​​​​​Lt. Gen. John F. Goodman, who parlayed a successful athletic career on campus into a lifetime of exemplary service, is this year’s recipient of the 2024 Alumni Achievement Award.

• Recipient of Soldier’s Medal, the Bronze Star with a “V” Device, and the Purple Heart.

• Served as Sun Devil quarterback in the mid-1960s, eventually playing for the New Orleans Saints.

• Logged more than 4,100 hours in tactical jet aircraft and graduate of the prestigious Navy Fighter Weapons School, famously known as TOPGUN.

Goodman received an athletic scholarship in football, serving as the Sun Devils’ quarterback in the mid-1960s. Upon completion of his senior year, he was primed to take his athletic talents to the next level, where he joined the New Orleans Saints during the team’s first summer rookie camp. However, his career took an unexpected turn shortly after when he was drafted into the United States Army.

A natural leader, Goodman shifted his focus to military service, marking the start of a lengthy and distinguished career. He initially served in the Army, earning accolades like Soldier's Medal, the Bronze Star with a "V" Device, awarded for heroic service in a combat zone, and the esteemed Purple Heart. Following his return from Vietnam and honorable discharge, Goodman completed his degree in 1970 and returned to playing for the New Orleans Saints before a career-ending injury shifted his path toward military aviation.

Goodman joined the United States Marine Corps and was commissioned in 1971.  He later graduated from the prestigious Navy Fighter Weapons School, famously known as TOPGUN. Over the span of his 42-year military service, he totaled more than 4,100 hours in tactical jet aircraft and commanded at every level in the Marine Corps. After retiring from command of Marine Forces Pacific in 2008, Goodman remained intent on serving, transitioning into a role as the director of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance until 2012.

His contributions continued from 2013 through the summer of 2023 when he served as the senior advisor and subject matter expert with the U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR).

Goodman’s dedication, service and leadership also stretches to the Arizona State community. In 2010, he was celebrated at the Legends Luncheon ceremony alongside fellow Sun Devil quarterbacks and was highlighted during the Pac-12 Conference Centennial Celebration in 2015. He is also a member of the ASU Flag Officer Advisory Council and teaches a master’s program course in leadership, planning and decision-making at ASU. He also has an ASU alumna wife of 56 years, three sons, three daughters-in-law and seven grandchildren.