CW03 US Army Afganistan.
Corey J. Goodnature died protecting our freedom on June 28, 2005 in Eastern Afghanistan. Corey was a quiet man who was dedicated to serving his country and family. He loved being outdoors, enjoyed hunting and fishing with his boys. Since childhood, he lived up to the family name, carrying a gentle demeanor, yet strong presence. Corey was a devoted husband, a loving father and a dedicated Night Stalker. Corey served his nation for 14 years spending seven of those years doing what he particularly loved- flying with fellow Night Stalkers and supporting Special Operations Forces. Corey is survived by his wife Lori Goodnature of Savannah, sons, Shea and Brennan of Fort Leavenworth KS., his parents, Deb and Don Goodnature of Clarks Grove MN., his sister, Amy Purdy of Alden MN., his grandmothers, Deloris Goodnature and Lola Partlow of Albert Lea MN., and many other family members and friends who loved him and will miss him dearly. Corey died doing something he deeply believed in and is a true hero to our nation, his family, and friends. We are all grateful for Corey's undeniable dedication and sacrifice as well as that of those he served and died with. This dedication and sacrifice allow all of us to enjoy our freedoms and liberty in this great nation. Funeral Services will be Friday, July 8, 2005 at 11 a.m. at the Isle of Hope United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Minnesota on July 16, 2005. Savannah Morning News, July 6, 2005 Published in Savannah Morning News on July 6, 2005∼CLARKS GROVE, MINN. -- The black ribbon tied to an American flag waving from a house in this tiny Freeborn County town Saturday served as a cruel reminder that the freedom being celebrated this July 4th weekend comes at a terrible cost.
The melancholy ribbon marked the death of one of the town's own, Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Corey Goodnature, who was killed last week when a U.S. military helicopter he was piloting was shot down in Afghanistan.
"He was sincere about what he was doing," said his father, Donald Goodnature. "He never wavered on what he was told to do. We never heard him say anything negative about what they were doing."
Corey Goodnature, 35, was one of 16 service members killed when a U.S. transport helicopter carrying special operations troops to a rugged area of eastern Afghanistan was hit Tuesday by a missile fired by Taliban fighters. It was the heaviest single combat loss since the beginning of the war in Afghanistan in 2001.
He played football, wrestled and was a pole vaulter at Albert Lea High School, from which he graduated in 1988. He attended the University of Minnesota on an ROTC scholarship but did not graduate, choosing to enlist in the Army in 1991.
Goodnature's parents said that their son was the lead pilot in Tuesday's mission and that they were told by the military that he could have opted out of the dangerous mission.
Corey GoodnatureJim GehrzStar Tribune"But they said they wanted their best people involved," said Donald Goodnature. "And he was one of the best."
His father said his son's elite unit adopted Goodnature's silent, unassuming confidence and called themselves "The Quiet Professionals."
"They did their jobs and didn't really talk about it," he said.
Corey's mother, Deborah Goodnature, 53, said her son "didn't have to say anything to make his presence felt. He was very humble. He was very selfless."
The pair said their son, who had had two previous deployments to Afghanistan, always sounded reassuring.
In spite of the risk.
"He never acted like it was dangerous, even though deep down we knew," his father said. "We just took it for granted that he was going to be safe. You feel guilty, because sometimes it didn't seem like we were concerned enough about what he was doing.
"But he made us feel at ease."
A town's sorrow
Jim Wayne, 84, said Goodnature's death has affected many in Clarks Grove, a town of more than 700 just north of Albert Lea.
"I know exactly how they feel," said Wayne, whose older brother, Milton, was an combat engineer for the Army who was killed in 1944 during World War II. "The pain never goes away."
Standing near their yellow-ribbon-tree shaded doorstep, Goodnature's parents said they can't put into words how proud they are of their son, who followed his childhood dream of being a pilot.
"It angers me when I hear people who say the troops shouldn't be there [overseas]," said Deborah Goodnature, who was wearing a red, white and blue rubber band that read "Support Our Troops." A tear rolled down her cheek.
"We've made a huge sacrifice, and it isn't the outcome I wanted, but because of Corey and everyone in the military, we continue to enjoy our freedom."
The couple reminisced about going with their son and his family on a fishing trip in Canada last July 4th weekend, as well as on a hunting trip in South Dakota last fall.
They last saw him in March.
Because of the nature of his latest mission to Afghanistan, Goodnature was not in touch much. He called home on Mother's Day.
"He gave his life for his country for something that, in his heart and soul, he truly believed in -- freedom," Deborah Goodnature said. "Everyone has lost a great man."
A few houses down, Gary Benson, a neighbor whose 21-year-old son, Travis, is a lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, was flying his flag at half-staff.
"You just feel terrible about it," he said. "And hope for the best."
Goodnature is believed to be the second Minnesotan to die in operations in Afghanistan. On Oct. 23, Jamie Michalsky of Cokato was killed in a suicide bombing on a Kabul street. She was in Afghanistan for medical treatment and had been serving as a Russian-language interpreter in Uzbekistan. Michalsky had served in the Army Reserve in Afghanistan for nine months in 2003.
Twenty-three Minnesotans have died in operations in Iraq. The most recent fatality there was Army Ranger Michael Fasnacht, 25, a native of Janesville, Minn., who was killed June 8 when a roadside bomb went off by his Bradley fighting vehicle near Tikrit, Iraq.
A sad journey home
Goodnature was one of seven service members on the shot-down helicopter from the 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment based at Georgia's Hunter Army Airfield. Also killed were one member of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment based at Kentucky's Fort Campbell and eight Navy SEALs assigned to units in Norfolk, Va., and San Diego, the U.S. military said.
The 16 bodies were flown Saturday from Afghanistan to Dover, Del., for identification.
"Last night, we had a departure ceremony where we rendered honors to the 16," said U.S. military spokesman Lt. Col. Jerry O'Hara in Afghanistan. "It was a very emotional ceremony ... as the flag-draped transfer cases were loaded onto a C-17."
Goodnature's parents said their hearts go out to the other service members' families.
"We grieve for them, too," said Donald Goodnature as his wife held on tighter to him for support. "We're all hurting right now."
Family members are making plans to attend a memorial service in Georgia and tie up any loose ends with the military.
And struggle with their loss.
"There will always be a void," Deborah Goodnature said. "It's just going to be hard to think of life without him."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Terry Collins is at [email protected].
Corey J. Goodnature died protecting our freedom on June 28, 2005 in Eastern Afghanistan. Corey was a quiet man who was dedicated to serving his country and family. He loved being outdoors, enjoyed hunting and fishing with his boys. Since childhood, he lived up to the family name, carrying a gentle demeanor, yet strong presence. Corey was a devoted husband, a loving father and a dedicated Night Stalker. Corey served his nation for 14 years spending seven of those years doing what he particularly loved- flying with fellow Night Stalkers and supporting Special Operations Forces. Corey is survived by his wife Lori Goodnature of Savannah, sons, Shea and Brennan of Fort Leavenworth KS., his parents, Deb and Don Goodnature of Clarks Grove MN., his sister, Amy Purdy of Alden MN., his grandmothers, Deloris Goodnature and Lola Partlow of Albert Lea MN., and many other family members and friends who loved him and will miss him dearly. Corey died doing something he deeply believed in and is a true hero to our nation, his family, and friends. We are all grateful for Corey's undeniable dedication and sacrifice as well as that of those he served and died with. This dedication and sacrifice allow all of us to enjoy our freedoms and liberty in this great nation. Funeral Services will be Friday, July 8, 2005 at 11 a.m. at the Isle of Hope United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Minnesota on July 16, 2005. Savannah Morning News, July 6, 2005 Published in Savannah Morning News on July 6, 2005∼CLARKS GROVE, MINN. -- The black ribbon tied to an American flag waving from a house in this tiny Freeborn County town Saturday served as a cruel reminder that the freedom being celebrated this July 4th weekend comes at a terrible cost.
The melancholy ribbon marked the death of one of the town's own, Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Corey Goodnature, who was killed last week when a U.S. military helicopter he was piloting was shot down in Afghanistan.
"He was sincere about what he was doing," said his father, Donald Goodnature. "He never wavered on what he was told to do. We never heard him say anything negative about what they were doing."
Corey Goodnature, 35, was one of 16 service members killed when a U.S. transport helicopter carrying special operations troops to a rugged area of eastern Afghanistan was hit Tuesday by a missile fired by Taliban fighters. It was the heaviest single combat loss since the beginning of the war in Afghanistan in 2001.
He played football, wrestled and was a pole vaulter at Albert Lea High School, from which he graduated in 1988. He attended the University of Minnesota on an ROTC scholarship but did not graduate, choosing to enlist in the Army in 1991.
Goodnature's parents said that their son was the lead pilot in Tuesday's mission and that they were told by the military that he could have opted out of the dangerous mission.
Corey GoodnatureJim GehrzStar Tribune"But they said they wanted their best people involved," said Donald Goodnature. "And he was one of the best."
His father said his son's elite unit adopted Goodnature's silent, unassuming confidence and called themselves "The Quiet Professionals."
"They did their jobs and didn't really talk about it," he said.
Corey's mother, Deborah Goodnature, 53, said her son "didn't have to say anything to make his presence felt. He was very humble. He was very selfless."
The pair said their son, who had had two previous deployments to Afghanistan, always sounded reassuring.
In spite of the risk.
"He never acted like it was dangerous, even though deep down we knew," his father said. "We just took it for granted that he was going to be safe. You feel guilty, because sometimes it didn't seem like we were concerned enough about what he was doing.
"But he made us feel at ease."
A town's sorrow
Jim Wayne, 84, said Goodnature's death has affected many in Clarks Grove, a town of more than 700 just north of Albert Lea.
"I know exactly how they feel," said Wayne, whose older brother, Milton, was an combat engineer for the Army who was killed in 1944 during World War II. "The pain never goes away."
Standing near their yellow-ribbon-tree shaded doorstep, Goodnature's parents said they can't put into words how proud they are of their son, who followed his childhood dream of being a pilot.
"It angers me when I hear people who say the troops shouldn't be there [overseas]," said Deborah Goodnature, who was wearing a red, white and blue rubber band that read "Support Our Troops." A tear rolled down her cheek.
"We've made a huge sacrifice, and it isn't the outcome I wanted, but because of Corey and everyone in the military, we continue to enjoy our freedom."
The couple reminisced about going with their son and his family on a fishing trip in Canada last July 4th weekend, as well as on a hunting trip in South Dakota last fall.
They last saw him in March.
Because of the nature of his latest mission to Afghanistan, Goodnature was not in touch much. He called home on Mother's Day.
"He gave his life for his country for something that, in his heart and soul, he truly believed in -- freedom," Deborah Goodnature said. "Everyone has lost a great man."
A few houses down, Gary Benson, a neighbor whose 21-year-old son, Travis, is a lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, was flying his flag at half-staff.
"You just feel terrible about it," he said. "And hope for the best."
Goodnature is believed to be the second Minnesotan to die in operations in Afghanistan. On Oct. 23, Jamie Michalsky of Cokato was killed in a suicide bombing on a Kabul street. She was in Afghanistan for medical treatment and had been serving as a Russian-language interpreter in Uzbekistan. Michalsky had served in the Army Reserve in Afghanistan for nine months in 2003.
Twenty-three Minnesotans have died in operations in Iraq. The most recent fatality there was Army Ranger Michael Fasnacht, 25, a native of Janesville, Minn., who was killed June 8 when a roadside bomb went off by his Bradley fighting vehicle near Tikrit, Iraq.
A sad journey home
Goodnature was one of seven service members on the shot-down helicopter from the 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment based at Georgia's Hunter Army Airfield. Also killed were one member of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment based at Kentucky's Fort Campbell and eight Navy SEALs assigned to units in Norfolk, Va., and San Diego, the U.S. military said.
The 16 bodies were flown Saturday from Afghanistan to Dover, Del., for identification.
"Last night, we had a departure ceremony where we rendered honors to the 16," said U.S. military spokesman Lt. Col. Jerry O'Hara in Afghanistan. "It was a very emotional ceremony ... as the flag-draped transfer cases were loaded onto a C-17."
Goodnature's parents said their hearts go out to the other service members' families.
"We grieve for them, too," said Donald Goodnature as his wife held on tighter to him for support. "We're all hurting right now."
Family members are making plans to attend a memorial service in Georgia and tie up any loose ends with the military.
And struggle with their loss.
"There will always be a void," Deborah Goodnature said. "It's just going to be hard to think of life without him."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Terry Collins is at [email protected].
CW03 US Army Afganistan.
Corey J. Goodnature died protecting our freedom on June 28, 2005 in Eastern Afghanistan. Corey was a quiet man who was dedicated to serving his country and family. He loved being outdoors, enjoyed hunting and fishing with his boys. Since childhood, he lived up to the family name, carrying a gentle demeanor, yet strong presence. Corey was a devoted husband, a loving father and a dedicated Night Stalker. Corey served his nation for 14 years spending seven of those years doing what he particularly loved- flying with fellow Night Stalkers and supporting Special Operations Forces. Corey is survived by his wife Lori Goodnature of Savannah, sons, Shea and Brennan of Fort Leavenworth KS., his parents, Deb and Don Goodnature of Clarks Grove MN., his sister, Amy Purdy of Alden MN., his grandmothers, Deloris Goodnature and Lola Partlow of Albert Lea MN., and many other family members and friends who loved him and will miss him dearly. Corey died doing something he deeply believed in and is a true hero to our nation, his family, and friends. We are all grateful for Corey's undeniable dedication and sacrifice as well as that of those he served and died with. This dedication and sacrifice allow all of us to enjoy our freedoms and liberty in this great nation. Funeral Services will be Friday, July 8, 2005 at 11 a.m. at the Isle of Hope United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Minnesota on July 16, 2005. Savannah Morning News, July 6, 2005 Published in Savannah Morning News on July 6, 2005∼CLARKS GROVE, MINN. -- The black ribbon tied to an American flag waving from a house in this tiny Freeborn County town Saturday served as a cruel reminder that the freedom being celebrated this July 4th weekend comes at a terrible cost.
The melancholy ribbon marked the death of one of the town's own, Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Corey Goodnature, who was killed last week when a U.S. military helicopter he was piloting was shot down in Afghanistan.
"He was sincere about what he was doing," said his father, Donald Goodnature. "He never wavered on what he was told to do. We never heard him say anything negative about what they were doing."
Corey Goodnature, 35, was one of 16 service members killed when a U.S. transport helicopter carrying special operations troops to a rugged area of eastern Afghanistan was hit Tuesday by a missile fired by Taliban fighters. It was the heaviest single combat loss since the beginning of the war in Afghanistan in 2001.
He played football, wrestled and was a pole vaulter at Albert Lea High School, from which he graduated in 1988. He attended the University of Minnesota on an ROTC scholarship but did not graduate, choosing to enlist in the Army in 1991.
Goodnature's parents said that their son was the lead pilot in Tuesday's mission and that they were told by the military that he could have opted out of the dangerous mission.
Corey GoodnatureJim GehrzStar Tribune"But they said they wanted their best people involved," said Donald Goodnature. "And he was one of the best."
His father said his son's elite unit adopted Goodnature's silent, unassuming confidence and called themselves "The Quiet Professionals."
"They did their jobs and didn't really talk about it," he said.
Corey's mother, Deborah Goodnature, 53, said her son "didn't have to say anything to make his presence felt. He was very humble. He was very selfless."
The pair said their son, who had had two previous deployments to Afghanistan, always sounded reassuring.
In spite of the risk.
"He never acted like it was dangerous, even though deep down we knew," his father said. "We just took it for granted that he was going to be safe. You feel guilty, because sometimes it didn't seem like we were concerned enough about what he was doing.
"But he made us feel at ease."
A town's sorrow
Jim Wayne, 84, said Goodnature's death has affected many in Clarks Grove, a town of more than 700 just north of Albert Lea.
"I know exactly how they feel," said Wayne, whose older brother, Milton, was an combat engineer for the Army who was killed in 1944 during World War II. "The pain never goes away."
Standing near their yellow-ribbon-tree shaded doorstep, Goodnature's parents said they can't put into words how proud they are of their son, who followed his childhood dream of being a pilot.
"It angers me when I hear people who say the troops shouldn't be there [overseas]," said Deborah Goodnature, who was wearing a red, white and blue rubber band that read "Support Our Troops." A tear rolled down her cheek.
"We've made a huge sacrifice, and it isn't the outcome I wanted, but because of Corey and everyone in the military, we continue to enjoy our freedom."
The couple reminisced about going with their son and his family on a fishing trip in Canada last July 4th weekend, as well as on a hunting trip in South Dakota last fall.
They last saw him in March.
Because of the nature of his latest mission to Afghanistan, Goodnature was not in touch much. He called home on Mother's Day.
"He gave his life for his country for something that, in his heart and soul, he truly believed in -- freedom," Deborah Goodnature said. "Everyone has lost a great man."
A few houses down, Gary Benson, a neighbor whose 21-year-old son, Travis, is a lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, was flying his flag at half-staff.
"You just feel terrible about it," he said. "And hope for the best."
Goodnature is believed to be the second Minnesotan to die in operations in Afghanistan. On Oct. 23, Jamie Michalsky of Cokato was killed in a suicide bombing on a Kabul street. She was in Afghanistan for medical treatment and had been serving as a Russian-language interpreter in Uzbekistan. Michalsky had served in the Army Reserve in Afghanistan for nine months in 2003.
Twenty-three Minnesotans have died in operations in Iraq. The most recent fatality there was Army Ranger Michael Fasnacht, 25, a native of Janesville, Minn., who was killed June 8 when a roadside bomb went off by his Bradley fighting vehicle near Tikrit, Iraq.
A sad journey home
Goodnature was one of seven service members on the shot-down helicopter from the 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment based at Georgia's Hunter Army Airfield. Also killed were one member of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment based at Kentucky's Fort Campbell and eight Navy SEALs assigned to units in Norfolk, Va., and San Diego, the U.S. military said.
The 16 bodies were flown Saturday from Afghanistan to Dover, Del., for identification.
"Last night, we had a departure ceremony where we rendered honors to the 16," said U.S. military spokesman Lt. Col. Jerry O'Hara in Afghanistan. "It was a very emotional ceremony ... as the flag-draped transfer cases were loaded onto a C-17."
Goodnature's parents said their hearts go out to the other service members' families.
"We grieve for them, too," said Donald Goodnature as his wife held on tighter to him for support. "We're all hurting right now."
Family members are making plans to attend a memorial service in Georgia and tie up any loose ends with the military.
And struggle with their loss.
"There will always be a void," Deborah Goodnature said. "It's just going to be hard to think of life without him."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Terry Collins is at [email protected].
Corey J. Goodnature died protecting our freedom on June 28, 2005 in Eastern Afghanistan. Corey was a quiet man who was dedicated to serving his country and family. He loved being outdoors, enjoyed hunting and fishing with his boys. Since childhood, he lived up to the family name, carrying a gentle demeanor, yet strong presence. Corey was a devoted husband, a loving father and a dedicated Night Stalker. Corey served his nation for 14 years spending seven of those years doing what he particularly loved- flying with fellow Night Stalkers and supporting Special Operations Forces. Corey is survived by his wife Lori Goodnature of Savannah, sons, Shea and Brennan of Fort Leavenworth KS., his parents, Deb and Don Goodnature of Clarks Grove MN., his sister, Amy Purdy of Alden MN., his grandmothers, Deloris Goodnature and Lola Partlow of Albert Lea MN., and many other family members and friends who loved him and will miss him dearly. Corey died doing something he deeply believed in and is a true hero to our nation, his family, and friends. We are all grateful for Corey's undeniable dedication and sacrifice as well as that of those he served and died with. This dedication and sacrifice allow all of us to enjoy our freedoms and liberty in this great nation. Funeral Services will be Friday, July 8, 2005 at 11 a.m. at the Isle of Hope United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Minnesota on July 16, 2005. Savannah Morning News, July 6, 2005 Published in Savannah Morning News on July 6, 2005∼CLARKS GROVE, MINN. -- The black ribbon tied to an American flag waving from a house in this tiny Freeborn County town Saturday served as a cruel reminder that the freedom being celebrated this July 4th weekend comes at a terrible cost.
The melancholy ribbon marked the death of one of the town's own, Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Corey Goodnature, who was killed last week when a U.S. military helicopter he was piloting was shot down in Afghanistan.
"He was sincere about what he was doing," said his father, Donald Goodnature. "He never wavered on what he was told to do. We never heard him say anything negative about what they were doing."
Corey Goodnature, 35, was one of 16 service members killed when a U.S. transport helicopter carrying special operations troops to a rugged area of eastern Afghanistan was hit Tuesday by a missile fired by Taliban fighters. It was the heaviest single combat loss since the beginning of the war in Afghanistan in 2001.
He played football, wrestled and was a pole vaulter at Albert Lea High School, from which he graduated in 1988. He attended the University of Minnesota on an ROTC scholarship but did not graduate, choosing to enlist in the Army in 1991.
Goodnature's parents said that their son was the lead pilot in Tuesday's mission and that they were told by the military that he could have opted out of the dangerous mission.
Corey GoodnatureJim GehrzStar Tribune"But they said they wanted their best people involved," said Donald Goodnature. "And he was one of the best."
His father said his son's elite unit adopted Goodnature's silent, unassuming confidence and called themselves "The Quiet Professionals."
"They did their jobs and didn't really talk about it," he said.
Corey's mother, Deborah Goodnature, 53, said her son "didn't have to say anything to make his presence felt. He was very humble. He was very selfless."
The pair said their son, who had had two previous deployments to Afghanistan, always sounded reassuring.
In spite of the risk.
"He never acted like it was dangerous, even though deep down we knew," his father said. "We just took it for granted that he was going to be safe. You feel guilty, because sometimes it didn't seem like we were concerned enough about what he was doing.
"But he made us feel at ease."
A town's sorrow
Jim Wayne, 84, said Goodnature's death has affected many in Clarks Grove, a town of more than 700 just north of Albert Lea.
"I know exactly how they feel," said Wayne, whose older brother, Milton, was an combat engineer for the Army who was killed in 1944 during World War II. "The pain never goes away."
Standing near their yellow-ribbon-tree shaded doorstep, Goodnature's parents said they can't put into words how proud they are of their son, who followed his childhood dream of being a pilot.
"It angers me when I hear people who say the troops shouldn't be there [overseas]," said Deborah Goodnature, who was wearing a red, white and blue rubber band that read "Support Our Troops." A tear rolled down her cheek.
"We've made a huge sacrifice, and it isn't the outcome I wanted, but because of Corey and everyone in the military, we continue to enjoy our freedom."
The couple reminisced about going with their son and his family on a fishing trip in Canada last July 4th weekend, as well as on a hunting trip in South Dakota last fall.
They last saw him in March.
Because of the nature of his latest mission to Afghanistan, Goodnature was not in touch much. He called home on Mother's Day.
"He gave his life for his country for something that, in his heart and soul, he truly believed in -- freedom," Deborah Goodnature said. "Everyone has lost a great man."
A few houses down, Gary Benson, a neighbor whose 21-year-old son, Travis, is a lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, was flying his flag at half-staff.
"You just feel terrible about it," he said. "And hope for the best."
Goodnature is believed to be the second Minnesotan to die in operations in Afghanistan. On Oct. 23, Jamie Michalsky of Cokato was killed in a suicide bombing on a Kabul street. She was in Afghanistan for medical treatment and had been serving as a Russian-language interpreter in Uzbekistan. Michalsky had served in the Army Reserve in Afghanistan for nine months in 2003.
Twenty-three Minnesotans have died in operations in Iraq. The most recent fatality there was Army Ranger Michael Fasnacht, 25, a native of Janesville, Minn., who was killed June 8 when a roadside bomb went off by his Bradley fighting vehicle near Tikrit, Iraq.
A sad journey home
Goodnature was one of seven service members on the shot-down helicopter from the 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment based at Georgia's Hunter Army Airfield. Also killed were one member of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment based at Kentucky's Fort Campbell and eight Navy SEALs assigned to units in Norfolk, Va., and San Diego, the U.S. military said.
The 16 bodies were flown Saturday from Afghanistan to Dover, Del., for identification.
"Last night, we had a departure ceremony where we rendered honors to the 16," said U.S. military spokesman Lt. Col. Jerry O'Hara in Afghanistan. "It was a very emotional ceremony ... as the flag-draped transfer cases were loaded onto a C-17."
Goodnature's parents said their hearts go out to the other service members' families.
"We grieve for them, too," said Donald Goodnature as his wife held on tighter to him for support. "We're all hurting right now."
Family members are making plans to attend a memorial service in Georgia and tie up any loose ends with the military.
And struggle with their loss.
"There will always be a void," Deborah Goodnature said. "It's just going to be hard to think of life without him."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Terry Collins is at [email protected].
