Lieutenant Colonel Godinho was born on March 3, 1967 in Pawtucket, RI, and was raised in Pittsfield, MA. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in General Engineering. Upon graduation he received his commission in the Marine Corps and reported as a student to The Basic School (TBS). After completion of TBS, Lieutenant Colonel Godinho reported to Pensacola, FL for training as a Student Naval Aviator.  He completed flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in July 1994. 
            Lieutenant Colonel Godinho was assigned to the Gunfighters of HMLA-369 at Camp Pendleton, CA in April 1995 after initial training in the AH-1W. He conducted a unit deployment to MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan in 1995 and deployed as part of the HMM-163 Aviation Combat Element of the 15^th Marine Expeditionary Unit in 1998 aboard the USS Essex. During his tour with the Gunfighters Captain Godinho worked in the S-5, Admin,  Maintenance, Operations, and the S-2. Upon return to CONUS, Lieutenant Colonel Godinho attended Tactical Air Control Party School and served as a Forward Air Controller and Air Officer in 2^nd Battalion, 7^th Marines.
            Lieutenant Colonel Godinho transitioned to the Marine Corps Reserve in August 2000 and joined the Coyotes of HMLA-775, Detachment A at Willow Grove, PA.  Lieutenant Colonel Godinho remained with the Coyotes after their move to Johnstown, PA in April 2001, serving as pilot training officer.  In November 2003, Lieutenant Colonel Godinho joined VMR Detachment Andrews AFB, MD where he served as a UC-12 and UC-35 transport pilot.  In January 2005, he volunteered to return to HMLA-775 for mobilization for Operation Iraqi Freedom 04-06. 
            Lieutenant Colonel Godinho reported to HMLA-775, Camp Pendleton, CA in August 2006 as a member of the Active Reserve Program.  He served as the Aviation Safety Officer, Director of Safety and Standardization, and Executive Officer. In October 2008 he was transferred to MAG-49 Detachment A, Atlanta, GA where he serves as the Executive Officer.
            Lieutenant Colonel Godinho’s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal strike/flight numeral 7, and Navy Achievement Medal (3rd award).  Lieutenant Colonel Godinho is married to the former Nicole Davison of Malvern, PA.