Veteran credits community partnerships for helping him get on the right track

For Marcus Johnson, adapting to civilian life after serving 22 years in the military presented a tremendous challenge. After years of service, he struggled to adapt to a new environment where the structure and discipline of military life no longer applied. Facing an uncertain future and not knowing how to navigate the current job market, Marcus encountered many hardships, including involvement with the justice system and homelessness. 

The NexStep Alliance program offered by Goodwill Industries of Kansas (Wichita) helped Marcus get his life on track and gain meaningful employment. Today, Marcus is a team lead in the Goodwill Industries of Kansas contracts services department. There, he leads, mentors and inspires hope in a team of 35 employees. For his hard work and dedication, Marcus has been named this year’s recipient of the Carol and Tommy Moore Veteran of the Year award. 

Laura Ritterbush, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Kansas, shared, “Marcus is a distinguished U.S. veteran who has not only served our country with honor but has also demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination in overcoming challenges to employment. His achievements and contributions to Goodwill reflect his character and commitment to excellence.” 

Thanks to the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, Marcus found temporary housing for veterans. While there, he was referred to Goodwill’s Re-Entry Services program with employment as a primary goal. Marcus was hired by the GWKS Contracts Division, and it changed the trajectory of his life. 

Working directly with Goodwill allowed Marcus to rediscover his passion for leadership and opened doors to potential within himself that he never thought possible. He started in an entry-level position and through his capacity for hard work and determination to learn, he was promoted to team lead managing 35 employees. Marcus now focuses his time on guiding and mentoring his team at Goodwill and spending quality time with his 11-year-old son, Jaylen. 

“Today, I am proud to be part of the Goodwill team, contributing to an organization that is making a difference in the community,” said Marcus Johnson. “Looking back, I realized that Goodwill helped me find more than just a job — they helped me find purpose, rebuild my confidence and rediscover the value of my experiences. They saw potential in me when I had difficulty seeing it in myself, and, for that, I will always be grateful.” 

“At Goodwill, we are committed to providing second chances for people to gain employment and improve their lives,” said Steve Preston, president and CEO of GII. “Marcus’s resilience, determination and positivity helped him overcome his challenges to transition into a civilian career. His journey is truly inspiring, and we’re pleased that Goodwill can play a role in helping people like Marcus achieve their career goals.” 

About the Award: GII’s Carol and Tommy Moore Veteran of the Year award honors a military veteran and Goodwill employee who has shown great progress and accomplishment in overcoming challenges to finding employment.