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Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, visits the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station June 8, 2024.

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Local artist donates time and talent

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kevin Nichols
  • 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. --  The base here has been fortunate to have a friend and artist like Lewiston, N.Y. resident Ted Dodds, who has been documenting for the past twenty years Niagara's rich history through his heraldic painting and illuminating manuscript.

Back in 1992 Dodds was asked by three friends who were connected to the base if he could use his unique artistic talents to produce an honor roll for the 328th Airlift Squadron personnel who had recently returned from Operation Desert Storm.  A beautiful and unique artwork listing the names of the Gulf War veterans was produced.

After seeing the final product, Dodds' friends additionally asked if he could paint something for the members of the wing that remained behind in a support role during the war.  A total of 14 panels of heraldic painting and illuminating manuscript were completed to list those names.

One year later in 1993, Col. Gerald Black, wing commander at the time, asked Dodds if he would paint something special for the 30th anniversary of the air base.  Again, a beautiful and history filled artwork was produced.

Spring forward twenty years and Dodds took it upon himself to finish another painting for the base's 50th anniversary which he then presented to base officials on January 5, 2013 in the Heritage Center at Niagara.

Dodds first approached Senior Master Sgt. Michael Roach, 914th Force Support Squadron Services Sustainment Flight, regarding another anniversary picture.

"He told me that he wanted to do an updated picture for 50 years of service," said Roach.  "I took some photos of the C-47 and C-119 static aircraft displays on base that he used."

The plan according to Roach is for the anniversary pictures to be the centerpiece display for a heritage wall inside the Heritage Center.

"I talked to the wing commander about creating a room reflective of Niagara's rich heritage and he thought it was a great idea," said Roach.  "We are even using molding taken from the old dining facility, since demolished, to use as framing for the two pieces of art."

A former loadmaster with the active duty Air Force, Dodds' turned a hobby into a profession.

"In 1965 I picked up a pen and started painting. Never had an art lesson in my life," said Dodds.  "I knew this is what I wanted to do."

Creating historic art isn't the only thing that keeps Dodds busy and serving others.  He also donates his time and talent as a Captain in the New York 116 Niagara Falls Squadron Composite #1 Civil Air Patrol operating out of NFARS.