In partnership with the Veterans Coordination Commission, we are pleased to present the November, 2006 Veteran of the Month to James (Jim) L. Goodrich.

Originally from Michigan, Jim Goodrich joined the United States Air Force in 1977. He trained as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician and was stationed at KI Sawyer AFB for two and a half years. After being released from active duty, Jim worked with the Air National Guard and reenlisted in the Air Force in 1982. Jim was assigned to Ellsworth AFB in 1986 where he became First Sergeant for the Services Unit and Transportation Unit. In 1997, he was assigned to Incirlik, Turkey where he served as First Sergeant for the Medical Group and later the 524 Fighter Group. Jim ended his military career in December 2004 as E- Master Sergeant while serving in Pennsylvania.

Jim Goodrich’s military decorations and awards include: Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal w/4 OLC, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon w/OLC, National Defense Service Ribbon w/Bronze Star, Air Force Short Tour w/OLC, Southwest Asia Service Medal w/OLC, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award w/4 OLC, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Kuwait, Liberation Medal Kuwait, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 2/3 OLC, Air Force Good Conduct Medal w/1 Silver OLC and 1 Bonze OLC. Jim’s military career has been varied and rewarding. He was deployed to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait as a Flight Safety Investigator. His professional attitude and determination to complete any task with positive results is indicative of his character and demeanor.

Jim Goodrich currently serves as the Veterans Program Coordinator at the Cornerstone Mission. He is currently enrolled at BH State University for a four-year degree in addition to his two Associate degrees. He is a life member of TREA. Jim has been married to his high school sweetheart, Robynne for the past thirty-one years and they have three daughters – Jennifer, Kristie and Katie and a son James C.