GOLD STAR MEMBERS

First Lt. Christopher S. Goeke, 23,  an infantry officer from Minnesota, was commissioned in the U.S. Army May 31, 2008, after graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. Goeke completed Airborne School, Infantry Officer Basic Course and the Ranger Course at Fort Benning, Ga. He was assigned to Fort Bragg, where he joined Company C, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment on May 18, 2009. In September 2009, Goeke deployed with the unit to Afghanistan. “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,” said his battalion commander. “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.” Goeke’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. Goeke is survived by his wife Kelsey, his father Randal Goeke and his mother Pamela Shultz.

Nelson enlisted in the Army immediately after high school. He also served one tour of duty in Afghanistan. He graduated from Shanley High School in Fargo, N.D., in 2003 and also attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Moorhead. Nelson was a very compassionate and dedicated to Boy Scouts, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and to his church activities. “He always showed respect for others. Nelson was an altar server at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Moorhead, and as a young man with a big heart who was dedicated to serving others, his community, his country and his church.

Brian Studer grew up in Ramsey and graduated from Elk River High School in 1999. "He was a good kid. Quiet. Smart. Kept to himself."  He took college classes his last two years of high school. After graduating from high school, he had the opportunity to go to college. "But he chose to go into the Army,''  "He wanted to see the world and do some good."

The Army transformed the kid who used to stay in his room all day and work on his computer. "He stood straighter. He was more assertive. He was more talkative,''  He planned to use his military experience by joining HALO Trust, a nonpolitical, nongovernmental organization that specializes in removal of war debris, including mines