June 30, 2008
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Corey J. Goodnature Golf Memorial
2008 Scholarship Recipients
Corey’s father, Don Goodnature
Corey’s parents, Don & Deb Goodnature
Corey J. Goodnature traveling memorial
I remember Corey. I hadn’t seen him for years, but I remember photographing he and his sons Shea and Brennan at the very first studio I opened in the early 90′s. As most folks know, I am a very big supporter of the Albert Lea Wrestling team. Three years ago, they dedicated their season to Corey. I began to put the pieces of the puzzle together. We are all so interconnected in life. This very young man whom I had photographed years before, is the same man who was killed serving our country. To hear of his death was hard for me. I remember praying for his family as I felt a connection with them. I continued to come to know his family more closely every time I saw them.
About a month ago, Larry Goodnature, AL wrestling coach and Corey’s uncle, contacted me about shooting the 3rd Annual Golf Memorial this year. I was honored. As a photographer, sometimes I find myself in a journalistic mode. I was there to cover the event so those who were there could remember, and those who were not could see. I moved around, listening to the speakers and feeling overwhelmed with the hugeness of what was happening. I am an emotional person, the kind who cries at a Hallmark tv commercial. I held my cool while I was being the journalist on Saturday.
Last night, I sat down at my Mac to process some of these images to share with everyone. It was then the tears began to flow. To even consider the enormity of what Corey did for each and every one of us is beyond my comprehension. I confess, I hadn’t heard the story of how Corey’s last day went down. Barb explained the events and I went silent inside. I could only say that hearing that changed me. I am forever appreciative of Corey and the life he sacrificed for every one of us. I am in awe of his parents for the man they raised Corey to be and for the strength they have shown all who know them. This is truly a family who has gone beyond the call of duty and I am eternally grateful to them for the people they are.
On June 28, 2005 Corey and his team of elite pilots called the Night Stalkers, went on a rescue mission to answer a call of help from a group of Navy SEALs. They were hit by Taliban and Al-Qaeda fire and crashed to their deaths on the mountainside below. One Navy SEAL survived. His name is Marcus Luttrell. He has written a book called “Lone Survivor”. Universal Pictures has film rights to produce a movie of the same name, release date unknown. Universal Pictures – Lone Survivor
Albert Lea Tribune Memorial Coverage
To view all images
Robin One Corey Goodnature Memorial Images
select “event photography”
select “event images”
password – goodnature
Comments (11)
These are fantastic! That second image with the storm clouds in the background is absolutely stunning!!!
@azellmer - amy, you would have been in awe of the ceremony. the rain came before and the rain came after, but it broke for this moment that none of us will soon forget.
Wonderful post…brought tears to my eyes as well. Thank goodness for auto-focus…I cry easily, too, and often can’t see thru the viewfinder to shoot at certain events. That second image is remarkable, as are all of them.
@mommyfish - Nancy, it was absolutely a phenomenal experience. There were definitely tears flowing that day. Thank you so much for your kind words : )
What a wonderful tribute to Corey and his family. It brought tears to my eyes. God bless his soul for fighting for our country and losing his life to keep the freedom we take so much for granted. I am eternally grateful to the Goodnature family and to all those who serve our country. Thank you for sharing this post with us all… it’s a privilege to read your words.
@lastoriafoto - it is truly an honor to have been a part of that day. corey is one of those men you can have only total respect and admiration for. his parents are solid gold and their son was a product of two very wonderful people.
@robinone - Amen to that. It’s so honorable to fight for your country. I think it they called on my son, I would want to pack him in a suitcase and run really fast. Now, that is not very honorable… I know… but it’s honest. I can’t stop thinking about the Goodnature family. My heart goes out to them.
My brother and Cory were very dear friends..grew up together..graduated together…it would have been his 20th class reunion in August this year…we were in Alaska when he was killed..it was awful…so very, very sad….you took awesome photos girl…love ya, Charlotte
@robinone - nice photo…
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