• Maj. Mike MacNamara- USMC

 SSG Phil and Mandy Wanzek- NDARNG

LCpl Ben Lunak - USMC

SPC Nathan Johnson - NDARNG

Paul Goodiron, Father of NDARNG Cpl. Nathan Goodiron- KIA 11/23/2006

 ______________________________________ 

Mandaree soldier killed
Bismarck Tribune

By VIRGINIAGRANTIER

Cpl. Nathan Goodiron, 25, of Mandaree, a North Dakota National Guardsman, was killed in an enemy attack on Thursday in Afghanistan.

"He died for his country," said Paul Goodiron, of Mandaree, Friday about his son Nathan, his words choked by tears. "It's going to be a quiet Christmas here," he told the Associated Press.

Paul Goodiron said his son was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade while on patrol. He said Nathan's cousin, Sgt. C.J. O'Berry, of Beulah, was wounded, but apparently was OK. A third soldier, Samuel Floberg, Fargo, also was injured.

"They were in a firefight, and they were hit from behind with (a grenade)," Paul Goodiron said. "(Nathan) took the full impact, and he was killed instantly."

Goodiron told the AP his son left behind a wife, Eileen Goodiron, stepchildren, and a brother.

Paul Goodiron said his son was an easygoing man who quickly made friends and had a desire to serve his country.

"I knew him for as long as I can remember,"said Elton Spotted Horse, 22, who grew up with him in Mandaree.

Spotted Horse said Friday that Nathan was a big tease in school, but "he was always serious when he needed to be serious."

"If people had problems, they could talk to him," Spotted Horse said. "He'd make them feel better."

He was a comedian, but serious when you needed help. He was an athlete. He was great with computers. He was the one to ask if you had a computer problem, Spotted Horse said.

Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota National Guard's adjutant general, announced Friday that Goodiron from the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery, was killed in action and two others were wounded in action in Afghanistan at about 5 p.m. local Afghanistan time on Thursday, which would have been about 7:30 a.m. CDT here.

Floberg was airlifted to Bagram Air Field, where he was awaiting transportation to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany. Friday he was listed in stable condition. O'Berry received minor injuries and was treated and released.

The soldiers were participating in a combat patrol mission, escorting military convoys from one forward operating base to another when the enemy attack occurred.

Paul Goodiron, a Vietnam veteran, told the AP that he and Nathan's mother, Harriet Goodiron, were taken to a hospital Thursday night after hearing the news of their son's death. "Our blood pressures were so high," he said.

He said the support of the community Friday was "just overwhelming."

"It has nothing to do with me or Harriet," Goodiron said. "It's because of (Nathan). He was really friendly with just everybody. He just made friends with everybody." Mandaree is a community of about 550 on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.

Spotted Horse, who now lives in Rock Springs, Wyo., working for Halliburton, said he was "pretty surprised" when he heard Nathan was going into the military. He assumed Nathan would focus on a career with computers.

"He was always doing stuff with computers. He knew how to fix computers,"he said. "If you had computer problems, he was the person to go to."

He said they spent a lot of time together during childhood playing video games. "I did a lot of fun stuff with him."

Spotted Horse said Nathan was a "big basketball player"for Mandaree High School.

Merrill "Doc" Howling Wolf, 26, another friend of Nathan's, said Nathan, a guard for the Mandaree High School, was a smart, unselfish team player who "never looked to score." He said Nathan had attended Minot State University and planned to go back after his military stint to finish his degree.

Howling Wolf said Nathan was a true friend and more.

"He was like a brother,"Howling Wolf said, his words coming out between sobs.

He said when he heard Nathan had joined the military he was surprised and kind of mad.

"I don't really care for the war,"Howling Wolf said.

Spotted Horse's mother, Jeanine Spotted Horse, 42, of Mandaree, said she was devastated when she heard the news Thursday night.

"I couldn't believe it," she said.

She remembers Nathan coming to Mandaree's Head Start school last year for Veterans Day and sharing with the students information about military life.

"He showed them what he ate ... shared food with the kids. The kids got a little taste," she said.

Jeanine Spotted Horse, who has lived in Mandaree since 1984, said she had known him since he was a child and said he was always outgoing, but talking with the HeadStart children, "He was a little shy."

"On behalf of all North Dakotans, Mikey and I extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Cpl. Nathan Goodiron, a brave soldier who served our country with distinction and honor," said Gov. John Hoeven in a statement from himself and his wife. "As a state and a nation, we share in their loss and grief, and we offer our heartfelt support to them during this difficult time. Nathan was a true hero, who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of all of us. He will never be forgotten.

"Our thoughts and prayers also go out to Spc. Samuel Floberg and Sgt. Claude O'Berry, who were wounded in the same tragic incident. We thank them for their service and their sacrifices."

"Cpl. Nathan Goodiron will always be appreciated by all the people of North Dakota for his willingness to serve his nation during a time of war," said Sprynczynatyk. "He fought for what he believed in, and we share this loss with his family and honor his bravery in defense of freedom."

Sprynczynatyk also thanked Floberg and O'Berry for their sacrifice. "We need to keep these soldiers and their families here in North Dakota in our hearts and prayers. ... They lost a friend ... a member of their deployed family."

According to Maj. Robert Fugere, commander of SECFOR of the 1st Battalion, 188th ADA, military honors were rendered in Bagram Air Field as Goodiron's remains were loaded on an aircraft for the flight back to the United States. A "Fallen Comrade" ceremony was conducted at Forward Operating Base Warrior, where Goodiron was stationed.

Goodiron enlisted into the North Dakota Army National Guard in April 2001 and completed basic training in August 2001. After basic training, he was assigned to Battery F of the 1st Battalion, 188 Air Defense Artillery as a man-portable air defense system crewmember.

The 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery, headquartered in Grand Forks, deployed with 152 soldiers to Afghanistan. The company was mobilized on Dec. 1, 2005, and arrived in Afghanistan on March 23, 2006. The unit provides around-the-clock security to military members both on and off military installations.

Goodiron is the third North Dakota Army National Guard soldier to die in Afghanistan. He is the 11th North Dakota Army National Guard member to die in the Afghanistan and Iraqi wars.

On Monday, 39 soldiers with the 188th Air Defense Artillery 1st Battalion who have been mobilized will be heading to Fort Hood, Texas, for training. They eventually will replace 39 other Air Defense Artillery soldiers in Afghanistan.

Keller said those soldiers will be leaving with heavy hearts.

"It definitely is tough," he said. "They are just starting out with their mission, and there are a lot of unknowns."

Funeral arrangements are pending through Fulkerson Funeral Home, Watford City.

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MESSAGES, THANKS AND COMMENTS

ON THE MAY 17, 2007

TALKING WITH HEROES TALK SHOW

BROADCAST FROM GRAND FORKS, ND

FROM CO-HOST AND ORGANIZER

SHELLE MICHAELS WITH SOLDIERS ANGELS:

Last night at Talking with Heroes- --- Paul Goodiron- father of Nathan Goodiron- coined the use-- "Champions of Freedom".
 
Those words rang like the liberty bell to me--- WOW-- I now will call our service members--- champions of freedom and use heroes for those that have died---
 
McNamara was on stage too-- he said after 2 tours to Iraq and seeing the loss of so many of his Marines--- that "heroes was a word that scared him to death." He felt the honor of this word really needs to be placed with those that have lost their lives.

Champions of Freedom-- Thanks Paul and Mac for opening up my eyes and cleaning out my ears----  
 
Paul and Harriet-- it was WONDERFUL to have you in Grand Forks-- ---- Paul- I appreciated everything you had to say on stage- and your methodical thought process and deep thinking will really make a HUGE difference to the world. Good luck on your book-- I will send out notices now for purchase....
 
Carmen-- having you in the audience made a world of difference!! I am so glad that you got the opportunity to meet Harriet and Paul.  The three of you are going to have a wonderful time in DC. Enjoy your time together.
 
John Hanson- Thanks from the bottom of my heart for doing the Emcee work! It meant a lot to me to have you on stage!!
 
Emily Custer- THANKS THANKS THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your talent is endless- reach for the stars as they belong to you. We need to get your website up ASAP!! www.emilycuster.com
 
The GFAFB Honor Guard-- Always so so so professional and what a great group from Texas (2), Missouri and Carolina---- AWESOME JOB!! After interviewing you- it was wonderful to hear that what you miss most about home is your family--- I am so sure that they miss you too!
 
Phil and Mandy- thanks so much for sharing your story--- Mandy—your personality shone brightly on stage last night, and I could not have had a better guest ever. Phil- tell your mom thanks for coming!!! that was awesome to have her there--
 
Chris-- you were a fantastic addition- a nice balance to the guard and marine mixture. And it was so important for the listening audience to hear that YES- Air Force are out on Convoys as well! It was great to meet your wife and mom-- SO glad that they were in the audience for you!
 
Ben and Mac--- what can I say about you that I have not already said? I think the world of both of you! Thanks for all you do!! and RUN BEN RUN!!!! (flash back to Run Forrest Run!!-- Forrest Gump!)
 
Nathan-- You have a very strong presence on stage- it was great to hear you talk about Sam and just see your smiling face on stage- I wish every one else could have seen that.  I wish Kistina could have been there--- but NEXT TIME!!  I am also really glad that you got some "one on one" time with Carmen and you also were able to talk more to Paul and Harriet. That is part of the healing and you are really someone that I am very proud to know.
 
Pam and Bob- Thank you so much for making the trip-- ANY excuse to come to Grand Forks HUH??? hahahah it was SO SO SO good to see you!!!!!!!!!
 
Murphy Family--- where do I start with this one???  Dan- thanks so much for getting the MPAD up at 3 am. Now that is dedication to their country!! It was great and I look forward to meeting all that you were deployed with.  Please thank your parents and brother for coming! It was a BUMMER that the video feed did not happen... but WE assume you all were looking daper as ever!!! Please let Miller-Jungles-Erickson and Balstad THANKS THANKS THANKS as well!!!
 
Laura- WOW!! what a cool treat that you called during the show so that all of you could be a part of this show as well. FUN FUN FUN!!!!!  and the kids got to talk on a GLOBAL TALK SHOW!!! YEAH!! Syd and Blake-- we love you and will see you next weekend.
 
Jennifer and Dave-- AWESOME!! Jennifer- thanks so much for bringing the girls and they are so beautiful!! Dave-- the herald staff were there rooting you on.... and I look forward to seeing you upon your return.
 
Chris-- I have yet to meet you- and can hardly wait- your parents are just amazing and you have had the opportunity to have some of the best role models and mentors in your life in them and Murph! WOW!  (Murph please send this to Chris, as I do not have his email!)
 
Sam- Unbeknownst to you- you were the unsung CHAMPION of the night as well. 5 different people mentioned about your name a dozen times. I hope you are feeling FANTASTIC!!!! And that you were able to hear this broadcast.... but if you were out for the count... ah, bummer-- but July 8th you can listen again to the replay!!

Another Champion that had not a clue that he was mentioned-- Scott Lilley from the MAFB! WOW!! Scott- you are making an amazing recovery!! It is good to hear that you can be transferred to Florida soon!! I don't know if that is anywhere closer to Roswell NM but-- your dad is logging the journey—so mark those miles until you get home.
 
Bruce and Cory!! It meant so much to me to have you attend the event. You guys are the best.
 
Keller- Rippenger and Skags as well as Aberle and Erickson-- it was fun to say hello to you online!! Hope you heard it!!! If not- it will replay again on July 8th at 7:00 pm Central time.
 
Bob- thanks for the outreach opportunity- October 25th and 26th for Day of the Deployed looks great....  Mark from the Empire and Adam and all at HB Sound-- THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HARD WORK!!!!  Adam-- lock in Oct 25th-- that is my next tech need as of NOW.

Pro- thanks for all your legwork!! it was fun to work with you!!!
 
Thanks Steve Lee- Kerry Dress and Denny Johnson for all your great assistance. I LOVE KNOX and the Herald.
 
I also want to thank my girls Beka and Emma--- for tirelessly hanging on to my passion... and their love for serving the soldiers as well.
 
Little to do with the show-- DEB thanks so so so much for the memorial day tee shirts!!! WOW!! I am honored to wear this shirt!!!
 
A special moment of silence for our Heroes--- Travis, Curtis, Nathan and Chris---- the inspiration and motivation for me to continue to serve.  Four out of so so so many servicemembers............................

To listen to this talk show again-- tune in on July 8th at 7:00 pm on www.talkingwithheroes.com click on stardust radio!!!
 
Shelle Michaels, APR
Soldiers' Angels
National Public Relations Director
Tri-State Regional Manager
2901 University Ave. STOP 7026
Grand Forks, ND 58202
(218) 779-7271
shellemichaels@msn.com 
soldiersangels.org
 
The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war. -Douglas MacArthur

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ARTICLE ON PAGE TWO OF MAY 17, 2007

GRAND FORKS HERALD NEWSPAPER