Sen. Bailey introduces bill to honor local hero Captain Christopher S. Cash, rename bridge in Old Orchard Beach and Saco, Legislative committee immediately endorses
AUGUSTA – On Thursday, Feb. 27, Sen. Donna Bailey, D-Saco, introduced a bill to honor local hero Captain Christopher S. Cash, Sr. by renaming Goosefare Brook Bridge after Captain Cash. The Legislature’s Transportation Committee conducted a public hearing for 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.
“Captain Christopher S. Cash, Sr. was a man who committed his life to helping others. He was known for his passions of running and fitness, his love for his family and his dedication to our country,” said Sen. Bailey. “In 2004, as part of a mission for Operation Iraqi Freedom, Captain Cash made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his soldiers, a job which he took very seriously. He touched the lives of all that he met, and they will forever be blessed by knowing him. By renaming the bridge, we can preserve Captain Christopher S. Cash’s memory and legacy for everyone.”
After graduating from Old Orchard Beach High School, Cash enlisted in the United States Army in 1986, eventually earning a rank of 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, and his soldiers 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. Captain Cash was mortally wounded by a machine gunner while focusing on the safety of his men and ordering them to take cover.
After the public hearing for the bill, the Committee immediately went into work session and voted unanimously in favor of renaming the bridge. In the coming weeks, it will be reported out of the Committee and send to the Senate floor for initial votes of the full chamber.