Cahir grew up in Bellefonte, PA. Prior to running for office, he was a Washington correspondent for Easton, PA's Express-Times newspaper. More on his background:

Before his career in journalism, which included writing for the Lebanon Daily News, Hanover Evening Sun, York Dispatch and newspapers in New Jersey and New York, Cahir worked as a staff assistant to Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee from 1990 to 1993, and as a staff assistant on health care issues for former U.S. Sen. Harris Wofford, D-Pa., from August 1993 until he left office in January 1995. He was part of Sen. Edward Kennedy's, D-Mass., labor and economic policy team that helped pass the Family and Medical Leave Act and other laws.

Motivated by the 9-11 attacks, Bill Cahir joined the Marines at the age of 34, even acquiring an age waiver to do so. He wrote about going through basic training with people half his age for the Express-Times in 2004.

More on his military career:

(Cahir) served two tours in Iraq and has been decorated for his service in combat and was recently honored as the non-commissioned officer of the year by the 4th Civil Affairs Group. He served in Ramadi and Fallujah from August 2004-March 2005 and again in Fallujah from September 2006-April 2007, when he was the lead turret gunner for a civil affairs team working with Iraqis and engaging tribal sheiks.

He was sent to Afghanistan in the Spring of this year and was serving in the Helmand River Valley when he was killed.

He is survived by his wife, Rene Browne, who is expecting twin girls.

I could go on and on about how great this guy was. Please visit the links to read more about this incredible, heroic American.

I'll update with memorial details when they are available.

Update: A touching account of Bill's decision to join the Marines.

Update: Local TV report with video

Update: Military officials confirm his death, decorations detailed



Update: Another article with more pictures, some of them taken by Cahir himself

Update: Mark McCracken's comments on this tragedy.

FINAL UPDATE: Details on Bill Cahir's burial and the memorial fund set up to help his wife and unborn daughters.

The Bill Cahir Memorial Fund has been established for the education and wellbeing of Rene and Bill’s children, family spokesman David Price said. Checks should be made payable to the "Bill Cahir Memorial Fund" at this address: Burke and Herbert Bank c/o Mark Ragland P.O. Box 268 Alexandria, VA 22313

They now have a website for online donations too.



Update: Adding this as advised in comments. Sorry it's a little late.