Dr. John R. Gouin grew up in a low-income neighborhood in Woonsocket, RI. A small sleepy city with a population that consisted mostly of French Canadian immigrants employed by a large textile industry that thrived during the late 1800's and early 1900's. He was a star high school and college athlete until sustaining a devastating injury that ended any possible opportunity for a professional football career. 

He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Rhode Island, his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Scholl College and completed a two-year surgical residency at Loretto Hospital and Hugar Foot and Ankle Center in Chicago, IL. Dr. Gouin has resided in Corpus Christi, TX and practiced podiatry with Corpus Christi Podiatry for the past 19 years. He is Board Certified in Foot Surgery.

He served his country honorably for over 33 years and continues that service today as a Colonel in the United States Army Reserve. He is the Commander of the 228th Combat Support Hospital in San Antonio, TX. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for service during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005. He is Special Forces qualified, a Distinguished Military Graduate from the University of Rhode Island ROTC program and has received numerous awards over his distinguished career.

COL Gouin returned to Corpus Christi after volunteering to serve one year on active duty in Tikrit and Mosul, Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was a Special Staff Officer, medical operations officer and foot surgeon while assigned to the 228th Combat Support Hospital in Iraq.