Service member spotlight: obligation to serve Published Aug. 15, 2013 By Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Marine Capt. Eric Cahill, Marine Aircraft Group 49 intelligence officer, is the joint base's featured service member of the week. Cahill hails from Philadelphia, Pa. Q: Why did you join the military? A: Growing up in Northeast Philadelphia, there was deep patriotic sentiment and an obligation to serve. Q: What is your job and what is its impact on the mission? A: The intelligence department enables the commander to make decisions based on key factors from the battle environment. Q: Do you have any past or current family members in the military? A: No one is currently in the military. I had three great uncles who served during World War II. Q: Who most inspires you? A: Hearing stories, past and present, of fellow service members risking their lives, especially 1st Lt. Travis Manion, who died April 29, 2007, in Iraq. Q: What is one thing you'd like your fellow service members to take away or understand about the military? A: Learning is a lifelong journey. This includes our profession of arms. Never pass up an opportunity to learn from other people and services.