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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF DONNIE EARL "PAW PAW" COOK AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened by the passing of Donnie Earl "Paw Paw" Cook on Thursday, April 22, 2021, at the venerable age of seventy; and
Whereas, born September 15, 1950, Mr. Cook was a dedicated and honorable service member who retired from the North Carolina Air National Guard. As a member of the military, Mr. Cook continued to serve countless hours at the 145th Civil Engineer, Air National Guard Regional Training Site. As a state employee, Mr. Cook served as a part of the original startup team working side by side with State Supervisor James Casper, as well as Air National Guard military members Jason Huffstetler, Chris Speagle, and Richard Yow. This outstanding team set records in training and was classified as the Premier Training Site in the United States; and
Whereas, Mr. Cook went on to perform extra duties, such as instruction and team assistance that have been proven throughout the Air Force. He instructed and assisted units from nearly every state in the country, including multiple teams from the South Carolina Air National Guard and International Classes. His dedication and support for the United States military and the entire Air National Guard set a shining example of going above and beyond the call of duty; and
Whereas, following his second retirement from the Air National Guard, Mr. Cook went on to assist in other capacities, such as airport engineer for the Stanly County Airport, which provides air support for military aircraft. This support helped continue the growth of the 145th Regional Training Site, toward which he had dedicated a significant amount of his life by insuring that military troops had easy access both in and out of the premier training site; and
Whereas, as a founding member of the 145th Regional Training Site, it is an honor to recognize Donnie Earl "Paw Paw" Cook for his service to the United States, the United States Air Force, the Air National Guard, the United States Army, the Army National Guard, the United States Navy, and the Navy Reserves. The team effort of Mr. Cook and the entire 145th Regional Training Site staff set the standard in Air National Guard training for years to come. As true an example of a team effort as you can find, the team would have not been complete without Mr. Cook; and
Whereas, Mr. Cook leaves to cherish and uphold his memory his beloved second home, the Stanly County Airport and 145th Regional Training Site. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express the profound sorrow of the South Carolina House of Representatives upon the passing of Donnie Earl "Paw Paw" Cook and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Donnie Earl Cook, the 145th Regional Training Site, and the Stanly County Airport.
This web page was last updated on April 28, 2021 at 2:21 PM