Monda Anderson
Monda married her best friend, Petty Officer George Casher “Cash” Jr. While stationed on the beautiful island of Honolulu, Monda was 14 weeks pregnant and waiting for Cash to return home for date night when tragedy struck.
Monda and Cash on their Wedding Day
They Were Supposed To Go On A Date To Celebrate
In December 2006, in a quaint little chapel in Virginia, Monda married her best friend, Cash. “Since I was a little girl, I was very insecure, and I thought that I would never get married. I certainly never thought I would marry a guy like Cash or would live on the beautiful island of Hawaii.”
Cash was a gentle giant. His appearance could be intimidating with his massive biceps and tattoos, but he would rather be outside with his dog, reading the next Harry Potter series, or listening to old-school music. “We purchased our first home with a white picket fence, a rainbow, a mountain, and an ocean in the backyard. We were living the island dream.”
Soon, Cash left for his first six-month deployment with the USS Pasadena (a submarine). Monda remembers, “I had to learn how to manage a household, pay the bills, change a tire, get oil changes, find a job, learn how to cook, and make friends in six months. It was a wonderful life.”
A Beautiful Sunday Turns To Tragedy
When he was home from deployment, Cash embraced the routine of married life.
One Sunday, Monda was gazing out the window at the beautiful Hawaiian sky. "I received a text message from Cash that said he was on his way home and that I needed to get ready because we were going on a date. We were expecting our first child. I was 14 weeks pregnant, and we were both excited. I was scared, but Cash couldn’t wait to become a dad.”
When Cash didn’t get home as expected, Monda figured he was probably taking the scenic route home on his motorcycle. But after several attempts to reach him, she began to worry. “I called two more times, and an unfamiliar voice answered the phone. I thought I had the wrong number, but this woman insisted I stay on the phone. She told me that she was a nurse from Queens Medical Hospital, and I had to get to the hospital right away because Cash had been involved in a motorcycle accident.”
She Had To Plan Two Funerals
When Monda walked into the small, quiet room at the hospital, it was filled with people. She noticed a chaplain was present.
“I felt as if I was in a movie or a bad dream, and I wanted to wake up.” Soon a doctor joined them and said, “I'm sorry, but we did everything we could do.”
When Monda was taken to see her husband, she remembers, “When I finally saw Cash's body laid up on the gurney, he looked as if he was sleeping. The room was so silent it was deafening. I thought that he would get right up from that table if I just asked him to wake up. But deep down, I knew it was too late.”
Monda had to plan two funerals, one for the sailors of the USS Pasadena and one for Cash’s family back in Virginia at the church where they were married the year before.
“All Of The Families Are Just Like Mine.”
Widowed, pregnant and consumed by grief, Monda realized the military community and support she once had were no longer there. She gave birth to her son six months later.
“I did not know who I was. I felt like my whole life had fallen apart. I put on a good face, but inside I was a mess. I wanted a safe space to honor Cash so he wasn’t forgotten.”
In December of 2018, Monda and her son connected with the Gary Sinise Foundation. They were invited to our annual healing retreat in December. “It was overwhelming initially because I had no idea what to expect, but my mind was blown. All of the families were just like mine. We had an opportunity to honor our fallen hero, make new memories, and connect with the community we needed. There are families we are close with to this day, and I am forever grateful.”
“I Get To Honor My Fallen Hero Every Day.”
Inspired by her own experience, Monda began volunteering for the Gary Sinise Foundation. “I wanted to ensure that new families could connect with seasoned families at community events and ease any anxiousness because the families have been through a lot. I didn’t want them to feel alone.” She also participates in community events with her son where they can connect with families in their local area.
Through your gracious generosity, we are able to provide America’s families of fallen heroes with curated support and healing opportunities that are life-changing. After experiencing such devastating loss, it is our honor to stand beside them and offer comfort, reminding them as a nation we will never forget their sacrifices.
“Without the Gary Sinise Foundation, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I am a survivor, and my presence matters. That whole time I thought my life was falling apart, God strategically aligned my path for where I am today. I get to honor my fallen hero every day by living each day with a purpose: to represent and honor Petty Officer George Casher Jr. Thank you for your service; you are never forgotten.”
Join us. Make your donation today.
