USASOC Soldier dies in off-duty accident

By USASOC Public Affairs OfficeApril 25, 2019

USASOC Soldier dies in off-duty accident
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Sgt. 1st Class Justin Lowell Goff, a Soldier from U.S. Army Special Operations Command, died during an off-duty, civilian free-fall accident at Ocean Isle, North Carolina. An investigation is ongoing by civilian authorities.

Sergeant 1st Class Goff enlisted in the Army in August 2007. His initial training took place at the 5th Squadron, 15th Cavalry Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia. His next assignment was with the 73rd Armored Regiment Headquarters, with an assignment to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition Squad, followed by the XVIII Airborne Corps Long-Range Surveillance Company, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Goff was then assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School's 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne).

Goff deployed twice for Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan. His civilian education includes an Associate's degree in General Studies from Fayetteville Technical Community College.

Military education includes Airborne School, Basic Leader Course, Sniper Course, Advanced Search Course, the Ranger Course, Combatives Level 1, Advanced Leader Course, Jumpmaster Course, Master Resilience Training, Military Free-Fall Parachutist Course, Air Assault School, Pathfinder Course, Special Forces Orientation Course, the Special Forces Foreign Weapons Course and the Senior Leader Course.

Awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Award (2OLC), Army Achievement Medal (1OCL), the Army Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation Award, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three campaign stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral 3, NATO Medal with two bronze service stars, Ranger Tab, Combat Action Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Military Free-Fall Parachutist Badge, Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge.

A native of Ruskin, Florida, Sgt. 1st Class Goff is survived by his wife and three children.

For questions, please contact the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Director, Lt. Col. Loren Bymer, loren.bymer@socom.mil or 910.432.3383.

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