Raising the Next Generation of Leaders
Raised for Honor is the intersection of Goody’s focus on the next generation of warriors and our desire to keep his legacy alive.
Mike’s Story
Michael R. “Goody” Goodboe, was born on July 6, 1966 (July 6 is the official launch date of Raised for Honor). In 1989, at the age of 22, he enlisted in the United States Navy. While assigned to the USS Forrestal as a Machinist Mate, Goody noticed a group of sailors getting special treatment – better food, private time in the gym – they were SEALs. After speaking with one of them, Goody was convinced he had found his tribe. Nothing could be truer. In 1992, he graduated BUD/S Class 179 and reported to SEAL Team EIGHT at NAB Little Creek, VA and completed three platoons. In June 1996, he was selected to serve at Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG). Upon completion of GREEN Team, Goody checked into SEAL Team SIX, where he served as an Assault Team Member and Troop Chief. While assigned to SEAL Team SIX, he participated in operations in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. In January 2005, he was commissioned to Chief Warrant Officer and on completion of CWO school, he reported to SEAL Team TWO. While there, he participated in deployments to Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. He returned to NSWDG in July 2006, eventually retiring in January 2009, almost exactly 20 years to the day from enlisting.
To say that Goody was a giant in the special operations community is to understate his reputation in the U.S. military and special operations community. Goody served his country with distinction in multiple theaters including Iraq, Afghanistan, Eastern Europe, and Africa. Goody retired from the Navy as a CWO2 after a distinguished career as a Navy SEAL in which he earned the Silver Star Medal for extraordinary heroism, four Bronze Star Medals (two with Valor Device), three Defense Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal with Valor Device, three Joint Service Achievement Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Presidential Unit Citation Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, five Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, Expert Rifleman, and Expert Pistol Shot.
Following his retirement from the military until his death on November 24, 2020, Goody continued his commitment to protecting our country. He died from injuries sustained while supporting a sensitive mission for a government agency (OGA) against a terrorist organization in Africa. This assignment, along with the work in which he was engaged for nearly 12 years is critical to the safety of our Nation.
“Beyond his heroism, I’m told Michael was an inspiration for his colleagues and friends, selflessly leading and teaching and always putting the needs of others ahead of his own. He embodied the very best of what it means to be an American….”
– Robert O’Brien, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
Goody will be remembered for his warrior spirit, sense of humor, and high standards for himself and his comrades. He made a lasting impression on everyone he worked with, whether in peacetime, training, or serving overseas in challenging environments. As fiercely loyal and dedicated as Goody was in service to our country, so was he with his love and devotion to his family and friends.
The Foundation’s Story
“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.” ― George S. Patton Jr.
This quote from General Patton appeared on the program cover when we took Mike to Arlington National Cemetery in August 2021. I selected this passage because it so accurately reflects who Mike was and how he lived. His life’s work was to protect what he loved: his family and friends, our freedoms, and this country. He was unconcerned with the glory, fame or accolades that often surround this line of work. Instead, Mike was laser focused on each mission and equally determined to do what was necessary to bring his teammates home. Of particular importance to Mike was the next generation of warriors, whether sharing his knowledge and experience on the job, proctoring formal instruction programs, or mentoring the children of friends and friends of friends who aspired to a life of military service.
Less than two months after Mike and I were married, he lost a good friend and teammate, which led to those conversations most newlyweds avoid. One of Mike’s first directives was to take money from his death benefit and pay for someone’s education. That instruction was the impetus for the creation of Raised for Honor. Initially I sought out other foundations and organizations with the mission to support those who wanted to pursue a life in the military, intelligence community, or combat medicine. With the help of friends, we researched or contacted nearly 100 not-for-profits – all doing great work for veterans and their families, but none aligned with my, and more importantly Mike’s vision to assist and support those who were not yet part of the community but wanted to be.
Our name says it all. Together we can raise men and women for a life of honor through service to this country, whether that be through academic tutoring or physical training for high schoolers entering the military; scholarships for ROTC students; development of specialized training programs to better prepare medical professionals for the next conflict; or simply providing one on one guidance to individuals navigating careers in these fields. I believe this is a continuation of Mike’s legacy – protecting this great Nation by encouraging the best and the brightest to choose this path; by supporting those who will be Raised for Honor.
