TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, N.J.—Condolences, prayers, and donations are pouring in after Sgt. 1st Class Michael James Goble, 33, a U.S. Special Forces soldier, died in Afghanistan on Dec. 23 due to injuries sustained during combat operations in Kunduz Province on Dec. 22.
His body was recovered to Dover Air Base, Del., on Christmas.
Goble, born on Jan. 13, 1986, was raised in the township then graduated from Westwood Regional High School in 2004.
He was a senior intelligence sergeant assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.
The Taliban reportedly took responsibility for the attack, which military officials said is under investigation. The death, amid Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, is reported as the 20th of a service member during combat operations this year.
A New York Times report quoted a Taliban spokesman saying Goble was killed when insurgents targeted American and Afghan forces with explosives.
The report said an American soldier and an Afghan soldier were wounded in the attack.
This was to be Goble’s fourth and final tour of duty, military officials said.
At press time, more than $135,000 had been raised on “A True American Hero,” a GoFundMe page for Goble, who leaves behind his daughter, Zoey, and partner, Jen.
“I have never met a soldier that was more passionate and patriotic than Mike Goble,” campaign founder Lisa Barker said.
She added, “He loved this country endlessly, and paid the ultimate sacrifice for it, fighting for our freedom.”
Barker said, “Times are going to be very hard over the next few months. The last thing she needs to worry about is money; all donations will go directly to Jennifer Albuquerque to take care of herself and Zoey. Let’s do what we can to support this family, and do right by Mike.”
Local and state officials have shared messages of support. Woodcliff Lake Mayor Carlos Rendo said that Goble’s father lives in the borough.
Township of Washington Mayor Peter Calamari posted, “On this Christmas Eve morning we lower the flag at Town Hall as we received the news of a local fallen hero. The hearts and souls of the people of Washington Township are deeply saddened and are with the Goble family today and always on their loss.”
He added, “I did not have the honor or pleasure of knowing Michael directly but in a small town we often know someone they know. I have spoken to many who knew him and know his family in the past few hours. I have heard what an incredible person he was and about his pride in serving his country.”
Calamari urged all to “please take a moment during this busy holiday season and read and learn about this local hero and the supreme sacrifice he and his family have made for all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
Westwood Mayor John Birkner Jr. made his announcement on Facebook, alerting the borough that the community had lost another warfighter after the loss of borough resident Christopher Hrbek in 2009.
“With great sadness I share the news of an American hero who gave his last full measure of devotion defending and preserving the values of democracy and freedom we hold dear as Americans,” Birkner said of Goble.
“May he rest in eternal peace and may God comfort his family. Our prayers are with them at this difficult time,” he added.
Goble entered the United States Army as a Special Forces candidate July 7, 2004.
According to officials, he completed Basic Training, Advanced Individual Training, and the Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Ga., then was assigned to U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, N.C., where he attended and graduated the Special Forces Qualification Course, earning the coveted Green Beret in February 2007.
After training, Goble was assigned as a weapons sergeant to Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th SFG (A). He deployed to Afghanistan March through October 2007 and May 2008 through January 2009; Argentina in 2009; Guatemala in 2010; and Colombia in 2011.
He served as a sniper instructor from March 2012 through January 2016, and returned Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th SFG (A) as a senior intelligence sergeant. From April through May 2018, he deployed to the Republic of Korea, then to Colombia from July through September 2018.
Col. John W. Sannes, 7th SFG (A) commander, said 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.”
He added, “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.”
Goble’s awards and decorations include Bronze Star Medal (three Oak Leaf Clusters), Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with “V,” Army Commendation Medal (one Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Good Conduct Medal (four Knots), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (two 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 (second award), Valorous Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Basic Airborne and Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Badges.
Among the condolences posted in the hours after news broke of Goble’s death, state Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi (R-39) said in part, “Today I found out Westwood and Washington Township lost another son, brother, father while fighting for the U.S. military in Afghanistan.
“Please say a prayer for him and his family during this incredibly sad time and thank him for making the ultimate sacrifice for us all.”
U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-5) said in part, “There is no greater commitment than the one we have to those who have protected our nation and to the families who have supported them oceans away.”
He said, “Tonight, we mourn with all Michael’s loved ones, knowing full well that this holiday and no future holiday will ever be the same.”
Gottheimer added, “Tonight, let us all pray for them, for the sacrifice he made to our great country, and for his memory. May God bless and watch over the Goble family.”
U.S. Marine Sgt. Chris Hrbek endeared himself to his neighbors as volunteer firefighter in Westwood then volunteered to serve after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.
A 2002 Westwood Regional High School graduate—two years ahead of Goble—he was killed Dec. 23, 2009 by an improvised explosive device while serving in Afghanistan. He was 25.
The community mourned intensely. Hrbek’s remains were escorted with military honors throughout the community as thousands of residents paid their final respects.
For more information and to donate, visit gofundme.com/f/xx4qw-a-true-american-hero.