Christopher was a student at Apple Valley High School prior to being accepted at The United States Military Academy at West Point. While attending Apple Valley High School, Chris captained the Mock Trial team to second place in the State of MN, was an accomplished percussionist, was a member of the Apple Valley Eagles football and tennis teams and was an integral part of forming what is now the Ultimate Frisbee team at the high school. Academically, Chris was a leader in the classroom and excelled in all of his classes to include advanced courses like AP European History, Accelerated Physics, AP Calculus and Accelerated Biology, to name a few. Chris has posthumously been awarded the 2011 Distinguished Alumnus Award by the South Suburban High School Conference and the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award by the Minnesota State High School League.

Following Graduation from Apple Valley High School, Chris was accepted to The United States Military Academy at West Point where he continued the development of his mind, body and spirit. While at Apple Valley and West Point, Chris was a leader not only in school, but in the church and local community.

Graduating 6th in his class at West Point, he subsequently completed Airborne School, Infantry Officer Basic Course and earned his Ranger tab before being deployed to Afghanistan with the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment. On July 13, 2010, Christopher was killed in action while repelling an insurgent attack on an Afghan Police Compound in Kandahar City. Upon his death, his commanding officer, Lt. Col. David Oclander said of him, “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 profession were unparalleled. His men respected him as a leader and as a person. Chris left a legacy with the battalion and on the lives of the men he led. Chris died a hero.”

$10 from the purchase of each 2LT Christopher S. Goeke will be donated to the Warrior 196 Leadership Foundation.