NEW MEXICO MILITARY INSTITUTE
HALL OF FAME
J. C. DODD 1978 HSG
CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER-FOUR, USAR (RET)
J. C. Dodd came to New Mexico Military Institute as a 6th class new cadet in Bravo Troop in 1975. He was selected as “Best New Cadet” by the Roswell Daily Record in that year. Cadet Dodd was a member, and later the commander, of the Goss Rifles Drill Team, where he was known as a person who expected precision and dedication while always willing to help other team members strive for excellence. He was also active in Taekwondo, the chess club and servedas a member of the debate team.
Mr. Dodd enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves in 1979; and in 1983, he transferred to the
U. S. Army for Warrant Officer Flight School. After flight school, he was assigned to Howard Air Force Base, Panama, flying medevac missions in Central and South America. Returning to the United States, Mr. Dodd joined the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in 1990. Transferring to CHP Air Operations in 1993, he flew search and rescue, medevac and law enforcement missions. During this time, Mr. Dodd also served in the California National Guard, assigned to the 126th Medevac Company in Sacramento. Mr. Dodd retired from the military as a Chief Warrant Officer-Four (CW4) and a Master Army Aviator in 2000. Also in 1993, he married the love of his life, Jacqueline.
During his flying career, Mr. Dodd has put his life on the line for others every day. His colleagues describe his flying as “amazing” and “extraordinary”. He has rescued skiers, hikers, accident victims and participated as a rescue pilot in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. During one flood season, Mr. Dodd rented a helicopter on his day off to help rescue dogs that were stranded on rooftops. During his career with the California Highway Patrol, Mr. Dodd received numerous unit citations from his Air Operations Unit.
In 2006, Mr. Dodd was selected by a group of military, fire, police and EMS representatives to receive the national “Jeep Hero” award, given to individuals who deliver exemplary, unique and heroic service to improve the quality of life in cities and towns across America. Mr. Dodd donated his award, a 2006 Jeep Commander, to Loaves and Fishes, a Sacramento non-profit organization dedicated to the needs of the homeless.
Mr. Dodd’s example to his fellow cadets has carried over to his lifelong career as a military and law enforcement helicopter pilot. Putting others before himself as a matter of principle is an essential trait of a rescue pilot. Mr. Dodd’s receipt of the Jeep Hero award is a perfect example of how his peers took notice that he maintained the principles of “Duty, Honor and Achievement” throughout his career.
Inducted 15 October 2010
