[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 81 (Tuesday, May 11, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E495]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     WILLIAM (BILL) FRANCIS HOOVER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED PERLMUTTER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 11, 2021

  Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize William 
(Bill) Francis Hoover of Aurora, Colorado who passed away May 1, 2021.
  Bill was born and raised on his family's farm in Topeka, Kansas as 
the third of five children. Bill joined the United States Air Force in 
1950 and rose to the rank of Major in 1965. While stationed in 
Tennessee, Bill met the love of his life, Sue. They were married in 
1960.
  Bill served with honor and distinction in the U.S. Air Force. He 
served in Korea, Vietnam and Cold War operations across the world. He 
was awarded numerous commendations, including one of the Air Force's 
highest awards, the Distinguished Flying Cross. He earned this medal 
during the Vietnam War for his actions as Aircraft Commander of an AC-
119 gunship. Under great personal risk and during terrible weather 
conditions in mountainous terrain, he and his crew repelled an attack, 
saving the lives of the troops who were at risk of being overrun by 
North Vietnamese Forces. He retired from the Air Force in November 
1970.
  Following his career in the Air Force, he flew Lear Jets out of 
Columbus Airport, but soon realized it took him away from his family 
too much, and he began a second career working for the Federal Aviation 
Administration. He was stationed in Rawlins, Wyoming, where he was able 
to teach his children to hunt and fish while he kept flying as a 
Certified Flight Instructor. Bill and his family then moved to Aurora, 
Colorado in 1977. His experience and knowledge was again put to use, as 
he served on the FAA's Air Traffic Procedures Advisory Committee to 
develop aviation safety and operation regulations. Bill retired from 
the FAA after 20 years of service to the government. After retiring, 
Bill and Sue traveled the world, often with family and friends. They 
were inseparable, enjoying a life of adventure.
  Bill was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather. He and 
his wife Sue raised five children--Bill, David, Lori, John and Theresa. 
He was especially fond of his seventeen grandchildren and loved and 
cherished his five great-grandchildren.
  In addition to his career in the Air Force, Bill was a devoted member 
of Queen of Peace Catholic Parish. He was a lifetime member of the 
Knights of Columbus as a fourth-degree knight. I am deeply grateful for 
his lifetime of service to our community.

                          ____________________