Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 4 May 2006 — Page 3

The Muncie Times • May 4, 2006 • Page 3

continued from page 1 form aerial photography. He spent part of his time taking pictures of plane wrecks and helping to determine what had caused them. He also used his photographic skills to document the visits, performances and arrivals of celebrities. He was the first African American officer at Kessler Field, Miss., and Jefferson Barracks, Mo. Hawkins attended Officer Candidate School, somewhat against his will. As a specialist, he made more money than he would as a second lieutenant. He attended and was promoted to second lieutenant in the Air Corps. He was later promoted to first lieutenant in 1945. Hawkins’ military experiences fueled the writing of his book. The Tuskegee

Experiment: The Ground Crew Experience. When Hawkins was sent to Officer Candidate School in Miami Beach, Fla., he was one of only three African Americans selected to do so. When Hawkins was assigned to Kessler Air Base, Miss.,he learned that there was no housing for African American officers. African American officers were not allowed in any of the entertainment venues. Hawkins waged a battle to get opportunities for nonwhite officers to be permitted go to the theaterss, the Post Exchange and the Post restaurant. The changes took place within 3 months of Hawkins’ protests. Because Hawkins had continued in his campaign to integrate base activities and facilities, the base commander called him in

to convince him to stop his actions. When Hawkins refused, the commander hit him the head and shoulders. Hawkins was court martialed because he used his commander’s cane to hit him back. When Hawkins was returned to the base, after fleeing for his life, an inspector general from the War Department was arriving at the base to check on the numerous written complaints about intolerable conditions that Hawkins had sent to the U. S. War Department. The inspector also saw the “Whites Only” signs and other evidences of discriminatory behavior against African Americans. The base commander was reassigned and Hawkins’ charges were dismissed.

He left the military with an honorable discharge in 1947. Once out of the military, Hawkins was employed by Honeywell and Naval Avionics. He was the first African American sent to Ft. Washington, Pa., for training as an industrial service engineer. At Naval Avionics he worked as an electrician. In 1970, he was graduated from Sam’s Technical Institute. Hawkins decided to make Indiana his home in 1951. He was declared an Honored Hoosier in 1977. He became the first African American to receive the George W. Stark Memorial Volunteer Award, having volunteered more than 1,000 hours. He was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Frank O’Bannon on Nov. 11, 2001.

Noted for his talents, Hawkins built his first home on 39th Street according to code with no previous contracting or building training. He was gifted in cooking, sewing, electronics and was a professional photographer. Pompey Hawkins was a man for any and all seasons and a gift to all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Margaret Winston Hawkins, his son, Pompeii, a grandson and a sister He was preceded in death by his son, Rene’, and three sisters. Funeral services were held last month at Washington Park North Funeral Home, 2706 Kessler Blvd, West Drive, Indianapolis.

All That... You Need Hair & Beauty Supply WigsAVeave Purses /Perfumes Apparel & Accesories Delivery Available To Salons ($50 Min. Order - A.M. Only) Stop By And Ask About Our Mother’s Day Specials or Pre Packaged Gift Sets... 301 South Ohio - Muncie (Former Location of Cutten’ Up Barber Shop) Monday’s by Appt. Tues - Sat. 10-6 p.m. 765-284-5905 We Look Forward To Your Visit/Business

Fancy Fashions Vy* 1421 South Madison-Muncie, IN (765-747-0887) Thurs., Friday, Saturdays Noon-6:00pm ,! Or Special Appointments A vail able Mother's Day Specials Please Stop By And Let Us Help Fancy Up That Special Mother In Your Life. We can dress you from head to toe with accessories included. Stop in or call to sched. an appointment. A Women’s & Men’s Suits i - Shoes - Sandals W fW Hats ■y W Purses WJ , I Jewlery J f\ [I • Casual Wear f ■ m f i JJ (i Brand Suits.... Donna Vinci, Louis Ricci, DVC, Ben Marc, \\ m 7 Natasha, Tania Belle, Stacy Adams... Just to name a few!!!! / I to) / Visa, Master Card, and Layaways are also available. • ,‘li f f f /rtf W ('rMay God Bless Each of You & Happy Mother's Day to All

\W[)dB0(e> §B[}D(o)[5)[°)B[mg[) WB@BG aaa Pitt'S BartaoCllC Thurs. llam-Spni Friday & Sat. 1 lam-11pm (765-747-0889) BBQ Ribs, Chicken, Tip Dinners Fried Fish & Shrimp Dinners Tenderloins, Deserts, Etc. Both Pitts <S Fancy Fashions Are Family Owned A Operated By Pastor Wade A Bette Sloss.