[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 155 (Tuesday, December 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2453]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING CAPTAIN JOEL E. CAHILL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JEFF FORTENBERRY

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 6, 2005

  Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, Captain Joel Cahill died last month 
from injuries he sustained while serving in Iraq. The personnel carrier 
in which he was traveling hit a roadside bomb, killing him instantly. 
He was 34 years old. He leaves behind his two daughters, Faith and 
Briana, and his wife, Mary.
  Joel was the son of Larry and Barbara Cahill. He graduated from 
Papillion-La Vista High School in 1989 and enrolled in the Army a year 
later. His first act was to register for Special Forces training. With 
his strong intellect and fierce dedication, Joel Cahill became a 
decorated member of the U.S. Army Rangers. Joel also went on to 
continue his education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, majoring 
in general studies. He served in Iraq with the 1st Battalion, 15th 
Infantry from Fort Benning, Georgia.
  During his service, Captain Cahill became a skillful soldier. He was 
awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Soldier's Medal, which he 
received for saving the life of a fellow soldier. During a training 
exercise with live grenades, Joel's quick action delivered a colleague 
from harm.
  This act of bravery demonstrated how he lived his life; by putting 
others before himself. Joel Cahill had a strong sense of purpose. When 
asked about his recent assignment, he responded, with heartfelt emotion 
in his voice, ``I strongly believe that this is what I need to do to 
keep my girls safe in the future.''
  Captain Cahill took pride in protecting America. His brother, Randy, 
described Joel as a compassionate individual with a good sense of 
humor, who conveyed a sense of sincere gratitude towards the troops 
with whom he served.
  Captain Cahill's death is particularly hard. The father of young 
children, the husband of a young wife, his loss carries an unyielding 
sting. As we pay tribute to him, our hope is the sting may be softened, 
if for a moment, by the remembrance of a heroic soldier who sacrificed 
himself in service to his country. Captain Cahill lived and died an 
American patriot.
  Captain Cahill now rests in Arlington National Cemetery; a fitting 
tribute for a dedicated soldier. He is a true hero. We shall forever be 
grateful.

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