OUR BOARD of DIRECTORS
Aaron’s Wish Foundation is guided by a Board of Directors committed to honoring Aaron’s legacy and advancing meaningful change in military mental health. Our Board brings together family perspective, healthcare experience, military insight, and a shared commitment to education, advocacy, and improved support for service members and their families.
Cami Cahill, RN
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Cami Cahill is the Founder and CEO of Aaron’s Wish Foundation, established in memory of her son, SSgt Aaron J. Cahill, a U.S. Air Force Special Operations Combat Controller
A Registered Nurse with 16 years of nursing experience, including 15 years in the Operating Room, Cami brings an extensive healthcare background to her leadership of Aaron’s Wish. She has further expanded her professional education through continuing education focused on military and veteran mental health, military culture, trauma, suicide prevention, and related behavioral health issues.
Following Aaron’s death, Cami began examining gaps in military mental health care, leadership response, and access to appropriate treatment. That work led to the creation of Aaron’s Wish and the development of a legislative proposal focused on military mental health and suicide prevention reform.
As Founder and CEO, Cami leads the Foundation’s education, advocacy, partnerships, and program development. Her work is focused on bringing together military experience, clinical expertise, family perspective, and policy advocacy to improve how service members experiencing combat-related mental health challenges are recognized, supported, and connected with appropriate care.
Education and Professional Experience
Nursing Experience
Registered Nurse - 16 years of nursing experience
16 years of Operating Room nursing experience
Military & Behavioral Health Continuing Education
Military & Veterans Mental Health Certification Summit
HMP Education / 2026
Military Culture: Core Competencies for Healthcare Professionals
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Accredited Continuing Education / 2026
PTSD and Suicide Prevention
Accredited Continuing Education / 2026
Traumatic Brain Injury
Accredited Continuing Education / 2026
Alcohol Use Disorder
Accredited Continuing Education / 2026
Suicide Assessment and Prevention
Accredited Continuing Education / 2026
Matthew Cahill
Co-Founder & Vice-President
Matthew Cahill is Co-Founder and Vice-President of Aaron’s Wish Foundation. As Aaron’s brother, Matthew brings a deeply personal connection to the Foundation’s mission and a commitment to carrying forward Aaron’s legacy through meaningful change for service members and their families.
Matthew brings more than 10 years of experience as a licensed journeyman plumber. His professional background has required technical expertise, problem-solving, accountability, safety awareness, and teamwork - skills that contribute to the practical leadership and development of Aaron’s Wish.
As Co-Founder and Vice-President, Matthew works alongside the Foundation’s leadership and Board of Directors to support organizational development, community outreach, partnerships, and the long-term advancement of the Foundation’s mission.
Kaylin Cahill
Co-Founder & Board Chair
Kaylin Cahill is Co-Founder and Board Chair of Aaron’s Wish Foundation. As Aaron’s wife and the mother of their daughter, she brings a deeply personal connection to the foundation’s mission and a strong commitment to honoring Aaron’s life and legacy.
Kaylin works as an administrative assistant and client relationship specialist in the financial services field and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She has a strong interest in mental health and in supporting individuals and families who may be struggling.
Outside of work and school, Kaylin enjoys playing rugby and spending time with her daughter. Her perspective as a military spouse, mother, co-founder, and advocate helps guide Aaron’s Wish as the foundation works to strengthen awareness, education, support, and advocacy for service members and military families.
MSgt Kristopher Brooks
Treasurer
Master Sergeant Kristopher Brooks is a United States Air Force Combat Controller with extensive experience in Special Operations, military leadership, and operational management. He currently serves as the Combat Control Standards and Evaluations Program Manager at Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
Throughout his military career, he has deployed in support of operations within AFRICOM and CENTCOM and held leadership positions with the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron. His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Air Force Combat Action Medal.
As Treasurer of Aaron’s Wish Foundation, MSgt Brooks serves on the Board of Directors, supporting the foundation’s financial accountability, responsible stewardship of charitable contributions, and long-term sustainability.
SMSgt Jared Petts
Director, Military & Special Ops Affairs
Senior Master Sergeant Jared Petts is an accomplished United States Air Force Combat Controller with extensive operational and leadership experience throughout the Special Operations community. He serves as the Superintendent of Joint Fires and Senior Enlisted Leader of Current Operations at United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Headquarters.
Since entering the Air Force in 2008, SMSgt Petts has served in multiple Special Tactics units, including the 23rd, 321st, and 21st Special Tactics Squadrons. His military career includes operational deployments to Afghanistan, Africa, Syria, and other locations, as well as leadership responsibilities involving Special Operations training, readiness, and mission execution.
As Director of Military & Special Ops Affairs for Aaron’s Wish Foundation, SMSgt Petts brings invaluable firsthand experience and insight into the unique challenges facing Special Operations service members. His military background supports the foundation’s commitment to strengthening education, advocacy, and awareness surrounding combat-related trauma, behavioral health, and suicide prevention.
