MSgt. Michael K. Cahall

MSgt. Michael K. Cahall was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to handle various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and thoughtful focus, he possessed a strong-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even daily routines seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Whether through Sudoku or in making sure his family got what they needed, Michael was always working on solutions. This awareness meant that he always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical, and pleasant, Michael was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges and actively pursued his diverse interests.

MSgt. Michael was born on April 20, 1950, at Lakeview Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to parents, Harry and Mary Cahall. Always able to express himself well, Michael possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, he grew to be accepting of others while also implementing a strong personal work ethic.

As a young child in Milwaukee, MSgt. Michael showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated, always one to crack a clever joke. He enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. For instance, he was a Scout, member of Troop 105, Milwaukee County Council, and earned his merit badge in astronomy on July 24, 1962. In his spare time, he liked collecting baseball cards, playing with his train set, and cherishing his childhood pets. One particularly memorable achievement for Michael during this time was being appointed Captain of St. Anthony of Padua School Safety Patrol on June 11, 1964.

Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and driven individual, MSgt. Michael was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. Thus, he found Latin class to be especially intellectually stimulating. Displaying his extracurricular talents, Michael was a member of the yearbook staff, which ultimately led to a lifelong passion for photography. Always part of the action, Michael proudly earned his nickname "The Beast" after mastering the art of street surfing during snow storms while hanging out of Tim Burton's car. He also hoped for much success for the garage band he and his buddies started. Michael graduated from Marquette University High School in 1968.

When the goal of college was in sight, it became important to MSgt. Michael to pursue higher education. Again, his direct, “down to earth” approach served him well. He was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. On May 26, 1993, he received his Associate of Applied Science in Computing and Information Technology – Management Information System Microcomputer, with High Honors. True to his fun and lively personality, Michael’s favorite course was History of Rock Music.

Friends and acquaintances found MSgt. Michael an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Michael was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for who they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Jeffrey Smigielski, Stephen J. Scott, Timothy Burton, Andy Scott, Mike Gensler, Mike Dwyer, Bill Brooks, and Pete Leider. Later in life, he became dear friends with Norm Harvey, Pat Vaughn, Bubba Dykes, Nelson Serrano, Nino Ferri, Omar Ikariden, and Ed Kennedy. Throughout his life, he also remained close with his childhood friends, proving the value and care he placed upon friendships.

On September 4, 1972, MSgt. Michael exchanged wedding vows with Narumon Yainthorn at the Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base of Udorn, Thailand. Michael was attentive to Narumon's feelings, and he charmed Narumon and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Michael was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship. This relationship built the foundation for a happy, loving family.

Very much like a kid himself, MSgt. Michael identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire common sense skills. Michael was blessed with four children, one son, Singkhasart, and three daughters, Monliga, Michelle, and Christy. Michael was also blessed with seven grandchildren, Singkham, Carrieann, Gina, "Treyster", Devon, Everet, and Garrett.

MSgt. Michael was also a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Michael’s favorites was Marshall, a lhasa apso, who kept his feet warm on many winter nights. They were best friends for 5 years.

Additionally, MSgt. Michael was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, MSgt. Michael’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, he was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Michael could multi-task, and he was endowed with an entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was technician. He was employed for 20 years by the United States Air Force, and 17 years by Circus Circus.

MSgt. Michael was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Michael worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. Notably, Michael was an active member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 501.

MSgt. Michael was also an Air Force veteran. Michael was a cool thinker who could handle himself well in a crisis. He was stationed at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand during the Vietnam War. He was also stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Lowry Air Force Base, Kirkland Air Force Base, Tyndall Air Force Base, and Nellis Air Force Base. Michael saw action for two years during the Vietnam War. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. He received several awards including a an Air Force Longevity Award Ribbon with 3 oak leaf clusters, United States Air Force Noncommissioned Officer Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon with 1 oak leaf cluster, Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, The Air Force Commendation Medal awarded August 15, 1974, The Air Force Commendation Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) awarded April 16, 1986, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 1 oak leaf cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 5 oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 bronze service stars, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon with 1 oak leaf cluster, Air Force Training Ribbon. Michael’s service showcased his leadership qualities and how he could make tough decisions when he was called upon to do so.

These natural leadership qualities placed him in consideration for public recognition, earning him accolades for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included his military commendation medals, and of course, the Super Dad award.

For leisure, MSgt. Michael enjoyed taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were photography, genealogy, scuba diving, dancing, boating and fishing, travel, and watching any movie featuring John Wayne. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Travel and vacations were experiences that MSgt. Michael especially enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went, and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Some of his memorable vacations included visits to Alaska, England, Custer State Park, Mt. Rushmore, Yosemite National Park to visit the redwoods, Southern California, and Thailand. During his tenure with the Thunderbirds, he also enjoyed traveling to China, Philippines, Guam, Hawaii, and Australia.

Because he liked being amongst the action, MSgt. Michael was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. Recreational sports that interested Michael include golf, bowling, water skiing, darts, and billiards. Michael was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football and baseball. Michael was a huge Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs fan.

Not one to only think of himself, MSgt. Michael was a generous man who prized that same quality in others. Therefore, it’s little wonder that he was so active and giving in his community. Outside of being a strong figure of support for his family, Michael sponsored children through Child Fund.

When MSgt. Michael’s retirement finally came in 1989 from the United States Air Force and 2012 from Circus Circus, he was well prepared. He used his lifetime of problem-solving and practical skills to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. He was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. His new life involved remaining in Las Vegas, Nevada because he did not want to ever return to having to shovel snow. In retirement, he found continued pleasure in photography, genealogy, and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren as the unofficial team photographer for the kids' football and basketball teams.

MSgt. Michael passed away on August 29, 2018 at University Medical Center. Michael fought a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Narumon, his children, Singkhasart, Monliga, Michelle, and Christy, his grandchildren, Singkham, Carrieann, Gina, Trey, Devon, Everet, and Garrett, his great grandchildren Kaleanie, Kaylee, Mikee, Melody, and Anassa. Services were held at Palm Northwest Mortuary. MSgt. Michael's family took his ashes home to keep him close to their hearts for eternity.

MSgt. Michael was the kind of person who could win others over easily. An easy-going and honest communicator, he relied on his senses to connect and bond with others. He was always able to offer amusing insights to his friends and acquaintances, delivering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, and jokes. To his family, he always provided and did his best with a smile and story. If Michael had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember MSgt. Michael K. Cahall.