Friends of a U.S. soldier who lost his life in Afghanistan have raised more than $100,000 for the man’s family.
Sgt. 1st Class Mike Goble was just weeks from returning home to his girlfriend, Jennifer Albuquerque, and their young daughter, Zoey, from his third deployment in Afghanistan when he died on Monday after being injured by a roadside bomb the day before, reported the Washington Examiner.
Lisa Barker, a family friend, created a GoFundMe page for Jennifer and Zoey to help the green beret’s family in the difficult months to come.
“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. He leaves behind a beautiful daughter, and his beautiful partner Jen, who has stood by his side all these years,” wrote Barker in the campaign description created on Monday.
“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 their daughter. Let’s do what we can to support this family, and do right by Mike,” Barker added.
As of Friday afternoon, nearly 2,000 people have donated and almost $140,000 out of the $200,000 goal has been raised.
Goble’s remains arrived home on Wednesday, Christmas Day, and Albuquerque shared a video of his casket being transferred at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware with the caption: “You’re home now.”
Goble, 33, was from Westwood, New Jersey, according to CBS. He joined the Army in 2004 and graduated the Special Forces Qualification Course as a Green Beret in 2007.
Goble—assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, Florida—was well-liked among his peers and had the respect of his superiors.
“He was in the back of the line, making sure his soldiers stayed accounted for,” an Air Force veteran and civil servant told the Washington Examiner. “He was quiet but had a presence and stature about him that one could tell he was in charge.”
“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,” Colonel John W. Sannes told the newspaper.
