Two American service members have died while deployed in the Middle East, just as President Donald Trump is weighing whether to involve U.S. forces directly in the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran.
The Defense Department confirmed that the two Army soldiers, who were part of Operation Inherent Resolve, passed away due to non-combat-related incidents.
Staff Sgt. Saul Fabian Gonzalez, 26, from Pullman, Michigan, died while serving in Erbil, Iraq. Sgt. 1st Class Emmett Wilfred Goodridge Jr., 40, of Roseville, Minnesota, died at Camp Buehring in Kuwait. Both deaths occurred recently, though military officials have not shared further details or the exact causes.
Gonzalez was an Apache helicopter mechanic assigned to D Troop, 2nd Squadron of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
“Staff Sergeant Gonzalez’s growth from a private to a dedicated NCO was a true testament to his work ethic, character, and commitment,” Col. Tyler Partridge, commander of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, said in a statement to the Military Times. “He will be deeply missed, and his impact will live on with all who served alongside him.”
Gonzalez joined the Army in 2018 and earned a Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medals, and the Army Aviation Badge, among other honors.
Goodridge was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, part of the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York.
“Sergeant First Class Goodridge’s passing is a great loss,” said Maj. Geoffrey Carmichael of the 10th Mountain Division. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. Our entire team is providing support as the investigation continues.”
A seasoned soldier who had completed three deployments, Goodridge was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge, and he was also Ranger qualified.
The United States currently has about 2,500 troops stationed in Iraq, more than two decades after Operation Iraqi Freedom toppled Saddam Hussein’s regime. Most are deployed under Operation Inherent Resolve, helping train local forces to maintain security after U.S. troops eventually withdraw.
As U.S. officials now face the prospect of deeper military involvement in Iran — with Israel launching a week of airstrikes that have left hundreds dead and thousands displaced — President Trump is considering all options. He recently suggested that direct U.S. action could be on the table, criticizing Iran’s leaders for their lack of diplomacy as tensions rise across the region.
