The remains of Sgt. 1st Class Michael James Goble were returned to the United States on Christmas Day after he died from injuries sustained during combat operations in Afghanistan on Monday.
Goble, 33, was serving as a Weapons Sergeant to Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, and was operating in the Kunduz Province when he was wounded. He had deployed to Afghanistan other two times before his death. Goble is the 20th U.S. service member to be killed in Afghanistan this year.
His remains were flown into Dover Air Force Base on Wednesday for the dignified transfer, with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley in attendance.
A GoFundMe has been set up by a family friend where the proceeds will go towards his daughter, Zoey, and his lifelong partner Jennifer Albuquerque.
"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," friend Lisa Baker wrote.
Albuquerque has been posting about Goble on her personal Facebook page, sharing memories from their family outings and his support for President Trump.
"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."