WINNIPEG -- Calling Capt. Nichola Kathleen Sarah Goddard his "best friend," Jason Beam chooses not to describe what the loss of his wife of nearly four years means to him on a personal level.

Pain and anguish had yet to fully sink in within hours of her tragic death, Beam said, but it barred him from expressing what he'll miss about the woman who became the first female soldier to die in combat.

"She was always very professional, very confident in what she did," Beam said. "I supported her and what she was doing."

Goddard, a 26-year-old CFB Shilo-based soldier, was killed during a firefight with Taliban insurgents yesterday.

Beam learned of her death at 10:30 a.m. He opened his door "As soon as I saw them, I knew exactly what had happened," he said. "They came in, sat me down and told me."

Goddard and Beam, married for 31/2 years, had no children.

Goddard is the third soldier from the Manitoba base, 30 km east of Brandon, to die in action this year. She was killed about 24 km west of Kandahar.

The repatriation of her remains is being planned.

Goddard was born in Papua New Guinea and came to Canada when she was 4. She went to school in Edmonton and Antigonish, N.S.

Her parents live in Calgary, where her funeral will be held. A memorial service in Shilo will happen at a later date.

When contacted yesterday, Goodard's parents said they were too upset to speak.

Goddard joined the military eight years ago.