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Rand Goldstein
1979 - 2025
Rand Goldstein Obituary
Rand, a 1997 Palmetto Senior High graduate, enlisted in the Army to be a paratrooper during his senior year and upon graduation reported for station one training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He then advanced to Airborne school also at Fort Benning. Upon completion of his training, Rand was assigned to the 1st of the 501st (PIR). Once his enlistment concluded, he joined the Florida National Guard and was assigned to a unit in Tampa. While serving there, Rand was called up for active duty on January 1st 2003 and was deployed to Iraq with the 3rd of the 124th (IR) to take part in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Upon completion of his deployment in February 2004, Rand returned to Tampa and enrolled at Florida International University where he earned a Bachelor's degree in International Relations. in June 2020, he received his Master's degree in Military Operations from the Command and General Staff College and was thereafter promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.
Rand's final assignment was to the Human Resource Command at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
During his 28 years of service, Rand was awarded the following medals:
Meritorious Service Medal 4th award, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal 2nd Award, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Globel War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/m Device, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Driver, and Mechanic Badge, Operator for special mechanical equipment.
Rand was preceded in death by his older brother Brian who, in October 2024, succumbed to injuries sustained during his 2002 tour with the 82nd Airborne in Afghanistan. Brian was laid to rest in the Santa Fe National Cemetery.
Rand is survived by his parents Richard and Maria of Santa Fe, NM. Belkis and Gary Freedman of Miami, his cousin Jake Freedman of Miami, Karen and Michael Reinert of NYC, his cousins Christina, Will and Ava of NY and NJ, and Jose Beltran and family of Tampa.
In lieu of flowers please donate to your local food bank.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rand Goldstein
1 Entry
Anne Thompson
Yesterday
My heart is heavy as I remember a delightful little boy who was a friend to my son and a member of our Cub Scout den. Maria and Richard lost two wonderful boys. I hope they have pride in Rand´s service and his many accomplishments.
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