[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 24 (Thursday, March 7, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF ROBERT ``BOB'' HODGES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. WALTER B. JONES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 7, 2002

  Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today I speak in honor of 
an incredible man: A man who is believed to be our Nation's oldest 
veteran, a man who in 1918 joined the military so that he could serve 
our country during WWI, a man who worked from the time he was 8 years 
old, a man who has served his community well, and a man, who, above all 
else, has loved the Lord his God with all his heart, mind and soul. 
That man is Mr. Robert Hodges, of Stonewall, North Carolina. I am 
proud, honored and, quite frankly, privileged to speak in his honor 
today on the House floor.
  Mr. Hodges has led a remarkable life. Considering he has seen the 
turn of two centuries, recounting all of his milestones would take 
hours. Instead, I will attempt to highlight just a few of the high 
points in Mr. Hodges life.
  Mr. Hodges was born on June 18, 1891, in a small community called 
North Creek, just between Bath and Belhaven, North Carolina. His 
grandparents were slaves, and his mother, born into slavery, was later 
freed in New Bern, NC. At the age of 8, Mr. Hodges began working, just 
as his parents had done.
  In 1918, Mr. Hodges joined the United States Army where he proudly 
wore the uniform of heroes as he served in France with the 702 
Stevedore Battalion. A lifelong Eastern North Carolinian, Mr. Hodges 
returned to Beaufort County after his discharge where he married 
Malinda Boyd.
  After moving to Pamlico County, Mr. Hodges worked his way from 
bookkeeper, to farm foreman, to landowner of a farm of his very own. He 
continued to work the land until his eyesight forced him to retire in 
the 1950's. His retirement, however, did not keep him from 
participating in his community. Mr. Hodges has remained a vital part of 
his hometown in Stonewall, North Carolina and his church home of Mt. 
Sinai Missionary Baptist Church. Church has been a part of Mr. Hodges' 
life since he was a young child. Growing up, young Robert used to walk 
12 miles to church and back . . . barefoot.
  Some of you may ask, ``What is the secret to Mr. Hodges long and 
healthy life?'' Well, my friends, I must tell you I believe it is the 
scripture verse he has clung to for so many years. Mr. Hodges says he 
gives God the glory for his long life, claiming the 5th commandment as 
his own. The verse reads, ``Honor thy father and mother; that thy days 
may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.'' Mr. 
Hodges' life has certainly been very ``long upon the land.'' His very 
history, quite frankly, illustrates what it means to live a life 
pleasing to the Lord, and to in turn see His blessings.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, let me say that Mr. Hodges joins so many of 
the men and women who served our Nation during wartime and asked so 
little in return. And today, those people who know him best are here to 
honor him, not only for his service to our great Nation but for the 
incredible impressions he has made on the lives of so many people as 
husband, father, grandfather, and a citizen of North Carolina.
  It is because of the dedication and heroic courage of men like Robert 
Hodges that we can enjoy the many freedoms of this great land. On 
behalf of a grateful Nation, please accept my deepest appreciation.




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