Veteran Story: Captain Timothy Hodge

Prior to joining the National Park Service U.S. Park Police (USPP) in 2000, USPP Captain Timothy Hodge served as an active-duty United States Marine from December 1990 to July 2000. He served in Camp Lejeune North Carolina, Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni Japan and Headquarters Marine Corps in Arlington, Virginia. He held multiple military occupational specialties including communication center operator, computer operator/programmer and military police officer. During his service he obtained the rank of sergeant. Currently, Timothy serves as a captain for the USPP working as the commander of the East District in support of National Capital Parks - East.

What was your branch of service in the military? The one and only.... United States Marine Corps

What were your military awards, deployments, and citations?
National Defense Metal, Good Conduct Metal with 2 stars, Overseas Deployment Ribbon, mutilple Meritorious Masts and Certificates of Appreciation.

How did you make the transition from military to the NPS?
I was an active duty US Marine doing volunteer work at the Vetern's Booths on the grounds of the Lincoln Memorial in 1997 or 1998 when I met a horse mounted United States Police Officer. Later on that same year, my USMC Master Sergeant was contacted by a former Marine he knew... US Park Police Recruiting Sergeant Ben Long(retired). Sgt Long asked the Master Sergeant if he knew of any good quality Marines that were exiting military service who may be interested in Federal Law Enforcement. Myself and a few other Marines met with Sgt Long who took us on a day long tour of the United States Park Police and it's substations.

How does your military experience impact who you are in your NPS career today? As one of my Military Occupational Specialties was 5811/Military Police Officer, it motivated me to continue in a career in law enforcement. My military experience also prepared me for my experiences in FLETC.

How did your military service and skills contribute to your role today with the NPS? My Military service and skills prepared me for a position in law enforcement and strenthened my leadership abilities. Being a Marine has also motivated me to continue on the path of upward mobility within the United States Park Police.