HONORING THE LIFE, SERVICE AND LEGACY OF CALVIN "CAL" HOBBS

On 2026-08-27, Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS-2) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE, SERVICE AND LEGACY OF CALVIN "CAL" HOBBS" in the House.

HONORING THE LIFE, SERVICE AND LEGACY OF CALVIN "CAL" HOBBS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 136 (Thursday, August 27, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 136 (Thursday, August 27, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E811] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE, SERVICE AND LEGACY OF CALVIN ``CAL'' HOBBS ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Thursday, August 27, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, legacy, military service and historic contributions of Calvin ``Cal'' Hobbs, a native of Winona, Mississippi, a distinguished member of the Tuskegee Airmen, and a proud American whose life was devoted to service, excellence, and inspiring future generations. Calvin ``Cal'' Hobbs was born on August 26, 1923, in Winona, Mississippi. In 1944, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps aviation cadet program in Omaha, Nebraska, and was subsequently assigned to first African-American Aviation Mechanics class at Amarillo Army Air Base. Mr. Hobbs distinguished himself through determination, discipline, and an exceptional work ethic. He eventually earned an assignment to the 477th Bomber Squadron, which was attached to the 99th Fighter Squadron. His military career advanced rapidly, and he achieved the ranks of Sergeant, Technical Sergeant, Master Sergeant, and ultimately Chief Master Sergeant. The Mississippi Legislature recognized his advancement and accomplishments in House Concurrent Resolution No. 78, adopted in 2018. Chief Master Sergeant Hobbs' service included completing Aerial Gunnery School and serving in important maintenance and leadership positions. He served as Line Chief with the 99th Fighter Squadron and the 332nd Fighter Group and became Crew Chief of a KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft at Mather Air Force Base. He also served as Flight Chief, Line Chief, and NCOIC Maintenance Control at Mather Air Force Base. After 20 years of service in the United States Air Force, Chief Master Sergeant Hobbs retired in 1964. His commitment to service, however, did not end with his military retirement. His obituary records that he subsequently spent another 20 years with Pacific Bell, while also dedicating significant time to civic, youth, religious, and community organizations. Mr. Hobbs was a founding member of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.'s Sacramento/George ``Spanky'' Roberts Chapter. He remained deeply committed to preserving the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and became an integral member of the Tuskegee Airmen Living History Team. Through that work, he traveled to civic organizations, churches, and schools across the Nation, sharing the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and helping educate young people about aviation and science. His commitment to young people was evident not only through his work preserving history, but also through his willingness to serve as a mentor. His message to young people was straightforward and enduring: ``Always be prepared when an opportunity arises!'' That simple statement reflected the discipline and perseverance that characterized his own life. Mr. Hobbs' legacy is particularly significant because the Tuskegee Airmen represented far more than a group of military aviators. The Tuskegee experience included the pilots, mechanics, technicians, support personnel, and other servicemembers whose dedication helped establish an important chapter in American military and civil rights history. Mr. Hobbs contributed to that history through his technical expertise, military leadership, and lifelong commitment to telling the Tuskegee Airmen's story. Beyond his military career, Mr. Hobbs devoted himself to his family and community. His obituary notes his involvement with organizations including the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Knights of Columbus, California Civil Air Patrol, Loaves & Fishes, Boy Scouts of America, Little League Baseball, and the PTA in the Folsom-Cordova School District, where he placed particular emphasis on supporting school music programs. On August 2, 2011, Calvin ``Cal'' Hobbs passed away peacefully at his home in Rancho Cordova, California, surrounded by his family. He was 87 years old. His passing marked the loss of a remarkable Mississippian and American, but his contributions to his country, his community, and the preservation of the Tuskegee Airmen legacy continue to be remembered. Calvin ``Cal'' Hobbs demonstrated throughout his life what can be accomplished through preparation, perseverance, service, and a commitment to helping others. From his service in the United States Army Air Corps and Air Force to his work as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen community and his efforts to educate young people, he dedicated himself to making a lasting difference. His story is a reminder that the preservation of history is also an investment in the future. By sharing the experiences and accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen, Mr. Hobbs helped ensure that future generations would understand the sacrifices, determination, and excellence that helped expand opportunities for African Americans in military service and throughout American society. I am proud to honor Chief Master Sergeant Calvin ``Cal'' Hobbs, a native son of Mississippi, a veteran of the United States Air Force, a Tuskegee Airman, a mentor, and a devoted servant of his community. May his life continue to inspire young Americans to prepare themselves for opportunity, pursue excellence, serve their communities, and never allow adversity to define what they can accomplish. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and enduring legacy of Calvin ``Cal'' Hobbs and in expressing our gratitude for his honorable service to the United States of America. ____________________

Referenced legislation: HCONRES78