Posted by Edward Jackman on September 20, 2010:

I recognized COL John O'Dowd's face as soon as I saw it in the AOG news...and was saddened when I read the reason why. I hadn't seen or heard of COL O'Dowd since graduating from West Point in 1993 - but his is a face one never forgets. MAJ O'Dowd was serving at USMA as a "Dirt P" when I was majoring in "Dirt" and trying to make my way through what was the toughest challenge of my life to that point (not Dirt per se, but West Point...). MAJ O'Dowd was a large presence both physically and in the way his personality reached out and grabbed you...you couldn't resist him - he was infectious in such a good way. He was as friendly, caring, and supportive a Professor as any I ever had at West Point and although he delivered a very personal and fun teaching experience to us cadets - he also demanded a lot from us in return. He taught me that you can have a great time, and be a great person, while still demanding a lot from yourself professionally. You didn't have to give up one to have the other. It was only because of what a great guy he was, and how much I enjoyed getting to spend an hour a day with him that I always looked forward to enduring the 10 minute race from Mahan Hall to the top of Washington Hall for class. If it was warm out you got to his class covered in sweat...if it was cold out you got to his class frozen...and regardless of the weather you barely got there in the nick of time. JOD's passing is just another example of where God cherry picks the best from among us to go do his bidding...leaving the rest of us with the sorrow and bitter taste of losing a great friend way too early. Thanks JOD for your part in helping me become the man I am today...I know it wasn't a part of your job - it was a part of your person. For that I am grateful. With sorrow, Eddie Jackman USMA '93

admin