Serving His Country, Serving His God
Captain Dale Allen Goetz, 43, US Army chaplain and Central alumnus (2000), was killed in action Monday in Afghanistan. 
Goetz came to Central following his graduation from Maranatha Baptist Bible College of Watertown, WI. He was killed when the vehicle in which he was riding hit an IED (Improvised Explosive Device). Serving under the auspices of the American Council of Christian Churches, Goetz had been a chaplain since 2004. He had only recently deployed to Afghanistan in August after a previous stint in Okinawa. He and his wife were recently accepted as members of High Country Baptist Church of Colorado Springs, CO, since they had just relocated to the area before his deployment. Goetz is survived by his wife Christy and three sons, Landon, Caleb and Joel.Dale was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. His unit was being transported to Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, when the incident occurred, killing all five men.
Dr. Bauder notified our student body of Goetz’ homegoing in chapel today. He told of Dale’s determination for God to use him among the troops. Goetz desired to win 300 to Christ and had hopes of seeing at least ten surrender to the ministry. Bauder challenged the men about the need of well-trained servants in the chaplaincy. As of this writing, no firm details are available regarding the return of his body to the United States or of the timing of any funeral services.
Goetz was the first chaplain to die in the line of duty in either Iraq or Afghanistan. Additional information regarding Dale may be found here, here, here, and here. The final link contains a letter from Major General Douglas L. Carver, US Army Chief of Chaplains. Scroll down to post number 14. See also here.
UPDATE – The funeral will be held next Wednesday, September 8th at 10 AM at the memorial chapel at Ft. Carson.
Amended UPDATE – The funeral date has changed to Thursday, September 9 at 10 AM. As of this notice, the location will “most likely” be Prussman Chapel. Contact High Country Baptist Church at (719) 473-2446 if you need more information.
Jeff Straub
Jon Pratt
Daniel Brown
Kevin T. Bauder
Michael Riley
I married to Chad Moen, Dale’s brother-in-law. We were just discussing how we have never seen or witnessed a picture of this man unhappy in fact he was the one uplifting everyone’s spirits. His faith in God and his time here on earth has impacted all of us.
This man gave his life for our country and for our Lord. He deserves the highest of honors we can bestow. It would be nice if Kevin Bauder could attend the funeral in behalf of all the students and Alumni of Central Seminary. Capt. Goetz is now our most esteemed Alumni. We should have a memorial wreath from the Alumni association.
It would be nice if Maranatha could send their President.
His family and children must see our appreciation and esteem.
Dr. Bauder will in fact be attending. Roy Beacham was also planning and had secured a ticket but the day was changed from today to tomorrow. Alas, now he is unable. I too wanted to attend though I did not know the brother. His sacrifice honors both his Saviour and is a testimony for our seminary.
Dale was a such a great classmate! He was always so energetic and uplifting. Dale just seemed filled with the joy of the Lord. I remember his excitement of going into the military and being able to serve both God and country. I do not ever remember him not smiling or having playful spirit and I admired him so for it. I am saddened by his sudden departure from this life but I am so glad for the gift of knowing him. His family are in our prayers.
Peter DeMaris