The Flight Surgeon's Oath:
"I will at all times remember my responsibility as a physician in the field of aviation medicine. I will accept the sacred charge to assist in the healing of the mind as well as the body. I will bear in mind that in the understanding and performance of my daily tasks may lie the future usefulness to countless airmen whose training has been difficult and whose value immeasurable. What I learn by my experiences may influence the world. What I learn and practice may turn the tide of battle. It may send back to a peaceful world the future leaders of this country. I will regard disease as the enemy. I will keep the faith of the men and women entrusted to my care. My obligation as a physician is to practice the medical art with uprightness and honor. My pledge as an airman is devoted to duty, honor, and country. I do solemnly swear these things by the heavens in which our aviators fly."
Here is the memorial that we placed in the lobby of the clinic; on the table are Doctor Goff's medals, his helment, a picture of him from his time as a Marine, and a picture of his parents. His flight-suit hangs behind the table, and the Flight Surgeon's Oath is displayed to the side.
8 Comments:
I lived next door to Lt. Col. Goff for 2.5 years, until I moved in June. He was a wonderful neighbor -- kind and pleasant always. I always thought of him as Dr. Steve. The last time I spoke with him, he told me about his plans to retire next year and his hope to teach in a medical education program.
I was deeply saddened to learn of his passing. I never had the privilege of meeting any of his family, but if you check this site please know that I thought he was a wonderful person and I'm sure he made many lives better, both in his military duties and in his travels on this earth.
God bless,
Elaine K
I served under Dr. Goff (Dr.G) for 2 years at Malmstrom AFB. During my time there I looked up to him as leader and person. Dr. Goff always knew how to make us laugh during any situation and he will be deeply missed. My family and I send our blessings.
SrA Christopher Carpenter
Dear Dr. Gadget; It sounds as though that should have been your nick name by all the comments your military family made. They said you had at least one of every new electronic, tool or kitchen gadget. It was so nice to meet your "other" family,I wish I could have known you better as an adult. I was only about 8 when your mom and dad met so I knew you before you were born. Because they moved away from Manitowoc right after they were married I always looked foreward to spending several weeks each summer at thier house. So I got to change your diapers, take you for walks in the stroller and play with you at the park. You were always a good and sensative child wanting to please your parents. Then as I grew up and had my own family I didn't see you any more. It's 4 years today that my husband "Pic" passed away so I'm going to ask him to give you the tour of Paradise when you get done with your interviews with St. Peter and God. You'll recognize him because he'll have a tool belt on also. Maybe he can teach you about woodworking and you can teach him to cook, especially cheesecakes. As I keep asking myself why ?, the only thing that makes any sense to me is that while having one of your severe headaches the pain and pressure made you make the decision to go to where you are today. I nursed "pic" during his cluster headaches and can understand your pain as he wasn't able to care for himself during these. This only makes sense to me because you wouldn't otherwise put your parents,family and friends through this. You were too loving and careing of everyone.My joy is that I know we will be together again soon, just a blink of Gods eye and you are no longer in pain.I Love you Steve.
Aunt Marilyn
I give you this one thought to keep --
I am with you still, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone --
I am with you still, in each new dawn.
- Author Unknown
In Memory of Lt Col (Dr) Steven Goff
Rest in peace and God's eternal comfort
Lt Col (ret) Scott Lawrence
Fellow former Warrior of the North
I am Steve Goff's sister, Toni.
Could any of the Air Force personnel at Malmstrom tell me how my sister and I could get prints of the wonderful picture of Steve posted at the top of this site?
It took my breath away when I saw it.
Toni
I live in DC but was home in NoDak last week - the state where I first met the legendary Dr. Goff. He was my supr at Grand Forks AFB from the summer of 2000 through July 2001 during my first tour as a flight doc. I’ll remember him most as someone who never seemed to take life too seriously (the rubber chicken he'd bring out of his office every so often to squawk); how he always chose the path of humor over confrontation & never raised his voice; his practicality & enduring patience; his humility despite his heroism at Kobar and his many other accomplishments & talents. He was ‘our rock’ in the GFAFB flight clinic and popular with techs & docs alike—always calm, capable, available, approachable. He was an advocate and mentor. I got bit by the 'overseas' bug at PSAB, & he deserves credit for helping me get a coveted assignment in USAFE, which was a magical experience I'll always treasure. I remember how he once took a rare day off to build a deck, how he souped up his Miata (I'm too mechanically dense to even understand what exactly that entailed), and how he once brought scalloped potatoes & ham for a clinic potluck (which usually only "church ladies" master well from scratch!) I also recall he was quite the eligible bachelor at GF, & was a little jealous when I heard anyone was interested in him. Although the saying goes ‘It's better to give than to receive’, I think Dr. Goff was probably too selfless, because I was never aware of him ever asking for anything. I don’t know firsthand the helplessness of seeing people severely injured & being unable to save them all, and having to live with that memory. I also know how isolated I felt at times as a single officer of a ‘mature’ age. I always thought he would have made a terrific husband & father, but I also know the extra time he was able to devote to patients & those working under him really did make a difference - we all admired him, put him up on a pedestal, and are better people for having known him. Dr. Goff – Steve – may you rest in peace, and may your heaven include beloved mountains to ski and warm oceans to explore. You will not be forgotten. V/R – Wendi Dick
I worked with Dr Goff at Grand Forks AFB for 3 years. Although I worked in Family Medicine, we interacted regularly. He always impressed me with his down to earth, patient approach to life and his willingness to help others. He had a great, dry sense of humor that always made me laugh. I've since moved into Flight Medicine as well and have often wished that I would have had a chance to work with him again. My best wishes to his family.
Timothy Ruth, Maj, USAF, FS
Mountain Home AFB, Idaho
I went through flight school with Steve and worked with him again when I was clinic chief of Aerospace Medicine at Spangdahlem AB, Germany. He was always a rock-solid performer, with a goofy sense of humor that everyone appreciated. He was very genuine, kind and down to earth, and his flyers and their families deeply appreciated him. I had not seen Steve in years, and am saddened by his death. I send prayers for some semblance of peace to his family.
Dr. Lora Bulmahn
Ex-USAF Flight Surgeon
Family Medicine
Boulder, CO
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