Service is a Family Affair

Carl’s story

I proudly served 33 years in the US Army, rising to the rank of Colonel. My service took me on seven overseas deployments, from the Middle East to the Pacific theater, and numerous American assignments before I retired in 2015 and joined ASM Research as Vice President of Defense and VA programs.

The transition to civilian life can be hard for some Veterans. I think it was easier for me because I knew my military experience could translate neatly into an effective business strategy for commercial and public sector clients. That experience includes genuinely understanding people and the value of teamwork, and then identifying issues, determining what needs to happen, and getting it done.

Since being hired by ASM, I’ve deepened my connections to the Armed Forces through my work with the Department of Defense. ASM allows me to keep serving my country but in a different way. I get to apply the skills I learned in the military – organization, leadership, teamwork, and strategy – to work for national defense clients every day. I also get to pursue my passion for supporting service members who’ve struggled – or still do struggle – in their post-military careers. Whether it’s hosting rafting trips for those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder to simply offering a friendly ear and advice to help steer them through the rough patches. Being there for each other is paramount in the Veteran community.

Thinking about Military Appreciation Month, I’m reminded that the United States military represents the best America has to offer. We’re a cross-section of people from every walk of life and from diverse backgrounds, yet we are bonded by a common purpose. Everyone performs their duty every day for the betterment of our nation – that commitment and drive is unlike anything else.

One of the best parts of my job is getting to talk shop with my son, Evan. We’ve shared our experiences in the field, and in US and foreign postings, with a mutual understanding of our commitment to country and service. Now, we’re sharing that knowledge and experience helping our clients at ASM. That’s icing on the cake for me.

Evan’s story

Service was always in my blood. As a kid, I dressed up as a soldier on more than one Halloween. I looked to my dad for guidance and inspiration, and that knowledge and direction led me initially to the Army National Guard, and then to Active Duty. I retired as a Captain after nearly 10 years of service before starting with ASM Research in 2023.

My first deployment abroad was to Bahrain and Qatar, part of a small battalion assigned to training, field strategy, and fixed site security. My second foreign tour took me to Kandahar with the 10th Mountain Division as a rifle Company Executive officer, where we spent weeks embedded with Afghan troops in 2019, in addition to our advisory work.

Military is family, and leaving brothers and sisters is never easy. I needed to find my next purpose – my place in the civilian world. I found it with ASM, as a data analyst. The company’s commitment to supporting the military is evident with hiring strategies designed to bring qualified Veterans on board.

One person who didn’t initially know of my plans to apply to ASM was my father. He got a call one day from the company’s president asking if he was related Evan Johnson. We laugh about it today, but I was determined to get the job based on my own merits and potential. I didn’t want a hand-out. I’m stubborn that way.

Today, I live in Montana with my wife, whom I met while we were both stationed at Fort Drum. As a member of the board of Montana Wounded Warrior Program (not affiliated with the national Wounded Warrior organization), I work closely with Veterans of the Iraq and Afghan conflicts, supporting public events and private hunting and fishing trips with them.

I owe everything to my military experience and my family – especially my dad, who imparted in me from a young age the values and characteristics that have enabled me to make these commitments to my community and country.