I Got The News Today (IGTNT), which is one of the oldest continuous series on Daily Kos, provides members of this community a venue to pay their respects to those who have died as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as in Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Resolute Support, and Operation Joint Guardian. The IGTNT title is a reminder that far too often the family of an active duty service member receives the terrible news that their beloved has died.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel. Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Goble, 33, of Washington Township, New Jersey, died Dec. 23, 2019, as a result of injuries sustained while his unit was engaged in combat operations on Dec. 22, 2019, in Kunduz Province, Afghanistan. The incident is under investigation. Goble was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. ~ DoD News Release
Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Goble
Michael J. Goble grew up in Westwood, New Jersey and graduated from Westwood Regional High
School in 2004. He enlisted in the US Army July 7, 2004 as a special forces candidate. He completed his training and qualifications and became a Green Beret in February of 2007.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Jill Onorato, who is Sgt. Goble's aunt, said the family knew him “as a man with a big heart who loved his country and, above all else, his family.” Goble remained connected to his tightly knit family including many cousins and his partner, Jen and their daughter, Zoey. “He was a great daddy.”
Due to come home in just a few weeks from this, his final deployment, his family offered an unwavering support of Goble’s decision to serve his country. "He loved this country more than anyone, he felt that this was his duty." ~ News Source
“Sgt. 1st Class Goble was more than just a member of the 7th Special Forces Group, he was a brother to us, and a beloved family member to the Northwest Florida community. We will honor our brother’s sacrifice and provide the best possible care to his family. We ask that you keep his family and teammates in your thoughts and prayers.” ~ 7th Special Forces Group Commander, Col John Sannes
Other statements expressing condolences poured in for Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Goble:
“New Jersey and the nation mourn the loss of a true American hero. Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Goble of Bergen County gave his life in defense of our country. My heart goes out to his family and the communities of Westwood and Washington Twp. during this difficult time.
“Our brave men and women in uniform deserve our thanks and gratitude for their service and sacrifice to preserve the freedoms we enjoy here at home. Military families share the burden of that sacrifice each time a loved one is deployed. Sgt. 1st Class Goble was a member of the Army’s elite Special Forces and within weeks of completing his fourth and final tour of duty when he made the ultimate sacrifice.
“This tragedy reminds us all that the United States remains at war in Afghanistan—the longest in our nation’s history—where 2,400 American lives have been lost during the 18-year conflict. The threats and dangers our soldiers face each day are real. As I pray for the Goble family, I too pray for the day the fighting ends and all our troops can come home.” ~ Senator Bob Menendez
“Sergeant 1st Class Michael Goble represented the best values of our Armed Forces and of New Jersey — dedication, fearlessness, and excellence. His tragic passing reminds us of the tremendous sacrifices our soldiers and our military families make in the name of service so that our nation’s values may continue to be a beacon around the world. Our thoughts are with Sergeant 1st Class Goble’s family and friends. May we all honor his service by endeavoring through our lives to represent the values for which he gave his life.” ~ Joint Statement, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Acting Governor Sheila Oliver
“Sergeant Michael Goble was a hero in every sense of the word. He was an exceptional soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, our state, and the enduring values we hold true. I extend my deepest condolences to his friends, family and loved ones. Yesterday, New Jersey lost one of its finest.” ~ New Jersey State Senate President, Steve Sweeney
“I can’t imagine the pain Sgt. 1st Class Michael Goble’s family, friends and fellow soldiers must be feeling right now. There is nothing more tragic than the sudden loss of a loved one, especially during a time when families gather to celebrate the holidays. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to those who knew him, and recognize his selfless service to our country. He courageously chose to defend his fellow Americans by serving with the Special Forces for more than 15 years. Our state and our country owe him a debt of gratitude for the sacrifice he made. He was a true hero.” ~ New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin ~ News Source
“Westwood and Washington Township lost another son, brother, father while fighting for the US military in Afghanistan. While most of us are sitting down to Christmas dinner trying not to argue about trivial things with relatives we haven’t seen in a while, Sgt. Michael Goble’s family will be meeting his body on the tarmac as he returns 3 weeks early from his fourth and final tour of duty.” ~ New Jersey State Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi
“We are very proud of his service. We are very proud of what he’s done. This was his fourth tour of duty in Special Forces. Just a remarkable individual.” ~ Westwood Mayor John Birkner Jr. ~ News Source
“My thoughts are with this fallen American’s family, and the loved ones of all service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country this year. I join all Americans in wishing their families peace and comfort in this holiday season and those to come.” ~ Mayor Peter Buttigieg, South Bend, Indiana
“My heart is heavy with news of the death of Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Goble of Washington Township, NJ, during combat operations in Afghanistan. As you gather with those you love, join me in praying for him and all who lost their lives in service to our nation this year.” ~ Sen Jim Inhofe ~ News Source
A GoFundMe account was set up on behalf of Sgt. Goble’s partner and daughter with an initial goal of $15,000. That goal was met quickly and has been raised twice. It stand now at $200,000.
Goble, a senior intelligence sergeant assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, based out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, was on his third deployment to Afghanistan, in addition to deployments to Argentina, Guatemala, Colombia and South Korea. ~ News Source
His training and proficiencies include Special Forces Sniper Course, Basic and Advanced Military Freefall Course, Military Freefall Advanced Tactical Insertion Course, Joint Armorer Course, Survive, Evade, Resist and Escape Course, Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant Course, Special Operations Force Surveillance Operator, Special Warfare Network Development, Advanced Special Operations Techniques -- Level III Course, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Course and Special Warfare Operational Design Course, officials said. ~ News Source
Goble's military awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal (3 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with "V", Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (4 Knots), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2 campaign stars), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 3), Nation Defense Service Medal, NATO Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, Overseas Ribbon, NATO Non Article 5 (2nd award), Valorous Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Basic Airborne and Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Badges. ~ News Source
At his request, Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Goble will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
I Got the News Today" is a series intended to honor, respect, and remind us of the sacrifices made by our US troops. Click here to see the series, which was begun by i dunno in 2004 and now is maintained by Sandy on Signal, i dunno, noweasels, blue jersey mom, Chacounne, twilight falling, SisTwo, SpamNunn, TrueBlueMajority, CalNM, Wide Awake in Kentucky, maggiejean, Ekaterin, Joy of Fishes, SARBill and me, JaxDem. These diaries are heartbreaking to write but are an important service to those who have died and allows our community to show respect for the fallen and express condolences to those who mourn them. These posts usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories.
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Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service member(s) mentioned here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.