Raun Atkinson grew up in Oregon, spending most of his time split between Redmond and Portland Oregon.  After graduating from Grant High School in Portland, Raun enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.  During his four years of active duty, Raun was stationed in Iwakuni Japan, Camp Pendleton California and spent one year with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit during which time the unit deployed to Iraq.  Shortly after returning from Iraq, Raun was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant to pursue his education.  Raun completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from University of Houston before attending and graduating from Willamette University College of Law.  After passing the bar in 2014 Raun took a job as a prosecutor in Crook County Oregon where he remained until January of 2021.