Politics
BREAKING: Two U.S. Soldiers Dead In Middle East
Two U.S. service members have died while deployed in the Middle East, right as President Donald Trump decides whether to launch direct U.S. involvement in the worsening conflict between Israel and Iran.
Both soldiers were part of a U.S. Army deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and died of non-combat related injuries, the U.S. Department of Defense announced.
Staff Sgt. Saul Fabian Gonzalez, 26, of Pullman, Michigan, died while stationed in Erbil, Iraq, while Sgt. 1st Class Emmett Wilfred Goodridge Jr., 40, of Roseville, Minnesota, died Sunday in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, according to two brief releases issued Wednesday.
Both soldiers’ deaths remain under investigation, and officials did not include the causes of death or if they have reason to be suspicious about their circumstances.
Gonzalez was an Apache helicopter mechanic assigned to D Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, according to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
“The 101st CAB mourns the loss of Staff Sergeant Gonzalez,” Col. Tyler Partridge, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade commander, said in a statement to the Military Times. “His journey with the 101st, from Private to Non-Commissioned Officer was one of commitment, grit, and honor. His service will forever be etched in our memories, and his legacy will ride on with the spirit of the Cavalry in the hearts of all who served alongside him.”
Gonzalez had served in the Army since 2018 and received the Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with six oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Army Aviation Badge, and other accolades.
Goodridge was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, at Fort Drum, New York.
“It is with deep sorrow that we acknowledge the passing of Sgt. 1st Class Goodridge. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and fellow Soldiers,” Maj. Geoffrey A. Carmichael of the 10th Mountain Division said Wednesday. “The 1st Brigade Combat Team and 10th Mountain Division are providing support to his family and unit, and we are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.”
Goodridge had previously deployed three times. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge. He was Ranger qualified, according to Carmichael.
The U.S. currently has around 2,500 personnel left in Iraq, more than two decades after the launch of Operation Iraqi Freedom, which led to the toppling of Saddam Hussein. Most are part of Operation Inherent Resolve, where they train and advise outside forces on how to maintain peace in the unstable country once U.S. forces leave for good.
Just years after forces pulled out of Afghanistan in 2021, America faces the possibility of combat boots on the ground in Iran, where seven days of strikes by Israel have left hundreds dead and thousands fleeing for refuge. President Trump has said he is considering direct military action and chastised the country’s clerical leaders for failing to come to the bargaining table sooner.
