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This Veterans Day marks an important milestone for Yolo County veteran Tommy Hobbs.
It was 50 years ago this week that Hobbs enlisted in the Navy, which led to a 30-year career in the military. Hobbs is now a teacher at Cesar Chavez Community School, located at 255 W Beamer St. in Woodland. On Monday, Nov. 8, he wore his uniform to the school to mark his enlistment anniversary.
Hobbs said he still remembers reporting to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Oakland on Nov. 8, 1971 at 5:30 a.m.
Asked why he enlisted, Hobbs said, “the Navy provided me with a financial opportunity I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
Hobbs noted that his family didn’t have the finances to send him to college and earn a deferment from enlisting. Hobbs shared that his first six years in the Navy were extremely difficult for him.
“I was newly married and missed my wife and kids while stationed abroad,” Hobbs said.
However, Hobbs reenlisted and later started teaching at Mare Island in Vallejo. In 2001, Hobbs retired from the Concord Naval Weapons Station in Concord.
He served tours on the U.S.S. Dixie and the U.S.S. Stein. Hobbs rose to the rank of Command Master Chief, the 10th highest rank in the United States Navy.
The Yolo Post 77 of the American Legion will be commemorating Veterans Day with a ceremony in front of the Historic Yolo County Courthouse on Thursday. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 at 725 Court St. in Woodland.
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