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2013 SESSION
13105478DWHEREAS, United States Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Claude Vann, Jr., of Hampton, a retired military veteran, respected business owner, and dedicated community advocate, died on February 20, 2013; and
WHEREAS, a native of North Carolina, Claude Vann, the son of Claude and Doris (Hunter) Vann, moved to Virginia with his family as a child; the family settled in Hampton and became original members of the historic Aberdeen Gardens community in Hampton; and
WHEREAS, Claude Vann attended Phenix High School and was an active member of the Aberdeen Gardens community as a paperboy, farm worker, and the youngest player on the Aberdeen Rattlers softball team; and
WHEREAS, in 1949, Claude Vann enlisted in the United States Air Force and enjoyed a distinguished 28-year career; and
WHEREAS, Claude Vann rapidly rose through the ranks to become one of the youngest African American Chief Masters in the United States Air Force and provided outstanding service through his work in aircraft maintenance; and
WHEREAS, Claude Vann also led on the softball field, playing pitcher on fast-pitch softball teams at the organizational, base, and Air Force levels; and
WHEREAS, in 1978, Claude Vann retired from the United States Air Force and embarked on a career in business as the owner of Claude Vann, Jr., General Hauling Company; and
WHEREAS, Claude Vann later expanded his company to include landscaping and demolition; he also managed several rental properties and took classes at Hampton Institute, now University; and
WHEREAS, Claude Vann took an active role in community affairs, attending the City of Hampton’s “Neighborhood College” to learn more about city government affairs and operations and serving on numerous committees; and
WHEREAS, a member of the Aberdeen Gardens Historic and Civic Association, Claude Vann worked alongside lifelong friends and members of the Aberdeen Rattlers softball team to have his boyhood neighborhood, Aberdeen Gardens, receive historic designation; and
WHEREAS, Claude Vann generously gave of his time and talents to assist in the restoration of the Aberdeen Gardens Museum Complex and participated with other neighbors in efforts that led to a grant for the replacement of windows and roofs in Aberdeen Gardens; and
WHEREAS, a member of the executive board of the Historical Foundation of Aberdeen Gardens, Claude Vann represented Aberdeen Gardens at the Neighborhoods USA Conferences when the community received the 2002 Neighborhood of the Year and 2007 Multi-Partner Neighborhood of the Year designations; and
WHEREAS, Claude Vann was a tireless advocate for the establishment of a community center at West Hampton and was a strong supporter and member of Hamptons Watch; and
WHEREAS, Claude Vann worked the polls for the Hampton Democratic Party and organized poll workers for Aberdeen, Mallory, and Lindsey/West Hampton voting stations; and
WHEREAS, in 2010, Claude Vann was honored for his many contributions and dedicated efforts to enhance Aberdeen Gardens with the Historical Foundation of Aberdeen Gardens Presidential Award; and
WHEREAS, a devoted family man, Claude Vann continued his mother’s family’s tradition of holding annual reunions, which have been held for 81 consecutive years; a devoted husband and involved father, he took pride in helping raise three college graduates; and
WHEREAS, Claude Vann will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 61 years, Rose; children, Avis, Claude III, and Doris, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of a respected citizen of Hampton, Chief Master Sergeant Claude Vann, Jr., USAF (Ret.); and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Chief Master Sergeant Claude Vann, Jr., USAF (Ret.), as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s respect for his memory.