Veteran Spotlight: Patrick ‘Pete’ Goodpaster
- By: Claire Kenney
- Last Updated: August 4, 2025
Patrick “Pete” Goodpaster was a member of United States Marine Corps (USMC) Charlie Company, with the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion 29 Palms stationed in California. Outside of the military, Goodpaster has resided in Porter County.
“I have lived in Porter County my entire life – 55 years,” he said. “I spent 50 years in Kouts, and currently five years in Valparaiso.”
After serving and heading back to Porter County, Goodpaster found himself wanting to get involved in some aspect of the military again. He joined the local American Legion Post in Kouts.
“About 22 years ago, I finally decided to give the American Legion in my hometown a go at it,” Goodpaster said. “I wanted to see what they could offer me and what I could help them out with.”
The American Legion is one of the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organizations, and it’s committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in the community. It also serves to advocate patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continuing devotion to servicemembers and veterans.
Goodpaster initially served as Honor Guard, Post Commander, and a member of the Color Guard Team.
After moving to Valparaiso, he joined the local post there and became involved with the motorcycle riding component – The American Legion Riders. Currently, Goodpaster serves as director for the Valparaiso Post 94 American Legion Riders, and is involved in other groups within the post. His wife is also a member of the post.
Goodpaster looks at being a part of The American Legion Riders as an opportunity to support his fellow veterans.
“Being a part of the American Legion Riders gives me an opportunity to both give back and to pay it forward to those veterans that came before me and, to the younger ones, making them go out and serve this country,” he said. “It makes me proud, especially to those following the USMC footprints, to see the younger folks, having a sense of patriotism.”
The American Legion Riders and the Valparaiso Post frequently work on volunteer projects and other ways of giving back.
“We come together as a group to raise money for or assist other groups in their campaigns to support our veterans, all while getting to do this on a motorcycle, which happens to be my favorite pastime,” he said. “The comradeship that our group has between us is pretty darn outstanding as well.”
It was one of his friends who encouraged Goodpaster to get involved with the American Legion Riders.
“It was only about four or five years ago that one of, if not, my best friend asked me to go on a benefit ride with his post,” Goodpaster said. “I was hooked to say the least, and I knew that I wanted to further my involvement in this endeavor. This is where we are today, and I hope to continue it on for quite a few more years.”
Family is very important to Goodpaster. He spends as much time with them as he can.
“I spend as much time as I can with my wife, and I enjoy the simple side of life outside of work,” he said. “I love the occasional family gatherings, as well as cookouts with our kids and our grandchildren.”
After serving his country, Goodpaster frequently finds ways to still show his patriotism, give back, and get involved. The American Legion, including the American Legion Riders, are a large part of that effort.