescue other soldiers trapped inside, according to his family.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe, 35, died Tuesday at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, according to the Department of Defense. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, based in Fort Benning, Ga.
Three other soldiers — Staff Sgt. George Alexander Jr., 34, of Killeen Texas; Sgt. Michael Robertson, 28, of Houston; and Spc. Darren Howe, 21, of Beatrice, Neb. — also died at the Texas hospital from burns suffered in the explosion, according to the Department of Defense.
Cashe joined the Army after graduating from Oviedo High in 1988. He had already served one tour in Iraq since the conflict began in 2003, and also fought in the first Gulf War.
He had planned to retire when he reached his 20th year of military service, but changed his mind while in the Texas hospital. He wanted to stay in the Army once he healed, White said.
Cashe is survived by his wife and 12-year-old daughter.
SFC Cashe’s awards include:
Combat Infantry Badge, Silver Star, Braonze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, 5 Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal with 1 Service Star, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 Service Stars, Kosovo Campaign Medal with 1 Service Star, Iraq Campaign Medal 1 Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon with award numberal 3, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon with award numberal 2, NATO Medal for ex-Yugoslavia, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Tracked Vehicle Driver Badge (Driver-T), Parachutist Badge, Expert Rifle Marksmanship Badge, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Expert Infantryman Badge, US Army Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, 3 Overseas Service Bars, 5 Service Stripes.
On September 22, 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill, introduced by Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), which would allow Cashe to finally receive the Medal of Honor.
We had a great 5.93 Mile walk today. I want to thank my friend Robert for walking with us. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping us honor this hero.
Army SFC Alwyn C. Cashe will not be forgotten !
