HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 100

(By Delegates Phillips, Eldridge and Maynard)

[Introduced March 24, 2017]

Requesting the Division of Highways to name a portion of West Virginia Route 10, near McConnell in Logan County, beginning at a point, latitude 37.823846, longitude -81.958422, and ending at a point, latitude 37.833712, longitude -81.966816, the “U.S. Air Force CMSgt Charlie Randolph Hopkins and U.S. Air Force MSgt James Paul Hopkins Road”.

Whereas, Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins was born January 25, 1954, in Stollings, before moving to McConnell later in the year; and

Whereas, Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins attended McConnell Grade School, Logan East Junior High School, and graduated from Logan High School on June 3, 1971. He joined the Boy Scouts in the 7th grade, was a member of Troop 99, which met at the Presbyterian Church in Logan and his Scoutmaster was Wilburn D. White, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout during first year of high school. For doing that Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins’ parents sent him to the 1969 Boy Scout National Jamboree held at Farragut State Park, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; and

Whereas, One week after completing high school, at age seventeen, Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins (and twelve other Logan High school graduates) was on his way to Air Force Basic Training. He the youngest person his recruiter (then Technical Sergeant Gale L. Redden) ever put in the Air Force. Basic Training lasted six weeks and on the morning of July 26, 1971 he was put on a bus heading for Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi where he started the basic electronics course, completing it at the Christmas break. The second portion of the school was called "Sets" and was to allow trainees to get hands-on experience with some of the equipment they'd work on in the field. Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins graduated the Ground Radio Maintenance Technician course on April 4, 1972, and reported to Bedford Air Force Station, Virginia on April 26. Bedford was a 98-man aircraft control and warning (technically referred to as AC&W) radar site that was located on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Once the radio maintenance work center closed in 1975, Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins was tasked with NonCommissioned Officer of the Day (NCOD) duties. Most pertained to site security. He was stationed there for 39 months, working with the man who had recruited him, now Master Sergeant Redden; and

Whereas, Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins’ next assignment took him to another AC&W radar site in northern Minnesota. This site was located 75 miles north of Duluth, just a couple of miles from a small town, Finland. Where he spent 49 weeks before departing for his first overseas assignment. Originally scheduled to go to the 1982d Communications Squadron, Kunsan Air Base, Korea, Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins was diverted to Kwang Ju Air Base after arrival. He had been there about four months when his Operating Location (OL) Chief told him he had received the Air Force Commendation Medal for work in Minnesota. He was informed that it was being held because the Air Force Communications Service (AFCS) Commander, Major General Rupert Burris, was scheduled to visit and he wanted the decoration to be pinned on by the Major General. Later Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins found out the decoration was approved and signed by General Daniel "Chappie" James, the first African-American to make General (four-star) in the Air Force. The medal was pinned on February 22, 1977; and

Whereas, Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins left Korea on September 3, 1977, and arrived at Fort Riley, Kansas on September 26. He had made Staff Sergeant in Korea and was now in charge of the radio maintenance work center at the Air Force unit at Fort Riley. The unit provided close air support for the First Infantry Division, “The Big Red One,” as it was known. His unit only had 25 personnel: 8 officers and 17 enlisted. He was there for 38 months and then went back to Korea, where he was stationed to Osan Air Base and the 2146th Communications Group; and

Whereas, Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins was in Korea this time for 18 months and It was during this tour he met the love of his life, Chong Ok Ahn, and got married. Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins was the first American to be married at the Korea House in Seoul and the wedding was published in a Korean magazine, "Wife's Life." He departed Korea on May 13, 1982, heading for a small 14-man high-frequency receiver site in the middle of nowhere, Schribner State Airfield, Nebraska. While there he was sent to a 10-week course on the new equipment, and was recognized as an Honor Graduate. They were only in Nebraska for 12 1/2 months; and

Whereas, Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins departed on July 14, 1983, going back to Osan, where they stayed only 12 months. His next assignment took them to Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina where his brother, Master Sergeant James Paul Hopkins, was also stationed. It was the only time in their careers they were stationed together. At Shaw, Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins attended the Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer's Academy, where he made Master Sergeant (first time eligible), earned an Associate's in Applied Science (AAS) in Radio Systems Technology degree, an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Liberal Arts, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Human Resources Development, graduating Summa Cum Laude; and

Whereas, Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins was at Shaw for 38 1/2 months and departed for the 1982d Communications Squadron, Kunsan Air Base, Korea, learning on St. Patrick's Day 1988 that he had been selected for promotion to Chief Master Sergeant (first time eligible). He was also selected as a primary attendee for the Air Force Senior Non-Commissioned Officer's Academy (AFSNCOA), but had to wait almost a year to pin on his next rank, on February 28, 1989, with the rank being effective March 1. The pin-on was done by his unit commander, Major John Goodman and wing commander, Colonel Joseph Hurd; and

Whereas, He received an assignment to Osan and a class date for the AFSNCOA. Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins would go to the school, then report back for a new assignment. Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins’ best friend in the Air Force, Senior Master Sergeant Randy L. Winn, and he attended together. Winn was already at Osan and they made the trip together. Their class was from May to July 1989. Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins then took some leave to visit his parents, this ended up being his longest assignment in his Air Force career: 61 months. One of their Wing Commanders (1994-95) during this assignment was Brigadier General Robert H. "Doc" Foglesong from Williamson. During this assignment, he was involved with a lot of volunteer work and in 1993 was recognized as the Seventh Air Force Volunteer of the Year for 1992. Seventh Air Force covers all Air Force personnel in Korea; and

Whereas, In August 1994, Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins moved to Kelly Air Force Base, Texas. He was in the 93rd Intelligence Squadron, his first and only assignment with the Air Intelligence Agency. Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins made his final Air Force promotion, Chief Master Sergeant (Chief), while with this unit. Because there was no Chief position for him in the 93rd, he moved to the 67th Support Squadron on Security Hill and was in this unit a total of 8 1/2 months. During that time, he did a one-month temporary duty assignment back to Korea to work with two electrical engineers in the completion of an electromagnetic compatibility survey and a three-month deployment to Saudi Arabia and the 4416th Intelligence Squadron (Provisional); and

Whereas, Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins was the Chief of Maintenance and responsible for all the ground and aircraft communications maintenance for the unit. The aircraft being the RC-135 (Rivet Joint) which was an intelligence gathering plane and flew the "box" between northern Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq. As the Chief of Maintenance, he was allowed to fly on one of the missions and observe the operations first-hand. While in Saudi Arabia he was selected for reassignment to Camp Zama, Japan where he became the Communications Station Chief, somewhat like an enlisted commander. It was a small unit with only 50 personnel but had the responsibility for all the long-haul communications in the Kanto Plains (Tokyo area). It was proving to be a great assignment. However, he ended up putting in for a humanitarian reassignment because of his father-in-law. So, after only 9 1/2 months they were moving again, back to Korea; and

Whereas, This time Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins was going to a tactical communications unit that provided close air support for the Second Infantry Division, stationed 26 miles north of Seoul and within artillery range of North Korea. During this assignment, Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins had the opportunity to be the acting Seventh Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant, the highest-ranking Air Force enlisted position in Korea. It was only for two weeks in January 1999. The Seventh Air Force Commander at that time was Lieutenant General Joseph Hurd (the same Colonel Hurd that pinned his Senior Master Sergeant stripes on 10 years earlier). At the end of the first week there was a banquet to attend at Kunsan. As the general and Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins were walking Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins told him, "Sir, we're going home." He said, "Chief, what do you mean?" He replied, "Well sir, I was stationed at Kunsan when you were the Wing Commander and you actually pinned on his Senior Master Sergeant stripes." He then said, "Chief, I guess we're going home;” and

Whereas, In July 1999, Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins received a call from the Command Chief asking if he was ready to come back, i.e., fill-in again. He asked where he was going this time, and was informed they were departing on a permanent change of station, and that Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins would be the interim Command Chief until his replacement arrived. Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins asked how long and he estimated 6-10 weeks and General Hurd had just left his office and Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins’ name was the only one discussed. Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins surmised that he hadn’t messed up in January if the general wanted him back. So, the last week of July Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins became the interim Command Chief. The general even had his name placed on the Seventh Air Force Directory; and

Whereas, Being Command Chief was a great opportunity and afforded Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins numerous opportunities to work with younger airmen and NCOs. He departed Korea the first week of April 2000 for his final assignment in his Air Force career at the Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. Oddly, the Air Force Space Command had evolved from the old Aerospace Defense Command, the command Chief Master Sergeant started his Air Force career with at Bedford Air Force Station. He only had 14 1/2 months left until mandatory retirement and knew that would go by quickly -- and it did. Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins intentionally scheduled his ceremony for June 11, 2001, exactly 30 years from when he had reported to Basic Training. His retirement from active duty was effective July 1, 2001; and

Whereas, Thereafter, Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins was fortunate to be offered a position with Verizon Federal Network Services as a government contractor and Network Controller supporting the Defense Information Systems Agency at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins didn't have a background in network controlling but he did have a security clearance and he understood military "lingo" and was moved to a shift lead position after being in the network operations center (NOC) for 34 months. During that same time, he completed a dual Master of Arts degree in Computer Resources and Information Management (CRIM) and Human Resources Development (HRD), maintaining a 3.86 grade point average (GPA) for the CRIM portion and a 4.00 GPA for the HRD portion, culminating in an overall GPA of 3.89 for the dual degree; and

Whereas, Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins interviewed for a government service position in Quality Assurance after eight years in the NOC and was selected out of 15 applicants. After the hiring offer he went to each of the members of the interview panel and asked how he did -- all three said he did great, with one person telling him nobody even came close. Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins moved to the Quality Assurance Branch the first week of November 2009 and is still serving in that branch as lead team chief and evaluator; and

Whereas, Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins’ decorations include: Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters. Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor device and seven oak leaf clusters, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award with one oak leaf cluster, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with nine oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with star device, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Overseas Ribbon (Short Tour) with eight oak leaf clusters, Air Force Overseas Ribbon (Long Tour), Air Force Longevity Award with six oak leaf clusters, Air Force NCO Professional Military Education Graduate with two oak leaf clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with star device, Air Force Training Ribbon and Kuwait Liberation Medal (Emirate of Kuwait); and

Whereas, Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins’ awards include: In 1982 the Honor Graduate Scope Signal III High Frequency Global Communications System Course, in 1986 the Senior NCO of the Quarter, 2020th Information Systems Squadron, Shaw AFB, South Carolina, in 1986 the First Runner-Up Senior NCO of the Quarter, Shaw AFB, South Carolina, in 1989 the Senior NCO of the Quarter, 1982nd Communications Squadron, Kunsan AB, Korea, in 1989 the Senior NCO of the Year (for 1988) and unit nominee for the Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year (all Air Force), 1982nd Communications Squadron, Kunsan AB, Korea, in 1989 the Senior NCO of the Quarter, Pacific Communications Division, Hickam AFB, Hawaii,  in 1991 the Senior NCO of the Quarter, 2146th Communications Group, Osan AB, Korea, in 1991 the Senior NCO of the Year (for 1991) and unit nominee for the Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year (all Air Force), 2146th Communications Group, Kunsan AB, Korea, in 1991 the Senior NCO of the Quarter, Pacific Communications Division, Hickam AFB, Hawaii, and in 1993 the Seventh Air Force Volunteer of the Year (for 1992; and

Whereas, Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins’ other achievements include: Red Cross CPR Instructor (13 years), Volunteer Income Tax Assistant (28 years, and continuing), Red Cross First Aid Instructor (3 years), Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (3 years), Military Affiliate (now Auxiliary) Radio System (MARS) Operator (31 years, and continuing); and

Whereas, Master Sergeant James Paul Hopkins was delivered by a Stork (A. Robert Stork, M.D.) on April 5, 1955 at home in McConnell. He attended elementary school at McConnell Grade School, junior high school at Logan East, and graduated from Logan High School May 1973; and

Whereas, Although his first name is James, Master Sergeant James Paul Hopkins went by his initials "JP" throughout the school years and later by the nickname "Jay" since graduation. During high school, he worked at Hopkins Brothers Roofing, Kroger grocery store and Logan Motorcycle Sales. After graduation, Master Sergeant James Paul Hopkins was hired by Mining Hydraulics and worked there until departing for the U.S. Air Force, signing up in early October 1973 with an active duty date of November 13, 1973; and

Whereas, Basic training lasted six weeks and Master Sergeant James Paul Hopkins graduated Air Force Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas in time to be home for Christmas. As a 6-year enlistee he was promoted to Airman First Class upon completing Basic Military Training. After Christmas vacation, he was off to Lowry Air Force Base Colorado (now closed) for Technical School. His career field was Munitions Systems Technician where he learned storage, maintenance, assembly and transportation of munitions that were used by the U.S. Air Force; and

Whereas, Master Sergeant James Paul Hopkins arrived at his first permanent duty station, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, in April 1974 and was assigned to the 27th Munitions Maintenance Squadron. While there he had the opportunity to pursue a dream…learning to fly. He was able to earn his Private Commercial Pilot license before moving to a second assignment, Kunsan Air Base, Korea and was assigned to the 8th Munitions Maintenance Squadron; and

Whereas, Master Sergeant James Paul Hopkins studied Judo and was able to earn his first-degree Black Belt. Kunsan also had an aero club and continued flying in the Republic of South Korea. The year went by quickly before departing for Kunsan in July 1976. He and his brother; Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins, were both home on leave at the same time.

Whereas, Master Sergeant James Paul Hopkins was next assigned to Langley Air Force Base, Virginia with the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing. He spent a little over three years at Langley. During that time, he married Rebecca Rose Bailey from his home area in West Virginia. While at Langley, they had two children; a daughter Amy Rebecca Hopkins and a son Matthew Paul Hopkins. Master Sergeant James Paul Hopkins received an Instrument Rating Airplane while continuing his flight training. He made Staff Sergeant while there and volunteered for recruiting duty. He was accepted and went to USAF Recruiting School at Lackland Air Force Base; and

Whereas, Master Sergeant James Paul Hopkins was selected to go to a recruiting office in Pennsylvania but was contacted while home on leave and asked if he'd be interested in Fairmont. He accepted. Recruiting duty was a 4-year controlled tour. In 1983, at the end of those four years, he was assigned to the 19th Equipment Maintenance Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. A year later his brother Chief Master Sergeant Charlie Randolph Hopkins would also report to Shaw. This was the only assignment they had together. He earned an FCC Amateur Radio Extra Class operator license during this assignment and was asked by the Recruiting Flight Supervisor if he'd like to go back to the Fairmont office. Again, he accepted; and

Whereas, In 1986, and after completing the USAF Recruiting School for a second time, Master Sergeant James Paul Hopkins departed Shaw AFB for Fairmont. His first two years back in recruiting were the same, and then he became a medical services recruiter and was given a quota for all health professions: MDs, DOs, Veterinarians, Dentist, Dieticians, Physical Therapists, Pharmacists, Physician Assistants, Hospital and Medical Administrators, Social Workers and all related medical specialties except for registered nurses. With an office in Morgantown, he covered the areas of northern West Virginia, north east Ohio, south west Pennsylvania and western Maryland. After completion of that second Recruiting duty tour he was selected for assignment to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada; and

Whereas, Master Sergeant James Paul Hopkins was in charge of the munitions section that supported aircraft participating in "Air Warrior live fire" training and exercises primarily supporting the U.S. Army in the Mojave Desert. There were several ranges and exercise locations well within flying distance of Nellis. One of the largest live fire training locations in the United States is Fort Irwin National Training Center. This installation is managed by the Army while used by all services and allied countries for live fire training. Many of their aircraft supported close air support training at Fort Irwin. During his last year at Nellis, Master Sergeant James Paul Hopkins’ commander asked if he'd be the interim First Sergeant for the unit. Master Sergeant James Paul Hopkins enjoyed the duty and challenges of being a First Sergeant. His commander was so impressed with his performance he wanted to send Master Sergeant James Paul Hopkins to the First Sergeant's Academy and become his full-time First Sergeant. Due to family health conditions, he had already decided to retire and, thus, respectfully declined; and

Whereas, While on active duty Master Sergeant James Paul Hopkins earned two Associate Degrees from the Community College of the Air Fierce while on active duty. First was Munitions Systems Technology and Personnel Administration. He retired from the Air Force February 1, 1994 with 20 years, 2 months, and 17 days of active duty service time as an E-7 Master Sergeant; and

Whereas, After retirement Master Sergeant James Paul Hopkins earned a commercial driver's license and drove long-haul trucks for J.B. Hunt for seven months. The reason for the short tenure was because CSX Transportation Corporation (railroad) offered him a position to become a Trainman and Locomotive Engineer. As working on the railroad was also a life-long dream, and as his father had done same work for over 41 years, he was thrilled to have the same opportunity. Master Sergeant James Paul Hopkins has now been with employed CSX Transportation for over 21 ½ years and has completed flight training earning an FAA Certified Flight Instructor for single engine, multi-engine and instrument flight training; and

Whereas, Master Sergeant James Paul Hopkins decorations include: Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with five oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon (Short Tour), Air Force Longevity Award with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force NCO Professional Military Education Graduate with one oak leaf cluster, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one bronze star and Air Force Training Ribbon; and

Master Sergeant James Paul Hopkins awards and other accomplishments include: in March 1991, Senior NCO Academy correspondence, in June 198 Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, in November 1976 Noncommissioned Officer Leadership School, Langley, AFB, Virginia and Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) Operator Civil Air Patrol; and

Whereas, It is a fitting honor to name this road where these two outstanding brothers grew up before going on to have distinguished and remarkable careers while serving in the United Sates Air Force; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name a portion of West Virginia Route 10, near McConnell in Logan County, beginning at a point, latitude 37.823846, longitude -81.958422, and ending at a point, latitude 37.833712, longitude -81.966816, the “U.S. Air Force CMSgt Charlie Randolph Hopkins and U.S. Air Force MSgt James Paul Hopkins Road”; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs identifying the road as the “U.S. Air Force CMSgt Charlie Randolph Hopkins and U.S. Air Force MSgt James Paul Hopkins Road”; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Secretary of Transportation, the Commissioner of Highways.