#42: The Legacy of a True Hero — 1LT Chris Goeke (KIA 13 July 2010)
Today, on July 13, 2020, we pay tribute to Chris Goeke. Chris was a husband, brother, son, dear friend, and leader among leaders. On this episode, we remember a man that made us laugh, feel special, believe in ourselves, grow in our faith, be okay with not knowing, and live more intentionally.
Even from a young age, Chris was adventurous and born to be a leader. He grew up in Apple Valley, Minnesota where he loved building forts in the woods behind his house and often gathered and encouraged his friends. He excelled in school through all his years and was active in music, mock trial, and various sports.
As he grew older, his faith in God grew and he participated in many church activities and mission trips. He was accepted into West Point with the class of 2008, where he graduated 6th in his class. After college, Chris was commissioned as an infantry officer and completed Army Airborne School and Ranger School.
Chris married the love of his life, Kelsey, and they settled into life together at Fort Bragg, NC, where Chris joined C Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment on May 18, 2009.
In September 2009, Chris deployed with his unit to Afghanistan and would lead a platoon in combat. On Tuesday, July 13, 2010, Chris was killed in action while repelling an insurgent attack on an Afghan police compound in Kandahar City. 10 years after his death, we come together to remember Chris and honor his lasting impact on our lives.
Chris, we love you and miss you. You truly were the best among us, and we carry you with us wherever we go.
“Chris Goeke was one of the finest officers I have had the honor of leading in 20 years of service. His bravery in combat, commitment to his paratroopers, out-of-the-box problem solving and love for his wife and his profession were unparalleled. Chris was respected by his men as a leader and a person. Chris left a legacy with the battalion and on the lives of the men he led. Chris died a hero.”
Chris’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachute Badge and Ranger Tab.
Please consider supporting the Warrior 196 Foundation. It is a 501(c)3 with a mission to honor and remember Chris and four other men from Independent School District 196 who paid the ultimate sacrifice by providing scholarships to young leaders and support to the community.
A special thank you to Jeni Huff, Erin Jorich LaVoie, Scott Wigen, Rick Ferrera, Mary Alice Noel, Kimberly Jung, Kevin Kniery, Quinn McArthur, John Bockstanz, Rajiv Srinivasan, James Booth, and Lance Dietz for participating in this tribute. It was so wonderful to hear how so many people were impacted in such profound ways by Chris, and this group only represents a small portion of those impacted by Chris.
Thank you to Randy Goeke and Kelsey Goeke for providing so many wonderful pictures of Chris for us to reflect on his life.
Finally, a HUGE thank you to Julie Blim, Dean Zawacki, Jamie Flora, Shawn Brady, and Chris Woodland for editing, mixing, and producing this tribute. Your kindness and generosity to make this project come together were amazing! Thank you!
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