Army Reserve center dedicated to fallen Florida hero

By Sgt. 1st Class Joel QuebecJuly 23, 2014

Unveiling
1 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Numerous members of the Cashe family are joined by Florida Congressman John Mica to unveil the plaque at a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Fla., and the renamed Army Reserve Center in memory of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo who died Nov. 8, 2005, after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Cashe is currently being recommended for the Medal of Honor. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Douglas Dodge
2 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – On July 19, the 81st Regional Support Command, hosted a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Fla., and renamed the Army Reserve Center in memory of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo who died November 8, 2005, after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Pictured is one of the Soldiers who was in the same incident, Sgt. 1st Class Douglas Dodge, who received a Bronze Star with a "V" device denoting valor for his role in the rescue efforts. (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Joel Quebec) VIEW ORIGINAL
Mark McCarty
3 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sanford City Commissioner Mark McCarty speaks during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe on July 19. Cashe died from injuries sustained when he was rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle while he himself was on fire. McCarty presented a Mayoral proclamation making July 19th Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe Day in Sanford. Also pictured are 81st Regional Support Command Director of Public Affairs Michael Mascari and Legislative Liaison Col. Glenn Sanders. The 81st RSC hosted the event. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Shantelle Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
Ashley Rachelle Hodges
4 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Ashley Hodges, the niece of the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe listens to family members and other speakers at the memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Fla., on July 19. The 81st Regional Support Command hosted the event renaming the new facility the Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe U.S. Army Reserve Center. Cashe received the Silver Star for his actions and has been recommended for the Medal of Honor. More than 100 Cashe family members were in attendance. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Shantelle Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
Cashe family and friends
5 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Family members, friends and supporters of Silver Star recipient Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe Day in Sanford, Fla., listen to various speakers during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in his honor on July 19. Cashe died from injuries sustained when he was rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle while he himself was on fire. He has been recommended for the Medal of Honor. Pictured from left to right are Cashe's sister Kasinal Cashe White, his mother Mrs. Ruby Mae Cashe, family friend Harry Conner and Oviedo Fire Chief Lars White. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Shantelle Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
Mayoral proclamation
6 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sanford City Commissioner Mark McCarty presents to Ruby Mae Cashe a Mayoral proclamation making July 19th Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe Day in Sanford, Fla., during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of her youngest son, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, on July 19. Cashe died from injuries sustained when he was rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle while he himself was on fire. He has been recommended for the Medal of Honor. (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Joel Quebec) VIEW ORIGINAL
McCarty and Keller
7 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sanford City Commissioner Mark McCarty presents to Maj. Carl Keller, commander of the 436th Civil Affairs Battalion, a Mayoral proclamation making July 19th Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe Day in Sanford, Fla., during a memorialization ceremony renaming the Sanford Army Reserve center in honor of the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, an Oviedo native, on July 19. Cashe died from injuries sustained when he was rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle while he himself was on fire. He has been recommended for the Medal of Honor. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Shantelle Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
Kasinal Cashe White
8 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Kasinal Cashe White speaks during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of her brother, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, in 2005. (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Joel Quebec) VIEW ORIGINAL
Cashe family speaking
9 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – With the support of her brothers Tracy and Karlos, Kasinal Cashe White speaks during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of her brother, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died on November 8, 2005, from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, in October of 2005. Cashe has been recommended for the Medal of Honor. (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Joel Quebec) VIEW ORIGINAL
Kasinal Tracy and Karlos
10 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – With the support of her brothers, Tracy and Karlos, Kasinal Cashe White speaks during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of her brother, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, in 2005. Cashe has been recommended for the Medal of Honor. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Harry Conner
11 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Harry Conner speaks during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of a man he never met, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, in 2005. After reading the account of the hero's actions, Conner has made it his mission to champion the effort to get Cashe awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions that ultimately cost him his life. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Shantelle Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
Maj. Gen. Gill Beck and Mrs. Ruby Mae Cashe
12 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen. Gill Beck, commander of the 81st Regional Support Command, and Mrs. Ruby Mae Cashe listen to various speakers during a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Fla., that renamed the new Army Reserve Center in memory of Mrs. Cashe's youngest son Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo who died November 8, 2005, after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle. (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Joel Quebec) VIEW ORIGINAL
Chester Glover
13 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Mr. Chester Glover, staff representative for U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, presents a Congressional Commendation and a commemorative coin to the family of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe during the ceremony renaming the Sanford (Florida) Army Reserve Center in honor of the fallen hero on July 19. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Shantelle Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
Maj. Carl Keller and Ambassador James Darden
14 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Army Reserve Ambassador James Darden presents a proclamation from Florida Governor Rick Scott to Maj. Carl Keller, commander of the 436th Civil Affairs Battalion, during a memorialization ceremony renaming the Sanford Army Reserve center in honor of the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, in 2005. (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Joel Quebec) VIEW ORIGINAL
Karlos Cashe
15 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Karlos Cashe speaks during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of his brother, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq in 2005. (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Joel Quebec) VIEW ORIGINAL
Patriot Guard Riders
16 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – On July 19, the 81st Regional Support Command, hosted a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Florida and renamed the Army Reserve Center in memory of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo who died November 8, 2005 after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Cashe is currently being recommended for the Medal of Honor. Here, Patriot Guard Riders provide a flag corridor, a common sight at many such events. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Darden presentation
17 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – On July 19, the 81st Regional Support Command, hosted a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Fla., and renamed the Army Reserve Center in memory of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo who died Nov. 8, 2005 after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Cashe is currently being recommended for the Medal of Honor. Here, Army Reserve Ambassador James Darden presents a proclamation from Florida Governor Rick Scott to Cashe's mother, Mrs. Ruby Mae Cashe. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
SFC Doug Dodge
18 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. 1st Class Douglas Dodge is interviewed by local media regarding the events of Oct. 17, 2005, where he earned a Bronze Star with a "V" device denoting valor. The 81st Regional Support Command hosted a memorialization ceremony renaming the Sanford Army Reserve center in honor of a Silver Star recipient, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, on July 19. Cashe died from injuries sustained when he was rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle while he himself was on fire. He has been recommended for the Medal of Honor. Dodge assisted Cashe in the rescue efforts and was himself wounded. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
SFC Doug Dodge
19 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. 1st Class Douglas Dodge reflects on the events of October 17, 2005 where he earned a Bronze Star with a "V" device denoting valor. The 81st Regional Support Command hosted a memorialization ceremony renaming the Sanford Army Reserve center in honor of a Silver Star recipient, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, on July 19. Cashe died from injuries sustained when he was rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle while he himself was on fire. He has been recommended for the Medal of Honor. Dodge assisted Cashe in the rescue efforts and was himself wounded. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Doug Dodge and the media
20 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The 81st Regional Support Command hosted a memorialization ceremony renaming the Sanford Army Reserve center in honor of a Silver Star recipient, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, on July 19. Cashe died from injuries sustained when he was rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle while he himself was on fire. He has been recommended for the Medal of Honor. Here, Sgt. 1st Class Douglas Dodge, who assisted Cashe in the rescue efforts talks to the media about the events of Oct. 17, 2005 where he earned a Bronze Star with a "V" device denoting valor. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
313th Army Band
21 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The 313th Army Band out of Birmingham, Ala., played "The Star-Spangled Banner" and the Army Song as part of a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Fla., July 19. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
National Anthem
22 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – On July 19, the 81st Regional Support Command, hosted a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Fla., and renamed the Army Reserve Center in memory of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo who died November 8, 2005 after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Cashe is currently being recommended for the Medal of Honor. Here, the crowd listens to The Star-Spangled Banner at the beginning of the ceremony. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Chaplain (Capt.) Sean Post
23 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Capt. Sean Post, a chaplain, gives the invocation at a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Fla., and renamed the Army Reserve Center in memory of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo who died November 8, 2005 after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Audience
24 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The 81st Regional Support Command hosted a memorialization ceremony renaming the Sanford Army Reserve center in honor of a Silver Star recipient, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, on July 19. Cashe died from injuries sustained when he was rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle while he himself was on fire. He has been recommended for the Medal of Honor. Pictured in the front row are Maj. Gen. Gill Beck, 81st RSC commander, Mrs. Ruby Mae Cashe, the honoree's mother, Congressman John Mica of Florida's 7th District, John Schoettelkotte, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army and retired Maj. Gen. James Darden, Army Reserve Ambassador. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Maj. Gen. Gill Beck
25 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen. Gill Beck, commander of the 81st Regional Support Command hosted a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Fla., that renamed the new Army Reserve Center in memory of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo who died November 8, 2005 after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Audience
26 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The 81st Regional Support Command hosted a memorialization ceremony renaming the Sanford Army Reserve center in honor of a Silver Star recipient, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, on July 19. Cashe died from injuries sustained when he was rescu... (Photo Credit: Sgt. Shantelle Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
Cashe family
27 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The 81st Regional Support Command hosted a memorialization ceremony renaming the Sanford Army Reserve center in honor of a Silver Star recipient, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, on July 19. Cashe died from injuries sustained when he was rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle while he himself was on fire. He has been recommended for the Medal of Honor. Pictured here, the family of Sgt. 1st Class Cashe stands to show the size of their close clan. Over 100 family members were in attendance. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Audience
28 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Family, friends, fellow Soldiers and supporters of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe gathered in Sanford, Fla., on July 19 for a memorialization ceremony that renamed the new Army Reserve Center in his memory. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo died November 8, 2005 after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Congressman John Mica
29 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Congressman John Mica of Florida's 7th District speaks during a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Florida that renamed their new Army Reserve Center in memory of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo who died November 8, 2005 after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Mica had also attended the ground breaking almost two years earlier. To conclude he presented a commemorative coin and an American flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
436th Civil Affairs BN
30 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers of the 436th Civil Affairs Battalion stand in formation during a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Fla., that renamed their new Army Reserve Center in memory of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo who died Nov. 8, 2005, after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Shantelle Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
Maj. Gen. Gill Beck and Ruby Mae Cashe
31 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Ruby Mae Cashe holds a flag and a commemorative coin she just received from Congressman John Mica of Florida's 7th District during a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Florida renaming the Army Reserve Center in memory of her son Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo who died November 8, 2005 after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The flag had been flown over the U. S. Capitol on July 4th in honor of Cashe. Sitting next to Mrs. Cashe is Maj. Gen. Gill Beck, commanding general of the 81st Regional Support Command and host of the event. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Frank DeToma
32 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Frank DeToma, staff representative for U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, D-Fla., presented a letter and commemorative coin to the family of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe during the ceremony renaming the Sanford (Florida) Army Reserve Center in honor of the fallen hero on July 19. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Presentation to Ruby Mae Cashe
33 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Ruby Mae Cashe receives a letter from Terri Finger, staff member of Senator Marco Rubio, R-Fla., during a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Fla., renaming the Army Reserve Center in memory of her son Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo who died Nov. 8, 2005 after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Chester Glover
34 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Chester Glover, staff representative for U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, presented a Congressional Commendation to the family of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe during the ceremony renaming the Sanford (Florida) Army Reserve Center in honor of the fallen hero on July 19. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Ambassador James Darden
35 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Retired Maj. Gen. Jim Darden speaks during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in memory of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe in Sanford, Fla., July 19. Cashe died from injuries sustained when he was rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle while he himself was on fire. He has been recommended for the Medal of Honor. Darden presented a proclamation from Florida Governor Rick Scott to the mother of the fallen hero. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Col. Glenn Sanders, 81st RSC L.L.
36 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The 81st Regional Support Command hosted a memorialization ceremony renaming the Sanford Army Reserve center in honor of a Silver Star recipient, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, on July 19. Cashe died from injuries sustained when he was rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle while he himself was on fire. He has been recommended for the Medal of Honor. Pictured here is the 81st RSC Legislative Liaison Col. Glenn Sanders holding a a proclamation from Florida Governor Rick Scott for presentation to the Cashe family. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Darden presentation
37 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Retired Maj. Gen. Jim Darden presents to Ruby Mae Cashe a proclamation from Florida Governor Rick Scott honoring her son Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe in Sanford, Florida during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in memory of the late hero on July 19. Cashe died from injuries sustained when he was rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle while he himself was on fire. He has been recommended for the Medal of Honor. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Mark McCarty
38 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sanford City Commissioner Mark McCarty speaks in Sanford, Florida during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, on July 19. Cashe died from injuries sustained when he was rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle while he himself was on fire. He has been recommended for the Medal of Honor. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Mayoral proclamation
39 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sanford City Commissioner Mark McCarty presents to Ruby Mae Cashe a mayoral proclamation making July 19 Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe Day in Sanford, Fla., during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of her youngest son, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, on July 19. Cashe died from injuries sustained when he was rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle while he himself was on fire. He has been recommended for the Medal of Honor. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Tracy Cashe
40 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Tracy Cashe speaks during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of his brother, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, in 2005. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Tracy Cashe
41 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Tracy Cashe speaks during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of his brother, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a bu... (Photo Credit: Sgt. Shantelle Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
Tracy, Karlos and Kasinal
42 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Tracy Cashe speaks during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of his brother, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, in 2005. Also pictured are Karlos Cashe, center, and Kasinal Cashe White, brother and sister to the honoree. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Karlos Cashe
43 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Karlos Cashe speaks during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of his brother, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, in 2005. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Kasinal
44 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Kasinal Cashe White reflects on the life of her brother as she speaks during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, in 2005. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Kasinal Cashe White
45 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Kasinal Cashe White speaks during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of her brother, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, in 2005. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Comrades
46 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – During a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe on July 19 in Sanford, Fla., the three uniformed Soldiers were recognized, as they had served with Cashe and were among his good friends. Left to right are Maj. James Ryan, Sgt. 1st Class Douglas Dodge and Maj. DeWitt Revels. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Kasinal and Tracy
47 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – With the support of her brothers, Tracy and Karlos, Kasinal Cashe White speaks during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of her brother, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, in 2005. Cashe has been recommended for the Medal of Honor. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Kasinal and Tracy
48 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – With the support of her brothers, Tracy and Karlos, Kasinal Cashe White speaks during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of her brother, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, in 2005. Cashe has been recommended for the Medal of Honor. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Col. Gary Brito
49 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Gary M. Brito, TRADOC director of Force 2025, speaks at a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Fla., where the Army Reserve Center was renamed in memory of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo who died Nov. 8, 2005, after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Cashe is currently being recommended for the Medal of Honor. Brito was his battalion commander during the Iraq tour and initially made the Silver Star and subsequent Medal of Honor recommendations. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Harry Conner
50 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Harry Conner speaks during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of a man he never met, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, in 2005. After reading the account of the hero's actions, Conner has made it his mission to champion the effort to get Cashe awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions that ultimately cost him his life. Recently, Conner rode his bicycle from Cashe's gravesite in Oviedo to the 9-11 Memorial in New York City in order to bring attention to the actions of Cashe. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Harry Conner
51 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Harry Conner speaks during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of a man he never met, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, in 2005. After reading the account of the hero's actions, Conner has made it his mission to champion the effort to get Cashe awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions that ultimately cost him his life. Recently, Conner rode his bicycle from Cashe's gravesite in Oviedo to the 9-11 Memorial in New York City in order to bring attention to the actions of Cashe. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Presentations and coins
52 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The numerous proclamations, commemorative coins and letters that were presented to the Cashe family are pictured at a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Fla., where the new Army Reserve Center was renamed in memory of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo who died Nov. 8, 2005, after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Cashe is currently being recommended for the Medal of Honor. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Unveiling
53 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Numerous members of the Cashe family are joined by Florida Congressman John Mica to unveil the plaque at a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Fla., and the renamed Army Reserve Center in memory of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo who died Nov. 8, 2005, after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Cashe is currently being recommended for the Medal of Honor. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Unveiling
54 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Numerous members of the Cashe family are joined by Florida Congressman John Mica to unveil the plaque at a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Fla., and the renamed Army Reserve Center in memory of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo who died Nov. 8, 2005, after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Cashe is currently being recommended for the Medal of Honor. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Ribbon cutting
55 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Surrounded by family, friends and supporters, Kasinal Cashe White, holding the scissors, along with her nephew, Andrew Cashe, cut the ribbon to a new Army Reserve facility in Sanford, Fla., on July 19. Kasinal's brother and Andrew's father, Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe, was honored in a ceremony where the center was renamed in his honor. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo, died Nov. 8, 2005, after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle the previous October in Diyala, Iraq. Cashe is currently being recommended for the Medal of Honor. Also pictured in front are Congressman John Mica (far left), Ruby Mae Cashe, (seated) mother of the honoree, and Karlos Cashe, (far right) his brother. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Ribbon cutting
56 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Surrounded by family, friends and supporters, Kasinal Cashe White, holding the scissors, along with her nephew Andrew Cashe, cut the ribbon to a new Army Reserve facility in Sanford, Fla., on July 19. Kasinal's brother and Andrew's father, Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe, was honored in a ceremony where the center was renamed in his honor. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo, died Nov. 8, 2005, after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle the previous October in Diyala, Iraq. Cashe is currently being recommended for the Medal of Honor. Also pictured in front are Congressman John Mica, far left, Ruby Mae Cashe, seated, mother of the honoree, and Karlos Cashe, (far right) his brother. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
313th Army Band
57 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The 313th Army Band played "The Star-Spangled Banner" and the "Army Song" as part of a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Fla., on July 19. The new facility was officially renamed the Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe U.S. Army Reserve Center after an Oviedo native. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Kasinal with the media
58 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Kasinal Cashe White speaks to the media just after a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of her brother, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died on Nov. 8, 2005, from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, the previous October. He is being recommended for the Medal of Honor. (Photo Credit: c) VIEW ORIGINAL
Kasinal with reporters
59 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Kasinal Cashe White talks with reporters just after a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of her brother, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died on Nov. 8, 2005, from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, the previous October. He is being recommended for the Medal of Honor. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Shantelle Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
Cake
60 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – On July 19, the 81st Regional Support Command hosted a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Fla., and renamed the Army Reserve Center in memory of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo who died Nov. 8, 2005, after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, in October of 2005. Cashe is currently being recommended for the Medal of Honor. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Toshiko Gregg) VIEW ORIGINAL
Patriot Guard Riders
61 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – On July 19, the 81st Regional Support Command hosted a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Fla., and renamed the Army Reserve Center in memory of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo who died Nov. 8, 2005, after heroica... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
436th Civil Affairs Battalion
62 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers of the 436th Civil Affairs Battalion stand in formation during a memorialization ceremony renaming their brand new Army Reserve center in honor of a Silver Star Medal recipient the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died on Nov. 8, 2005, from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, the previous October. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Shantelle Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
Ruby Mae
63 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Ruby Mae Cashe listens to various speakers, including three of her own children, during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of her son, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died on Nov. 8, 2005, from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, in October of the same year. He is currently being recommended for the Medal of Honor. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Shantelle Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
436th Commander
64 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Retired Maj. Gen. Jim Darden, Army Reserve ambassador for Alabama, presents a proclamation from Florida Gov. Rick Scott to Maj. Carl Keller, left, commander of the 436th Civil Affairs Battalion during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of Silver Star recipient Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, in 2005. Darden also had a duplicate proclamation for the Cashe family. Also pictured are 81st Regional Support Command Director of Public Affairs Michael Mascari and Legislative Liaison Col. Glenn Sanders holding the proclamation. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Shantelle Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
Cashe siblings
65 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Tracy Cashe speaks during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of his brother, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, in 2005. With him are his brother, Karlos, and sister, Kasinal Cashe White. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Shantelle Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
Karlos and Kasinal
66 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Karlos Cashe speaks during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of his brother, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, in 2005. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal but has been recommended for the Medal of Honor. Also pictured is Kasinal Cashe White, Cashe's sister. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Shantelle Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
Kasinal and Tracy
67 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – With the support of her brother Tracy, Kasinal Cashe White speaks during a memorialization ceremony renaming an Army Reserve center in honor of her brother, the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, on July 19 in Sanford, Fla. Cashe died from injuries sustained while rescuing fellow troops from a burning vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, in 2005. He has been recommended for the Medal of Honor. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Shantelle Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
Harry Conner
68 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Harry Conner speaks at a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Fla., and renamed the Army Reserve Center in memory of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo who died Nov. 8, 2005, after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle on Oct. 17, 2005. After reading Cashe's story, Conner has become the champion for awarding Cashe the Medal of Honor. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Shantelle Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
Lars White
69 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Ovideo Fire Chief Lars White, also chairman of the Oviedo Veterans Tribute, speaks at a memorialization ceremony in nearby Sanford, Fla., renaming the Sanford Army Reserve Center in memory of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo who died Nov. 8, 2005, after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle on Oct. 17, 2005. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Shantelle Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
Plaque
70 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – On July 19, the 81st Regional Support Command, hosted a memorialization ceremony in Sanford, Fla., and renamed the Army Reserve Center in memory of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, a Silver Star recipient from Oviedo who died Nov. 8, 2005, after heroically rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, on Oct. 17, 2005. Cashe is currently being recommended for the Medal of Honor for his actions. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Shantelle Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
Cashe family members
71 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Just a few of the over 100 family members of the late Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe, who was memorialized in a ceremony in Sanford, Fla., on July 19. The new Army Reserve center was renamed in honor of the Silver Star recipient who died from his injuries received while rescuing his fellow Soldiers from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle in Diyala, Iraq, in 2005. (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Joel Quebec) VIEW ORIGINAL
Kasinal Cashe White and Harry Conner talk with Maj. Gen. Gill Beck
72 / 72 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen. Gill Beck, commanding general of the 81st Regional Support Command, talks with Kasinal Cashe White, just prior to the ceremony renaming the Sanford Army Reserve Center after her brother, Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe on July 19, in Sanford, Fla. Also pictured is Cashe family friend Harry Conner. (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Joel Quebec) VIEW ORIGINAL

SANFORD, FLORIDA. -- The Army Reserve center in Sanford, Florida, was renamed July 19, in a ceremony befitting a Silver Star recipient by celebrating the life and service of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe.

Cashe was an Infantryman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Benning, Georgia and had previously served in the first Gulf War as well as Bosnia and another tour in Iraq after the 2003 invasion.

On October 17, 2005, Cashe was on patrol in Diyala Province when an improvised explosive device detonated under the Bradley Armored Fighting Vehicle in which he was riding in the gunner's position. The IED caused the fuel cell to ignite sending fuel spewing everywhere and the vehicle erupted into flames. Initially, Cashe was only slightly injured but drenched in fuel. He assisted the driver in escaping and extinguished the flames. Six more Soldiers and an interpreter were still in the vehicle that had flames coming from every portal. Inside, the squad leader had managed to open the hatch and Cashe rushed to reach in and pull the Soldiers out even though he himself was on fire. Cashe made it to the Brooks Army Medical Center, BAMC, in San Antonio, Texas, as did some of the other severely injured troops. Some of the families had the opportunity to say goodbye to their loved ones before they died of their wounds, as did Cashe on November 8, 2005, having survived the longest.

"Because of Sgt. 1st Class Cashe's actions," said Tanya Johnson, the widow of Staff Sgt. Michael Robertson, "I was given the opportunity to say goodbye to my husband. I was at BAMC hoping that my husband, along with the others, would survive. My husband died from his injuries on October 25, 2005 and I am eternally grateful to SFC Cashe for his unselfish act, he truly represented what a hero is."

Called Al and often referred to as "Little Brother," Cashe came from a blended family that included 18 children and he was the youngest. Born in Winter Park, Florida and raised in Oviedo, he joined the Army right after high school in 1988. He served as a drill sergeant and recruits who remembered him praised his leadership. "He helped me become a Soldier," said Mr. Adam Rohrer via Facebook.

The ceremony was held in front of the new center where over 100 family members gathered with Soldiers with whom he served, one of the tenant units, the 436th Civil Affairs Battalion, and numerous other friends and community members.

Maj. Gen. Gill Beck, commanding general of the 81st Regional Support Command and host of the event, began the set of speeches saying, "Today we celebrate the accomplishments and the courage of a great Soldier and I am humbled to be here to be a part of that." He spoke directly to Cashe's mother, who sat beside him during the ceremony, saying "Ruby Mae, you did a great job raising a fine young man who's an inspiration, not only to us, but will be an inspiration to Soldiers when they come to this great facility for years to come."

Beck had spoken to Cashe's family members and fellow Soldiers prior to the ceremony in order to learn more about the warrior and the man. "He was a Soldier's Soldier. He embodied courage, selfless service, dedication; all the things that we hold dear."

Congressman John Mica of Florida's 7th District spoke of Cashe's "unbelievable sacrifice" during his remarks. "It's a very moving occasion to be here with you. It's fitting that we're here today to dedicate this building in the name of a local hero of Seminole county." Mica then presented to Sgt. 1st Class Cashe's mother, a U.S. flag that had been flown over the nation's capitol on July 4th, in honor of the fallen hero.

Representatives of Sens. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., and Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville, also paid their respects, presenting Ruby Mae Cashe with Senate and House commemorative coins. Army Reserve Ambassador Jim Darden gave her a proclamation from Florida Governor Rick Scott.

Sanford Commissioner Mark McCarty read a proclamation announcing July 19 as Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe Day in the City of Sanford.

Who Alwyn Cashe was as a man and how his life impacted others was best described by his family and Soldiers who lived and served with him. "Al was destined to do what he did," said his brother Tracy told a story about a time when one of his nephews had fallen and Al had tried to pick him up and console him, even though the nephew was as big as he was. "That was Al," Tracy said. A minister, Tracy Cashe, as well as his family, finds solace from their loss in their faith. "This can lift our hearts above our daily trials to remind us that an unchanging, trustworthy God rules over even the chaos of a changing world."

"Let me tell you a little about my brother," Karlos Cashe began. He talked of his brother's love of hunting, fishing and family. That no matter where he was in the world, if a family member needed him, he would be there. "What he was most of all, was [an NCO] in the United States Army. What he wasn't was a gallon of milk." Karlos explained that while a gallon of milk has an expiration date, a Soldier who risks and loses his life to save others shouldn't have an expiration date.

While exuding gratitude for the many who have supported her and her family Cashe's sister, Kasinal Cashe White, spoke of the relationships between Al and his nieces and nephews, some of whom were older than he was. She spoke of his small stature all throughout his life until he joined the military.

"He was made for the Army," She said. "It made him proud. I am told by [his fellow Soldiers] that he was a good Soldier. I'll take that, because all I have are memories."

She encouraged everyone to make memories and take pictures since in their youth, they could not do so.

Next to speak was Col. Gary Brito, formerly Cashe's battalion commander. He spoke to the family, telling them that the strength of the Army is due to consummate Soldiers and leaders like Al Cashe. He addressed remarks by Kasinal where she wondered if their father, who had passed away when Al was very young, would be proud.

"With every confidence I can tell you first hand that yes, he would be proud," Brito answered. "Mrs. Cashe and the family, you every reason to be proud as well. Much has been said and much has been written, he's just a good man, simply a good person. He will never be forgotten, he will be forever honored and respected by all."

Harry Conner never met Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe. Although he served in the same battalion, they would never have had an occasion to meet as his service was roughly 20 years before. If not for having read a February 2007 Orlando Sentinel article, the name of Al Cashe would have never entered his vocabulary. Now it's in Conner's everyday usage.

"I found myself standing in a 7-11 crying," he said. He contacted the reporter who put him in touch with the Cashe family and has since made it his life mission to spread the word about the heroism and valor of Al Cashe.

"It's a strange destiny that Al and I shared," he explained. The both served as drill sergeants, both served in the 3rd Infantry Division, Cashe in the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment and Conner in the 1st of the 10th acting as field artillery liaison to the 1-15.

Some months after reading the article, Conner along with Maj. DeWitt Revels, one of Cashe's comrades, and Revels' mother Vicki Higbee, started a Facebook page dedicated to the memory of Sgt. 1st Class Cashe. As of this writing, there are 3,471 members and more join almost each day, posting comments in support of Cashe and his family and friends.

Recently, Conner took the road to spread the word about Al Cashe -- on his bicycle. He rode from Cashe's gravesite in Oviedo on April 27 to the National September 11 Memorial arriving in New York City on June 12. He called his Duty, Honor, Country bicycle ride. During that 44 days, he told anyone that would listen about the heroic actions of Al Cashe. People asked Harry how Cashe did what he did and often they asked why. Cashe has answered that question himself when one of his brothers had asked him the day he died.

Cashe told his brother, "I had made my peace with God, I didn't know if my men had."

"That, ladies and gentlemen," Conner stated, "are the words of a true American hero."

Conner's campaign, both on Facebook and his bicycle, is to promote the ongoing effort to get Cashe awarded the Medal of Honor. Brito had initially recommended him for the Silver Star until he received more details of the events of October 17. Brito is now also working toward the same end.

In September, Conner plans to ride his bike again, this time from the same starting point to Fort Benning, Georgia, home of the U.S. Army Infantry in general and the 1st of the 15th specifically.

"Again I'll continue to spread the story of his valor and heroism so that our fellow Americans might be reminded of the brave souls, like Sgt. 1st Class Cashe, that guard our nation 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year."

He encouraged the Soldiers of the tenant units to remember the name of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe and implored NCOs and officers alike to seek to become the type of mentor, leader and Soldier that was Alwyn Cashe that by doing so they would "honor him, the Army and the country that we all serve and love."

After the speeches were over, the family gathered around the memorial plaque for its unveiling and the cutting of the ribbon officially opening the center and dedicating it to the memory of Sgt. 1st Class Cashe.

Amid the tears and hugs, the Cashe family, Soldiers and friends, some having met for the first time at the ceremony, recalled their personal memories of Al Cashe, cementing relationships born of tragedy, friendships lasting a lifetime and an honoring of a hero, whose impact is immeasurable.

The Army Reserve units that occupy the center are the 436th Civil Affairs Battalion, the 505th Port Management Team and the 81st Transportation Detachment.

Related Links:

Army Reserve center dedicated to fallen Florida hero