Dear Heidi:

Remember back in late November early December when you and the boys took a journey to BAF? I mentioned it in the Thanksgiving Day post.

I believe one of the soldiers you escorted might have been Cpl. Nathan “Nate” Goodiron, who was killed in Afghanistan on Thanksgiving Day 2006. Here is Nate's story and information about a book his father is writing about him.

Father writing book about son who was killed in Afghanistan

By ELOISE OGDEN, Regional Editor

Goodiron, of Mandaree, ND, is writing a book about Nathan’s life from his birth to Paul and Harriet Goodiron, to Nathan’s funeral on Dec. 2, 2006, in the Goodiron’s home community of Mandaree on the Fort Berthold Reservation.

The book will also take people on the family’s journey when and after they learned of Nathan’s death in Afghanistan, as well as the time following the funeral. It will also include Indian spiritual traditions relating to Nathan’s life.

Reflecting on Nathan and his job in Afghanistan, Paul Goodiron said, “Nathan believed in what he was doing.” He said that was why his son wanted to go there and be there.

Heidi, please read about Nate if you can. I am proud you were there to help take care of him.

Have I told you today how much I love you?

Mom