"Halo" - Master Sergeant Nathan L. Goodman
Nathan had a huge personality; he was unique, genuine, charming and witty. He was incredibly funny, told exciting stories, was the life of the party, and had the best outlook on life. He brought the good time to every environment he was in! He was so much fun to be with, always positive and always offering to help a friend in need. He was so passionate, about everything he did, he did it with his whole heart.
Nathan joined the military right after 9/11 and he committed his life to serving. After his first tour he set out to become a Green Beret, he wanted to be the best of the best! He was obviously a total badass! He loved living life to the absolute fullest!! He did not waste time. He was always up to something, always learning to do something new, he had so many hobbies!! And he was one of those men who just truly excelled at everything he did! He bought a little catamaran and taught himself to sail, he bought a guitar and was learning to play. He built lawn furniture, and a beautiful large deck that he designed for our home, a tree house for the kids, the list goes on and on. When I say he was always doing something, he truly was!!
He was a selfless provider, he took care of his family, that was his top priority. He was also the coolest dad ever, rode dirt bikes and BMX with the kids, taught them morals and values and how to be a good person!
He was a loving and devoted husband, who would try to make every situation better by making me laugh. He loved fiercely, fully committed and invested into us. Never willing to give up or call it quits.
Although he passed before we were ready to let him go, he lived more life in the 36 years of his, than most do in 100. The way he died is the way he lived, “If you’re not living life on the edge, you’re taking up too much room”, his favorite quote, one that he lived by and embodied until the end.
Master Sergeant Nathan L. Goodman joined the Army in August 2002 as an Infantryman with his first duty station in Hawaii. After his first deployment to Iraq, MSG Goodman attended the U.S. Army Special Forces Assessment and Selection course where he was selected to attend the Special Forces Qualification course to become an Army Green Beret. Upon completion of the Q-course MSG Goodman was assigned to National Guard’s 2nd BN 19th Special Forces Group as a Special Forces Engineer Sergeant where he deployed to Afghanistan. MSG Goodman would eventually switch over to active duty and be assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group located at Fort Bragg, NC. MSG Goodman started out as a Junior Special Forces Engineer Sergeant and ultimately become a Team Sergeant for a Military Free-Fall Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha. MSG Goodman deployed to Afghanistan three times, Kyrgyzstan, and Niger while serving in 3rd Group. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, two Bronze Stars, three Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, Global War on terrorism Medal, the Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Airborne Badge, Military Free-Fall Badge, and Military free-Fall Jumpmaster badge.
