Philip Leslie Goad Obituary

See: Vietnam-Era Veterans

Philip Leslie Goad

May 11, 1942 — April 25, 2003

Victim of Agent Orange

Longmont Daily Times-Call

GOAD, Phillip Leslie

May 11, 1942 — April 25, 2003

Retired U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Leslie Goad, formerly of Longmont, died Friday, April 25, 2003, in David, Panama, from complications caused by Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War. He was 60.

Mr. Goad was born May 11, 1942, in Knoxville, Iowa, to Henry A. and Helen A. Goad. He grew up in Longmont and graduated from Longmont High School in 1963 after completing his first three-year term in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1962.

Mr. Goad re-enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 at the height of the Vietnam War. He was sent to Vietnam in June 1968 and voluntarily extended his 12-month tour for a total of 30 months. He returned in December 1970.

For 18 months, Mr. Goad served as a U.S. Army Ranger adviser to the South Vietnamese 22nd Ranger Group. During that time, he was in heavy combat and was decorated for bravery. He received numerous medals including the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with “V” for valor, multiple Purple Hearts for combat wounds, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

Mr. Goad was credited for saving the lives of many of his fellow soldiers due to his leadership and bravery.

After returning from Vietnam, Mr. Goad was assigned to various duties in Germany and the United States. He worked as an army recruiter for a number of years and received recognition as one of the top recruiters in the army.

Mr. Goad retired at Fort Carson after more than 20 years of active duty service.

He was preceded in death by his mother of Longmont; and a daughter, Jackie Goad Vargas of Cherrokee, Panama.

Mr. Goad is survived by his father of Longmont; a sister, Marsha Rasek of Greeley; two brothers, Larry Goad of Monument and Ronald Goad of Longmont; and numerous children and grandchildren living throughout the United States and Panama.

As a Silver Star recipient, Mr. Goad’s cremated remains will be buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.