We are celebrating the military careers of Justin Goffard and Robert Scheffer, two veterans who have transitioned their skills into successful civilian careers. Justin served in the US Army, and Rob in the Marine Corps. Their stories showcase the resilience and dedication of our veterans. We’re excited to highlight Justin and Rob’s dedication to our country.
Justin Goffard – Application Engineer
Military Service
Justin Goffard served in the US Army for four years, enlisting in 2006 at the age of 21. He was part of the 101st Airborne Division as a heavy equipment operator. A year after enlisting, he was deployed to Iraq for a 13–14-month campaign. During his service, he worked with three different National Guard units in West Virginia, Illinois, and South Carolina, learning invaluable lessons during his deployment.
Inspiration to Join the Military
Justin’s decision to join the military was driven by a desire to find a better path for his future. He wasn’t satisfied with his direction in life and saw the military as a way to gain valuable experiences and values that would shape his future. The discipline and structure of military life helped him make better decisions, including his college selection process.
Memorable Experiences
One of Justin’s most memorable experiences was the transition from civilian life to basic combat training. The pace and discipline of military life were a significant adjustment, but he embraced the challenge. He recalls the stark contrast between the initial special treatment during enlistment and the reality of military training, which was a wake-up call.
Challenges Faced
Justin faced several challenges during his military career, including adapting to a new culture and being away from home. He missed important personal events, such as his grandmother’s passing, but learned to cope with these challenges through his military training. The transition from deployment to garrison life was also a significant adjustment.
Transition to Civilian Life
The transition from military to civilian life was another challenge for Justin. He compared the differences between combat life and the corporate structure of the military, which helped him keep everyone in check. His military experiences taught him valuable skills in organization and resource management, which he applied in his civilian career.
Current Role at GSI
Justin is currently an Application Engineer at GSI, a role that involves critical thinking and working with diverse utility cultures. He values the position for the continuous learning opportunities it provides and the chance to engage with customers on data configuration. His military experience has instilled in him a strong work ethic, critical thinking skills, and resource management abilities.
Accomplishments at GSI
Justin is proud of his contributions to GSI, particularly in the implementation process. He has worked on four projects that have all gone live, demonstrating his ability to deliver results in fast-paced environments with limited resources. His shared knowledge and teamwork have been instrumental in these successes.
Advice for Veterans
Justin advises other veterans transitioning to civilian careers to have a clear goal in place. This helped him guide his path into the tech space. He emphasizes the importance of setting goals, which many people overlook.
Veterans Day Reflections
For Justin, Veterans Day is a time to honor veterans and reflect on their service. He works with “HOOAH Wisconsin,” an organization that helps veterans’ transition back into civilian life and addresses mental health and PTSD issues. He believes Veterans Day represents the ongoing battle that veterans face, particularly with mental struggles.
Robert Scheffer – Senior Software Engineer
Military Service
Robert Scheffer served in the Marine Corps from 1989 to 1993, enlisting right after high school. He started as an O3 Infantry at Paris Island, South Carolina. His peers voted for him to take a test, which led to his transition into the field of intelligence. He trained in Virginia Beach to become an intelligence analyst, where he learned to turn field data into actionable intelligence.
Inspiration to Join the Military
Robert’s decision to join the Marine Corps was influenced by a desire to serve his country and gain valuable skills. The discipline and training he received in the Marines laid a strong foundation for his future career.
Memorable Experiences
One of Robert’s most memorable experiences was his training in Virginia Beach, where he learned to analyze field data and turn it into useful intelligence. This training was a significant shift from his initial role in the infantry and provided him with valuable skills that he would use throughout his career.
Challenges Faced
Robert faced several challenges during his military career, including the rigorous training and the transition from infantry to intelligence. However, these challenges helped him develop resilience and adaptability, which have been crucial in his civilian career.
Transition to Civilian Life
The transition from military to civilian life was a significant adjustment for Robert. He had to adapt to a new environment and find a career path that utilized his skills and experiences from the military.
Current Role at GSI
Robert is currently a Senior Software Engineer at GSI. His role involves developing software solutions and working with a team to deliver high-quality products. The skills he gained in the military, such as critical thinking and problem-solving, have been invaluable in his current role.
Accomplishments at GSI
Robert is proud of his contributions to GSI, particularly in developing innovative software solutions. His ability to analyze data and turn it into actionable insights has been a key factor in his success.
Advice for Veterans
Robert advises other veterans to leverage the skills and experiences they gained in the military when transitioning to civilian careers. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability in overcoming challenges.
Veterans Day Reflections
For Robert, Veterans Day is a time to honor the sacrifices made by veterans and reflect on their service. He believes it is important to recognize the ongoing challenges that veterans face and support them in their transition to civilian life.
Justin and Rob’s stories highlight the incredible contributions of our veterans and the valuable skills they bring to their civilian careers. Their experiences in the military have shaped their work ethic, critical thinking, and resilience, making them invaluable members of their teams. As we honor their service, we are reminded of the importance of supporting our veterans in their transition to civilian life and recognizing their ongoing contributions to our communities.
