U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
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.
U.S. SENATOR BOB MENENDEZ
“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.”
GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY AND ACTING GOVERNOR SHEILA OLIVER
“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.”
SENATE PRESIDENT STEVE SWEENEY
“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.”
ASSEMBLY SPEAKER CRAIG COUGHLIN
“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.”