Las Cruces business owner awarded NM Medal of Merit for saving soldier’s life

A Las Cruces business owner received the New Mexico Medal of Merit after performing CPR and helping save the life of a National Guard soldier.

Las Cruces business owner awarded NM Medal of Merit for saving soldier’s life
(New Mexico National Guard / Facebook)

Marci Dickerson performed CPR during a medical emergency, restoring the soldier’s breathing before first responders arrived

Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News

LAS CRUCES - A Las Cruces business owner received one of the state’s highest civilian honors after performing CPR and helping save the life of a New Mexico National Guard soldier during a medical emergency.

The New Mexico National Guard awarded the New Mexico Medal of Merit to Marci Dickerson, owner of Dickerson Catering and The Game restaurants and principal Realtor for The Dickerson Group Las Cruces, for her actions on Feb. 27, according to a New Mexico National Guard Facebook post.

According to the Guard, one of Dickerson’s employees — who also serves as a National Guard soldier — became unresponsive and stopped breathing. Dickerson began CPR and continued life-saving measures until the soldier’s breathing was restored.

Marci Dickerson receives the New Mexico Medal of Merit from Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Carper outside The Game
Marci Dickerson receives the New Mexico Medal of Merit from Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Carper outside The Game Sports Bar and Grill in Las Cruces. (Courtesy photo / Marci Dickerson via Facebook)

Emergency medical personnel later transported the soldier to a hospital.

The Guard said Dickerson also helped coordinate transportation after the soldier’s discharge and remained involved in supporting his recovery.

Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Carper, deputy adjutant general of the New Mexico National Guard, presented the award and praised Dickerson’s response during the emergency.

Close-up of the New Mexico National Guard Medal of Merit with red ribbon.
The New Mexico Medal of Merit awarded by the New Mexico National Guard. (Courtesy photo / Marci Dickerson via Facebook)

The New Mexico Medal of Merit recognizes individuals whose actions bring exceptional credit to their community and the state.

Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. If you have a personal story to share or a lead we should follow up on, reach out at OrganMountainNews@gmail.com or connect with him on X at @damienwillis.

Keep reading:
LCIFF 2026 Outstanding Filmmaker Award goes to Shane Black — Filmmaker Shane Black will be honored during the Las Cruces International Film Festival, which runs April 8-12 at New Mexico State University and features more than 160 films from around the world.
Las Cruces to begin spring, summer watering restrictions April 1 — City officials will limit outdoor watering days and ban irrigation between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. as seasonal conservation rules take effect.
Deming man charged with plotting sexual abuse of child through prison calls — Court documents detail recorded jail calls investigators say outline an alleged plan involving a child while the defendant was in custody.

Sign up for Organ Mountain News, our free email newsletter

Get the latest headlines right in your inbox