House Concurrent Resolution 78

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND HEROIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF CALVIN "CAL" HOBBS, A MEMBER OF THE LEGENDARY TUSKEGEE AIRMEN OF WORLD WAR II.

WHEREAS, during his life, Mr. Calvin "Cal" Hobbs was most well-known as a member of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, who fought in World War II; and

WHEREAS, this native of Winona, Mississippi, enlisted into the United States Army Air Corp's aviation cadets class in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1944, and was later assigned to the first African-American Aviation Mechanics class at Amarillo Army Air Base; and

WHEREAS, a man of determination and strong work ethic, he eventually earned an assignment to the 477th Bomber Squadron, which was attached to the 99th Fighter Squadron; and

WHEREAS, his outstanding willpower and resolve to be the best, skyrocketed his career and led to the promotions of Sergeant in 22 months, Tech Sergeant in four years, Master Sergeant in eight years, and ultimately the rank of Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt.), which is the highest enlisted rank in the now United States Air Force; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his prestigious rank, CMSgt. Hobbs had many other accomplishments, such as completion of Aerial Gunnery School, Line Chief with the 99th and now famed 332ndTuskegee Airmen Fighter Group, Crew Chief of the first KC-135 refueling aircraft - Mather AFB, Flight Chief, Line Chief, and NCOIC Maintenance Control - Mathers AFB. CMSgt.; and

WHEREAS, after 20 years of selfless, dedicated and honorable service to the United States, CMSgt. Hobbs retired in 1964; and WHEREAS, driven by his desire to maintain the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen for generations to come, CMSgt., Retired, Hobbs became one of the founding members of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Spanky Roberts Chapter a nonprofit that seeks to honor the accomplishments of Tuskegee Airmen by introducing young people across the nation to the world of aviation and science through local programs; and

WHEREAS, because he was passionate about the legacy of aviation and science in the African-American community, he was an integral member of the Tuskegee Airmen Living History Team, and traveled to civic organizations, churches, and schools around the nation telling the story of the Tuskegee Airmen; and

WHEREAS, CMSgt., Retired, Hobbs' message to the world, especially to young people, was always consistent: "Always be prepared when an opportunity arises!"; and

WHEREAS, in 2011, at the age of 87, CMSgt., Retired, Hobbs, having faithfully served his country, but most importantly his Lord, passed this life peacefully surrounded by his family, all of whom he loved with much pride; and

WHEREAS, although he has passed this life, his contributions to aviation and science as a member of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, and as a member of "the Greatest Generation" will never be forgotten; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to honor Mississippians, such as CMSgt., Retired, Calvin Hobbs, who have served our country with great honor and pride, created positive historic legacies and strived to educate future generations about science and aviation:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life, legacy and historic accomplishments of Chief Master Sergeant, Retired, Calvin "Cal" Hobbs, a member of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen of World War II.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of CMSgt., Retired, Calvin "Cal" Hobbs and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.