Soldier From Washington Twp. Killed In Afghanistan

WESTWOOD, NJ - A special forces soldier from Bergen County was killed in Afghanistan on Monday, according to the U.S. Army.

Sgt. 1st Class Michael James Goble, 33, of Washington Township, died from injuries he sustained during combat on Monday.

Goble, who grew up in Westwood, joined the Army in July 2004 and graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course as a Green Beret in 2007. He was first deployed to Afghanistan in March 2007 and was later deployed to Argentina, Guatemala, Colombia and South Korea, according to the U.S. Army.

He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airbone), which is based out of Elgin Air Force Base in Florida.

The Associated Press reported that Goble’s unit was engaged in combat operations in Kunduz Province, when he suffered fatal injuries and that the Taliban claimed they were behind the roadside bombing.

Lt. Col. Loren Bymer, spokesman for U.S. Army Special Operations Command, said the incident is under investigation.

“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.” said Col. John W. Sannes, 7th SFG (A) commander. “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 military career includes the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

Just hours after his death was announced, a GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $25,000 for his family, which the fundraiser's organizer said "is a true testament of the kind of man we all knew Mike to be."

All money will go to Goble's girlfriend, Jennifer Albuquerque, and daughter, Zoey, Barker said.

Barker also said, "We lost a true American hero yesterday. Anyone that crossed paths with Mike, was truly blessed. I have never met a soldier that was more passionate and patriotic than Mike Goble. He loved this country endlessly, and paid the ultimate sacrifice for it, fighting for our freedom."

As news of his death spread, the community where Goble grew up is in mourning.

Westwood Mayor John Birkner, Jr. said in a social media post, "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. May he rest in eternal peace and may God comfort his family. Our prayers are with them at this difficult time."

Washington Township Mayor Peter Calamari said, "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. 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. I encourage 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."

Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi, who represents Goble's hometown, said in a Facebook post, "Today I found out 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, SFC. 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. Michael was a 2004 Westwood High School graduate who grew up in Township. A member of special ops, this was his fourth and last tour of duty 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."

Late Tuesday morning, Gov. Phil Murphy and Acting Gov. Sheila Oliver issued a joint statement on Goble's death, saying he "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," they also said. "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.”

According to the Associated Press, 20 American armed service members have been killed in combat and three non-combat deaths in 2019 in Afghanistan. More than 2,400 Americans have died during the nearly 18-year conflict, the report said.