[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 152 (Friday, December 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MARVIS HOOD, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 11, 2014

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of the Marvis 
Hood, Jr., who, after proudly serving his country, passed away on 
December 8, 2014, from complications related to pneumonia.
  Marvis ``Big Daddy'' Hood, Jr. was born in Marlin, Texas to Marvis 
and Jewelene Hood with one sibling, Graham Hood. In 1960, Mr. Hood 
joined the United States Air Force and later re-enlisted in the United 
States Army 52nd Sig BN, performing 22 years of military service. He 
voluntarily served three tours in Vietnam and eventually retired on Oct 
6, 1984 as a Staff Sergeant. During his service, he earned five Good 
Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service 
Medal (5 campaigns), the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Cross of 
Gallantry w/Palm, and Expert on Rifle and Pistol awards. He earned the 
nickname ``Big Daddy'' playing football during a duty station 
assignment in Naples, Italy where he earned MVP as an Offensive tackle.
  While in the military, he married Vera Mae Touchstone, a childhood 
friend. They had three sons, Roderick, Marcus, and Marvis III. Mr. Hood 
remarried on March 18th, 1977, to the love of his life Dora Jean 
Taylor. Having moved to Modesto for the remainder of his military 
career, he also served as a Reserve Officer with the Stanislaus County 
Sheriff Department.
  Being a resident of Modesto for 37 years, Mr. Hood was involved in 
many charitable endeavors that benefited many in and outside the 
community of Modesto. Because of his appreciation for the opportunities 
his military career provided, which helped shape the man he became, Mr. 
Hood was deeply concerned about veteran issues; especially the health 
and welfare of homeless veterans. He established a yearly ``Standown'' 
for homeless veterans, that was modeled after the concept established 
during the Vietnam War, to help provide health services, winter 
clothing, food, and a warm safe place for the night.
  Wanting to provide service for more than a few days a year, Mr. Hood 
was looking for a long term solution that led him to establish the 
Central Valley Homeless Veterans home. He provided a support system to 
aid many veterans in getting back on their feet. The Stanislaus County 
chapter of the American Red Cross awarded the Good Samaritan Senior 
Hero award to Marvis Hood, Jr. for his work helping veterans
  Mr. Marvis Hood Jr. is survived by his wife Dora; his three sons 
Roderick Hood, Marcus Hood and Marvis Hood III; his brother Graham 
Hood; and half-brothers Dwight Hood and Mike Wallace. He is loved and 
remembered by a host of family, friends, and the many he helped.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the life of Marvis ``Big 
Daddy'' Hood, Jr. and all of his excellent contributions to veterans 
and the community. Anyone who knew Marvis saw a gregarious and 
sometimes larger than life personality which at times hid a teddy bear 
heart of gold which was always willing to lend a helping hand or timely 
words of wisdom.

                          ____________________