Maine Senate enacts Sen. Donna Bailey’s bill to honor local Operation Iraqi Freedom hero Captain Christopher S. Cash and rename bridge in Old Orchard Beach and Saco
AUGUSTA – On Thursday, March 20, the Maine Senate enacted a bill from Sen. Donna Bailey, D-Saco, to honor local hero Captain Christopher S. Cash, Sr. by renaming Goosefare Brook Bridge after Captain Cash. At the end of February, the Legislature’s Transportation Committee unanimously voted in favor of LD 37, “Resolve, to Rename a Bridge in Old Orchard Beach the Captain Christopher S. Cash Memorial Bridge.” The bill directs the Department of Transportation to rename Goosefare Brook Bridge the Captain Christopher S. Cash Memorial Bridge.
“It’s been a busy legislative session, and we are working hard to pass the continuing services budget to fund MaineCare and prevent a potentially devastating infestation of spruce budworm in Maine’s northern timber industry,” said Sen. Bailey. “In addition to this work, I remain committed to honoring Maine’s veterans. By renaming Goosefare Brook Bridge after local Operation Iraqi Freedom hero Captain Christopher Cash, we can further memorialize his legacy and sacrifice, as well as show our appreciation for his dedication and patriotism. I thank my colleagues in the Maine Senate who gave their unanimous, bipartisan support to this bill.”
After graduating from Old Orchard Beach High School, Cash enlisted in the United States Army in 1986, where he eventually was made a Captain. In October 2003, he was mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as the Commander of Company A, 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Enhanced Separate Infantry Brigade, which was headquartered in Jacksonville, North Carolina. As a Company Commander, he led three platoons that provided support and protection to Iraqi citizens.
On June 24, 2004, Captain Cash personally led one of his platoons on a mission to secure two critical bridges in the center of Baqubah, Iraq. While traveling, the platoon was engaged by insurgents and Captain Cash was mortally wounded by a machine gunner while protecting his men and ordering them to take cover.
LD 37 was previously enacted by the Maine House and now heads to the Governor’s desk. She has 10 days to sign the bill, allow it to become law without her signature or veto it.
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