Title: President
Company: Splash 3 Foundation Inc.
Location: Tucson, Arizona, United States
Cesar A. Rodriguez Jr., president at Splash 3 Foundation Inc., has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in nonprofit administration.
Having completed a 25-year career in the U.S. Air Force and more than 15 years as an executive, Mr. Rodriguez has embraced a new focus on nonprofit work. In 2021, he founded Splash 3 Foundation Inc., a nonprofit organization that partners with charities across southern Arizona in support of veteran issues. In his position as president of Splash 3, Mr. Rodriguez identifies opportunities to support the veteran community, coordinates resources and implements initiatives aimed at making the greatest possible impact. Since its inception, Splash 3 has raised more than $25,000 and provided financial and mentorship assistance to over 2,500 veterans.
Before launching Splash 3, Mr. Rodriguez demonstrated his leadership skills in various executive roles at Raytheon. He joined the aforementioned company as the director of business strategy for air warfare systems in 2006 and was later promoted to the position of business development executive. Prior to his time at Raytheon, Mr. Rodriguez served in the U.S. Air Force, joining as a fighter pilot in 1981. Throughout the course of his military career, he flew in two air campaigns and advanced to the ranks of a commander and senior officer. Mr. Rodriguez achieved the notable distinction of becoming the only American fighter pilot with three air-to-air victories since the Vietnam War, an accomplishment that inspired the name “Splash 3.”
In addition to his military service, Mr. Rodriguez has relied on a strong academic foundation for his success. He obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration in management from The Citadel Military College in 1981, followed by a Master of Public Administration from Troy University in 1994. Mr. Rodriguez earned a second master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College in 2002. He has also finished certification in export controls through Traliant. As part of his commitment to his military background, he maintains membership with the Air & Space Forces Association.
Known for his civic-minded citizenship, Mr. Rodriguez has contributed to the wider community beyond the creation of Splash 3. Since 2015, he has served on the board of directors for the 390th Memorial Museum, an institution on the grounds of the Pima Air & Space Museum that showcases military hardware and history from World War II. Mr. Rodriguez connects with other Air Force veterans through his role as a flight captain for the Order of Daedalians, which honors World War I pilots. He previously held the position of board president for Starbase Arizona, a program that encourages children to learn science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Mr. Rodriguez has received many accolades in celebration of his achievements. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters in recognition of his U.S. Air Force accomplishments in 1991. In 2019, Latino Magazine presented Mr. Rodriguez with the Estrella Award, which recognizes Latino veterans in positions of leadership outside of the military.
Beyond his primary responsibilities, Mr. Rodriguez enjoys golfing and trying new food. He has combined his love of golf with his civic advocacy, holding Splash 3’s biggest annual fundraising event in the form of a golf tournament. Mr. Rodriguez credits his family’s support for his success, especially the values instilled in him by his mother, which he has carried into his life as a dedicated husband and father to two children. Looking to the future, he hopes to spend more time with his family while ensuring they are financially supported. Mr. Rodriguez also plans to expand Splash 3 and make more frequent donations to local and nationwide veteran charities. He aims to pass the milestone of $100,000 in donations by the end of 2024 and will support this goal by offering motivational speaking engagements and pro bono services for veterans.
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