It was 20 years ago that a soldier who grew up in Lambton County and Chatham-Kent made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his country.
On September 3, 2006, Private William Cushley died in Afghanistan while taking part in Operation Medusa, Canada's largest combat operation since the Korean War. He was just 21.
Cushley was born in England, but moved to Sarnia shortly after his birth. He and his family eventually moved to Port Lambton, which led him to finish his high school education at Wallaceburg District Secondary School.
"After graduating, he submitted his application for the Canadian Forces at a recruitment office in Chatham. So anxious was he to get his army career underway that William was eventually asked by the military recruiters to refrain from calling and emailing to inquire about the status of his application," read a post by the Sarnia Historical Society.
Cushley would eventually be assigned as a member of the Royal Canadian Regiment, 1st Battalion, based at CFB Petawawa. Soon after, he would be deployed to Afghanistan.
"Not long before he went overseas, he had a heart-to-heart discussion with his father, Errol. [He] explained that he wasn’t going overseas so that Afghan girls could go to school. Rather, he wanted to do his part to ensure that Afghans had the opportunity to make that choice without someone telling them they couldn’t, as had been the case for decades. He wanted them to have the same opportunities that we have here in Canada," read the Sarnia Historical Society's post.
Cushley was one of four soldiers who died on this day, 20 years ago. Warrant Officers Frank R. Mellish and Richard F. Nolan, and Sergeant Shane Stachnik were also killed. Private Mark Graham also died the next day.
Cushley was the youngest of the group, with the other four being in their 30s when they died.
"[Cushley's] name is forever etched on our Cenotaph, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten," read a post on Facebook by Sarnia Legion Branch 62.
Anyone who drives past the legion will notice a Royal Canadian Regiment flag flying in honour of Cushley.
