LAKE BALDWIN, Fla. — The Orlando VA Healthcare System in Lake Baldwin held a special ceremony to honor the life of Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe, who was killed in action while serving in Iraq 19 years ago.

A plaque commemorating Cashe’s life was displayed in the clinic’s famed corridor for veterans and Medal of Honor recipients. 

What You Need To Know

  • Orlando VA hosted a dedication ceremony to honor Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe, who died while helping his teammates in Iraq in 2005

  • Nineteen years ago, while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Cashe rescued six of his teammates and an Iraqi interpreter from a burning vehicle 

  • Cashe sustained burns to 72% of his body and succumbed to his injuries at a burn unit in San Antonio, Texas

  • A picture and plaque of Cashe was unveiled and displayed in Orlando VA’s Lake Baldwin clinic, which serves as a place of remembrance for veterans

Family members of Cashe were in attendance, and so were political leaders such as U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott.

Even though it’s been 19 years since the Oviedo native and Medal of Honor recipient passed away, Alwyn Cashe continues to be remembered to this day.

It’s a moment that meant the world to Bernadine Cashe.

She and three of her sisters displayed their brother's plaque at the Orlando VA on Friday afternoon.

“This means everything. It’s as important as him receiving the actual Medal of Honor,” said Bernadine, as she stood in front of her brother’s plaque.

She admits it will be difficult to see her brother’s picture every day since she works at the Lake Baldwin clinic as a registered nurse. 

But knowing that his heroism is put on display amongst other Medal of Honor recipients in the clinic’s corridor reminds her of the type of person he was.

“I know that he willingly made a sacrifice, and I believe with all of my heart that the Lord spoke to him and he knew that it was the right thing to do,” Bernadine said.

Nineteen years ago, while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Cashe rescued six of his teammates and an Iraqi interpreter from a burning vehicle that was struck by an improvised explosive device.

Cashe sustained burns to 72% of his body and succumbed to his injuries in San Antonio, Texas.

Orlando VA Healthcare’s Chief of Staff, Lisa Zacher, was working at that same burn unit at the time. 

She says taking part in the ceremony to commemorate Cashe, who she deems a hero, marked a full circle moment for her.

“It really hit home knowing that I was that close to a hero,” said Zacher.

She says it was all the more special that she was able to commemorate his legacy alongside his family members, who share the pride he felt for serving his country. 

“If they allowed him to be in it, he would be 54 now. He would probably still be there because he really loved it,” said Bernadine.