2013 STARS Hall of Fame

Lt. General John Goodman

Combat Aviator • Strategic Leader • Veteran Advocate
Encina HS

John F. Goodman is a retired lieutenant general whose 42-year military career spanned combat in Vietnam, leadership in Iraq, strategic command in the Pacific, and humanitarian operations—shaping policy and inspiring leaders in uniform and beyond. A former star athlete at Encina High, he graduated from Arizona State in 1967 with a BS in Business Administration and Accounting, then served in the Army before shifting to the Marine Corps in 1971 where he earned his pilot’s wings and logged over 4,100 hours in tactical jets, including at TOPGUN and as a Forward Air Controller.

He held command roles at every level—from rifle platoon to theater-wide strategy—including leadership of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Korea, and Marine Forces Pacific (2005–2008). He directed Joint Task Force Caring Response in Myanmar (2008) and ran the DoD’s Center for Excellence in Disaster Management (2008–2012). From 2013 to 2023, he served as Senior Advisor to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction.

His honors include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (3), Legion of Merit (2), Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star with “V,” and Purple Heart.

Post-retirement, Gen. Goodman brings his leadership expertise to strategic advisory councils—serving ASU’s Master’s in International Affairs program, SIGAR advisory board, and disaster readiness organization.