Big turnout at Corey Goodnature golf event 20 years after his death
Published 10:12 am Monday, June 30, 2025
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On what was the 20th anniversary since Corey Goodnature was killed in Afghanistan, hundreds of people on Saturday paid tribute to the fallen soldier during the annual golf fundraiser in his memory.
The 19th annual Corey Goodnature Memorial Scholarship Golf Classic kicked off at Green Lea Golf Course with a recognition of the colors, bagpipes music and the national anthem by Todd Utpadel. At the height of the ceremony, a CH-47 Chinook helicopter with the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade out of St. Cloud, similar to the helicopter Corey would have flown, could be seen overhead.
The memorial golf event over the last 19 years has provided scholarships in Corey’s name for youth from Albert Lea, Alden-Conger and Glenville-Emmons wishing to continue their education. To date, the effort has given out $500,000 in scholarships. This year alone, $3,000 scholarships were given out to 15 graduates.
Corey’s uncle, Larry Goodnature, said on June 28, 2005, a team of Navy SEALS came under intense fire in the rugged mountains of eastern Afghanistan. In response to that urgent call for help, a group of specially trained men assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the Night Stalkers, including Corey, answered the call to rescue the SEALS under fire.
There were eight additional SEALS and eight Night Stalkers aboard. Though they were used to flying at night, this was a day mission, which carried additional risk.
“But knowing that their warrior brothers were shot, surrounded and severely wounded, the rescue team opted to directly enter the oncoming battle in hopes of landing on the brutal, hazardous terrain,” Larry said.
“As Corey raced to the battle, a rocket-propelled grenade struck the helicopters, killing all 16 men aboard.”
He read the Night Stalkers’ creed and said the Night Stalkers’ motto, “Night Stalkers Don’t Quit,” was a testament to how Corey lived his life.
Larry thanked those in attendance who helped make the day a success.
“I’ve heard Don and Deb say many times that their greatest fear is that Corey would be forgotten,” he said. “We are making sure that never happens. But many American heroes are forgotten, except by their families. It is important that we take the necessary time to support all the veterans who are willing to put on the uniform of all branches of service.”
Corey’s father, Don Goodnature, recognized special guests in attendance, including Corey’s wife, Lori Foran, as well as a handful of his fellow 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment pilots and their wives.
Tim Swanner, one of the pilots, said Corey was not only a warrior and a leader in battle, but he was also a courageous, quiet and kind man.
He said it was an honor to come back to Albert Lea for the event and noted it was humbling for him and his fellow pilots.
He said he was awed by how Corey continues to give back to the community through the scholarships, even after he has been gone for 20 years.
“We want to thank you for not forgetting our friend,” Swanner said. “Corey was our close friend.”
Corey’s mother, Deb, thanked every person in attendance and for those who have supported the event to help keep their son’s memory alive.
“If you knew him, you would love him. He was a cherished friend, kind of a tough brother … he loved everybody …” she said.
She thanked everyone who supported their family after his death and who have gone on to support the golf event.
“I think that’s part of the reason we were able to get through that,” she said. “I’m not saying it wasn’t difficult … but this event has been able to help us heal and do something good in Corey’s memory.”
Don introduced Sgt. Anna Englin, who graduated from Albert Lea High School in 2015 and was a prior recipient of one of the scholarships. She enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2020 and began her military career as a parachute rigger, just like Corey did, and she now serves in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, the same unit he served in.
Englin said even though she never met him, Corey had truly impacted her life.
“I am proud to serve along Corey in spirit and to carry his legacy forward,” she said.
She said as part of her training, the sergeant asked them to pick one of the names of a fallen Night Stalker to keep with them. She chose Corey’s name, and he was with her for every push-up, mile and more.
“I was inspired by him every step of the way,” she said.
The Goodnatures recognized all of the recipients of this year’s scholarships, as well as the recipients from the past.
In addition to the golf game, proceeds from the live and silent auctions and a dinner also went to support the foundation to keep Corey’s name out for the next generation.