Splash 3 Foundation Inc. — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit turning gratitude into action for the veterans in our community.

About The Foundation

Rooted in Tucson. Driven by service.

Born from military service, built by community, Splash 3 exists to make sure Tucson's veterans are never left behind.

Our Story

Founded by retired Colonel Cesar "Rico" Rodriguez, Splash 3 was built on a simple belief: those who served deserve a community that shows up for them. Since 2023, we've raised over $190,000 for local Tucson veteran and children's charities — supporting more than 3,500 veterans and their families as they navigate life after service. Every dollar stays local, going directly to the organizations doing meaningful work on the ground.

How We Work

We partner with Tucson's most impactful veteran and children focused nonprofits, connecting them with the funding and visibility they need to thrive. Through fundraising events like our bi-annual Charities Golf Tournaments, we bring the community together around a shared mission. It's not just about raising money; it's about building lasting relationships between veterans and the people proud to stand beside them.

Our Board

Our board brings together decades of military leadership, industry expertise, and community commitment — all united by a shared mission to serve those who served.

Have a question, want to get involved, or just want to learn more? We'd love to hear from you.

Cesar 'Rico' Rodriguez

Founder and CEO

Colonel (Ret.) Cesar “Rico” Rodriguez, Jr. is a retired U.S. Air Force combat leader, nonprofit founder, and community champion. A command pilot with more than 3,100 flight hours—including 350 combat hours—he distinguished himself in Operations Desert Storm, Allied Force, Southern Watch, and Iraqi Freedom, earning credit for three aerial victories and commanding at the group level.

Following a 25-year Air Force career culminating as Commander of the 355th Mission Support Group, he served in senior leadership roles at Raytheon, including Vice President for Middle East and North Africa Customer Requirements.

Today, he is the President and Founder of the Splash 3 Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that donates 100% of proceeds to veteran and children’s charities, and a founding board member of Warbird National Course and CLAW, continuing a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and community impact.

Dewey A. Holmes

VP for Golfer Experiences

Colonel (Ret.) Dewey A Holmes is a retired U.S. Air Force combat leader and is a senior defense industry leader currently serving as the Griffin, HARM, Maverick, and Paveway Missile Requirements and Capabilities Lead for Air Power at Raytheon Missile & Defense. Following a distinguished 26-year Air Force career, he retired as Commander of the 355th Maintenance Group at Davis-Monthan AFB, where he led complex logistics, aircraft maintenance, sustainment, and program management operations supporting fighter aircraft, the C-130, and the B-2 bomber.

A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, he also completed Air Command and Staff College and Air War College, earning master’s degrees in Aeronautical Science and International Strategic Studies, and continues to apply deep operational and strategic expertise to advancing U.S. airpower capabilities.

Amanda 'AROD' Rodriguez

Secretariat

Major Amanda K. “AROD” Rodriguez is a Senior Air Battle Manager (ABM) and is currently an Instructor of Philosophy at the United States Air Force Academy, where she teaches ethics, war theory, military professionalism, and western philosophy, supporting the development and commissioning of over 1,000 Air Force and Space Force officers annually. She has served as an Air Weapons Officer on the E-3 and as a Senior Director for crews with the Control Reporting Center (CRC).

She has experience as both an instructor and evaluator for ABM roles in the CRC.  In addition to her military service and her role as Secretariat to the Splash 3 Board of Directors, she is an avid volunteer and advocate for First Tee Southern Colorado where she earned the 2025 Volunteer of the Year award.

Ray Smith

VP for Partnerships

SMSgt Ray Smith (Ret.) is a retired U.S. Air Force Combat leader where he proudly served with the 355th Maintenance Group, where his commitment to excellence built the foundation for a diverse career spanning defense, business leadership, and community service. Ray went on to serve as a Raytheon International Country Manager, overseeing key international operations and business development initiatives, and later continued supporting national security efforts as a logistics and integration defense contractor.

In addition to his corporate career, Ray is a radio host and real estate professional, helping clients navigate complex property transactions. Deeply committed to community impact, Ray has served as past president of the Arizona Bowl Blue Blazers, board member for the Hearth Foundation and Junior Achievement of Southern Arizona, lead volunteer for Coaches for Charities, and currently serves as the Vice President for Partnerships for the Splash 3 Foundation Inc. He also serves as a member of the Arizona Sands Club Board of Governors, striving to make a positive difference in every endeavor.

Mike Korechek

CFO

Colonel Mike "Kor" Korcheck is a retired U.S. Air Force combat leader with more than 26 years of active-duty service, beginning with his graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1982. His career included roles as a leader, officer, and Combat Rescue Helicopter Instructor/Evaluator Pilot, culminating in command-level responsibility for the training, education, resourcing, and operational readiness of more than 1,000 combat-ready personnel conducting worldwide search and rescue missions. After transitioning to the public sector in 2008, he led a project management team supporting U.S. Air Force Rescue program acquisition, budgeting, and operational documentation.

In 2014, following completion of an accounting degree, Mike worked as Lead Construction Accountant for Boos Development Group, supporting Build-to-Suit commercial retail development and financial reporting. Since returning to Tucson, Arizona, he has served as Operations Manager for Scouting America’s Catalina Council, overseeing operations, accounting, audits, accounts payable, program support, and special projects and the Splash 3 Foundation INC, Chief Financial Officer.