At Atlas, we proudly honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of our many employees who serve or have served in the military. This Military Appreciation Month, thank them for their service and celebrate some of their stories—not only as defenders of freedom but as inspiring leaders, teammates, and innovators within our company.
Today, we’re spotlighting six team members whose journeys from military service to careers at Atlas inspire us all.
Jake Godshall
What piece of advice would you offer to anyone interested in joining the military? And how has it helped you with your career?
Be flexible—things can change in an instant. No matter where you are or what you’re doing, make the most of it. Serving in the Marine Corps gave me hands-on aviation experience and helped me earn my A&P license. It also taught me discipline and gave me a strong foundation to pursue my goals with purpose and integrity.
Tell us what prompted you to join the military?
I joined the Marine Corps in 2004 after high school, driven by a desire to serve my country in the post-9/11 era. I also wanted to see the world, broaden my perspective, and take advantage of the benefits. While in the Marines, I used Tuition Assistance to complete my bachelor’s degree and earned my A&P license through the USMC COOL program (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line).
What inspired you to get involved in aviation?
I’ve always had a passion for flying. Over my 20-year military career, I worked on CH-53E and V-22 aircraft, both in maintenance and as part of the crew. Continuing that journey in the civilian world with Atlas has been an incredible opportunity.
How did you find Atlas?
During my service, I flew on several Atlas aircraft for AMC missions—both deploying and returning home. When I retired, my family chose to settle in CVG because of its growing aviation industry. Knowing Atlas had a strong presence here through the Global Control Center made it an ideal fit.
What has been your most memorable moment at Atlas?
Watching a 747-8F being offloaded and loaded during a ground turn at CVG. It gave me a firsthand look at how my role as Cargo Loading Systems Maintenance Manager connects to the larger Atlas mission—and that perspective is both motivating and rewarding.
777 FO Benjamin Hegard
What piece of advice would you offer to anyone interested in joining the military? And how has it helped you with your career?
Plan for a 20-year career. Even if you don’t serve all 20 years on active duty, consider finishing in the Guard or Reserves. Choose a job you enjoy—one that also translates well to a civilian career. When you arrive at your first unit, learn from those ahead of you. Pick up the habits and skills that benefit both the military and your future self.
I started in aviation as an electrician and avionics technician on the AH-64 Apache, then became a Warrant Officer flying MEDEVAC missions in the UH-60 Blackhawk and military intelligence missions in the RC-12X GUARDRAIL. I learned discipline, how to stay calm under pressure, and how critical every minute can be when lives are on the line. That experience gave me a strong foundation in aviation, FAA certifications, and the ability to operate aircraft both in U.S. and international airspace.
Tell us what prompted you to join the military?
My father and grandfathers served proudly, and I wanted to follow in their footsteps. After experiencing some personal tragedy, I put college on hold and joined the military. That decision turned into a 22-year career I’m incredibly proud of.
What inspired you to get involved in aviation?
As a kid, I’d go to work with my mom at Budget Rent-a-Car, right across from San Diego International Airport. I’d stand at the fence, watching planes take off and land—feeling the roar of the engines and dreaming of flying one. That childhood fascination led me to pursue a career in aviation, starting with maintenance and eventually becoming a pilot.
How did you find Atlas?
I flew on Atlas aircraft several times during deployments and training assignments. My unit also trained with bush planes in Wasilla, AK, where the owner—an Atlas 747 First Officer—encouraged us to consider Atlas after the military. I took his advice, and I’m proud to be here.
What has been your most memorable moment at Atlas?
Passing my type ride. It marked the official start of my transition from military to civilian life – a proud turning point and the beginning of a new chapter in my career.
Is there anything else you would like to share at this time?
Joining the Army was one of the best decisions I ever made. It required sacrifice, but the pride of service and the impact I was able to make were worth it. The retirement benefits will support my family for years to come. I try to be an ambassador for the military, offering honest insight to anyone considering joining. Always be the first to raise your hand—take care of the Army, and it will take care of you.
Per Hurst
What piece of advice would you offer to anyone interested in joining the military? And how has it helped you with your career?
Take time to research all branches and explore the career paths they offer—especially roles that translate well to civilian jobs.
Tell us what prompted you to join the military?
Since I was 8 or 9 years old, I knew I wanted to be a military pilot.
What inspired you to get involved in aviation?
As far back as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to fly.
How did you find Atlas?
I heard about Atlas through fellow Marines who were already flying here.
What has been your most memorable moment at Atlas?
Earning my 767 rating—it was a major milestone in my aviation journey.
Is there anything else you would like to share at this time?
I served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1993 to 2020. I started in the infantry, became an officer, flew helicopters, served as a Forward Air Controller and C-12 pilot. I deployed in support of OIF and OEF, and participated in humanitarian missions during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2011 Japan tsunami.
Randy Johnson
What piece of advice would you offer to anyone interested in joining the military? And how has it helped you with your career?
If you don’t plan to make the military a lifelong career, think about what you want to do afterward—and use your time in service to build the training, discipline, and experience to get there. For me, my Air Force role included cargo loading, which helped me transition into the loadmaster field.
Tell us what prompted you to join the military?
I wanted to better myself and create a better future—improving both my skills and quality of life.
What inspired you to get involved in aviation?
The job I was initially offered wasn’t the right fit. But when I learned about inflight air refueling, I knew that was what I wanted to do—and it turned out to be the best decision I ever made.
How did you find Atlas?
I was familiar with Atlas from my time in the military. Later, while working with Southern Air, I handled Polar and Atlas aircraft in Bahrain on DHL charters—so I already knew the company well before joining.
What has been your most memorable moment at Atlas?
Reuniting with Air Force crew members I flew with over 25 years ago. It’s a full-circle experience that makes my work here even more meaningful.
FO Justin Parks
What piece of advice would you offer to anyone interested in joining the military? And how has it helped you with your career?
If you have a specific career path in mind, stick with it—don’t let a recruiter talk you out of your plan.
Tell us what prompted you to join the military?
I wanted to serve my country. I’m just a patriot at heart.
What inspired you to get involved in aviation?
I’ve wanted to fly since I was a kid. Even though I didn’t have any family or friends in aviation, I always knew it was my calling.
How did you find Atlas?
Atlas flew me and my Soldiers home from Syria and Iraq in 2023.
What has been your most memorable moment at Atlas?
Walking up to my first 747 flight on OE. I still can’t believe I get to fly this incredible aircraft.
Jacob Peterson
What piece of advice would you offer to anyone interested in joining the military? And how has it helped you with your career?
Your military experience will reflect the effort you put into it. It won’t always be easy—there will be tough moments when you question your choice—but if you stay positive, persevere, and serve with pride, you’ll come out stronger. Beyond technical skills, the military builds essential traits like adaptability, dependability, and resilience. These qualities have been key to my success in the civilian world, helping me consistently exceed expectations.
Tell us what prompted you to join the military?
I come from a long line of service—my brother was in the Air Force, my father and grandfather served in the Navy, and a few uncles were Marines. I grew up admiring their service, and when the time came, I saw the military as both a continuation of that legacy and the best way to build the skills and experience I needed after high school.
What inspired you to get involved in aviation?
I’ll never forget seeing a fighter jet for the first time at an airshow—the roar, the rumble, the raw power. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be in aviation. That passion only grew stronger after I enlisted in the Air Force. Whether working as a crew chief, flight engineer, or loadmaster, aviation has shaped every part of my career—and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
How did you find Atlas?
As a C-5M flight engineer, I traveled the world and often saw Atlas 747s on the ramp—delivering cargo and transporting troops right alongside us. Later, when I joined the Reserves as a C-17 loadmaster, one of the pilots in my squadron flew for Atlas and encouraged me to check it out. His advice stuck with me, and when I transitioned to civilian life, Atlas felt like the perfect place to apply my military skills and continue supporting the mission.
What has been your most memorable moment at Atlas?
It’s hard to pick one moment—but what stands out most is the ongoing sense of purpose. Working on the 767 fleet, I help move service members and their families, which keeps me connected to the broader mission. When I put on my Reserve uniform and fly a military mission, hearing the “Giant” callsign or spotting an Atlas aircraft always gives me a sense of pride and community. It’s a daily reminder that I’m part of something bigger.
Is there anything else you would like to share at this time?
If you’re thinking about serving—do it. You don’t need a single “right” reason. Whether it’s patriotism, education, travel, or financial stability, your reason is valid. Service is something unique that not everyone chooses to take on. And to those who have already served—thank you.
