John F. Goodman

John Floyd Goodman (born November 5, 1945) is a retired United States Marine Corps three-star general.

He began his military service with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War — during which he earned the Soldier's Medal, the Bronze Star with "V" Device, and a Purple Heart.

Goodman graduated from high school in 1963.

He was offered athletic scholarships to a number of universities, including USC.

During signing week, he chose to attend Arizona State University.

At Arizona State University, Goodman was the Sun Devil starting quarterback in 1965 and 1966, leading the team in total offense both years.

He also played baseball starting in his sophomore year.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting, graduating in 1967.

He was invited to the New Orleans Saints rookie camp.

After graduation, as he was preparing to leave for camp, he received his military draft notice.

He reported to rookie camp, made the Saints team, and then deferred playing football while he was on "government loan".

Goodman began his military service in 1967 in the United States Army.

His first combat tour was in South Vietnam as a member of a 1st Infantry Division Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol team.

He earned a Bronze Star with "V" Device, the Soldier's Medal, and the Purple Heart while in the Vietnam War.

Goodman was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 1967, before he left for service in South Vietnam.

He had to defer until returning from active duty service.

He transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve in 1969.

He entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 1971, becoming an aviator.

He flew over 4,100 hours during his years of service.

Goodman played professional football for the very briefly prior to entering the United States Marine Corps in 1971.

His football career ended after a clavicle injury.

Goodman did not find working in the corporate world to his liking.

"I needed to be working toward something more important than myself or a bottom line."

In 1971, he joined the United States Marine Corps.

Following his commissioning in December 1971, Goodman became a Naval Aviator in May 1973 at Naval Air Station Meridian, and was assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, where he completed flight training in the A-4 Skyhawk.

In November 1973 he was assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 223.

He later served as a Forward Air Controller with 3rd Battalion 6th Marines at Camp Lejuene.

He graduated from the Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor School, the United States Air Force Weapons School, and United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (also known as TOPGUN).

In 1979, he transferred to MAWTS-1 as an instructor and the A-4 Department Head.

After graduating with honors from Marine Corps Command and Staff College, Goodman reported to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, and he served as the operations officer for VMA-214; and later as the director of safety, standardization, and tactics for Marine Aircraft Group 13.

From 1985 to 1986, Goodman was the Assistant Division Air Officer for 3d Marine Division, then returned to El Toro after conversion training to the F/A-18 Hornet.

After serving as the executive officer of the VMFA-531, the Assistant Group Operations Officer for Marine Combat Crew Readiness Training Group 10, and the group operations officer for Marine Aircraft Group 11, he assumed command of VMFA-531 on 28 October 1988.

In June 1990, he went to Marine Corps Base Quantico, as a member of the first class of the Marine Corps War College.

During the academic year, he served as the Air Plans Officer for I Marine Expeditionary Force in Kuwait for the Gulf War.

He retired from military service in 2008, with over 41 years of active and reserve service, achieving a rank of lieutenant general.

Goodman was born and raised in Sacramento County, California.

He is the youngest of 4 children – a sister and twin brothers.

He played football, basketball, and baseball while attending Encina High School.

As the varsity quarterback, he earned All Conference, All City, All Sacramento County, and All Superior California honors his senior year.

Goodman was also selected to the Sacramento All City and All County baseball teams.