3/25/21 Al Hodges Obituary from His Closest Friends
Mar 25, 2021 17:32:30 GMT -5
JudoJack, John Winston Lennon O'Boogie, and 10 more like this
Post by portrush on Mar 25, 2021 17:32:30 GMT -5
Alvin Clifton Hodges
9/5/41 - 3/24/21
It is with great sadness that I bring the news of the passing of our dear friend and leader Alvin Clifton Hodges. Al dedicated the past twenty years of his life to the fight for justice for the CMKX shareholders as well as the American people. Never once thinking of himself. Al spent his entire life savings and inheritance to bring about vindication for us all. However even for Al his number was called! “If a man has not discovered something that he will die for, he is not fit to live” Dr. Martin Luther King. Well Al certainly discovered something to die for when he took on the CMKX shareholders as his family. Because that is what we were to him. We became his family when he agreed to the enormous task.
With anything asked of Al he always gave 110% of himself. Al was not only a friend he was a mentor and at times a counselor. His wisdom was unbelievable. His kindness unmatched. “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; What we have done for others and the world remains immortal” What Al has done for the CMKX shareholders and me personally will remain immortal. As one day soon we will reap the rewards of his fruitless efforts.
Rest in peace my good friend!
And another close friend wrote:
A story of Moses comes to mind when I think of Al. Moses led the exodus of the Israelites out of Egypt and across the Red Sea. They were at the base of Mount Sinai for 40 years wandering in the dessert. Moses died within sight of the Promised Land on Mount Nebo. My dear friend Al, you died in sight of the promised land that God has ordained for humanity and you were a part of that for many.
Rest in peace.
The above was sent to me directly from Reece Hamilton. It was the collaborative work of some of Al’s dearest friends: Reece, Dennis and Sheila—each who have also been part of our journey and long supported the efforts of their dear friend. It is the only official comment from those perhaps closest to Al. Anything else you read or another claiming special insight, likely isn’t accurate.
This request was also made:
Please do not send or raise any money in the name of Al Hodges. The shareholder’s money is best kept in their own pockets.
You should also know these fine people gave of themselves immensely when it came to Al's care. Reece especially perhaps. He stands head and shoulders above so many for such unselfish acts of kindness. Biblical in nature...looking out for the elderly and less capable without asking a thing in return. He was there for Al until the final breath. Pray for Reece. May God bless him immeasurably in return. All of them really--each one special to Al in many ways.
This request to not send/raise money, for me, rings so true to the character of the Al Hodges I knew. As I’ve shared in times past, when I offered (twice) to become the 8th plaintiff, Al softly said “Thank you, but it’s not necessary.” It spoke volumes. I was freely offering—he was freely encouraging. He did that a lot.
Many people have lost a leader in this adventure. Many others of us have lost a friend.
Much of my time spent with Al falls mostly in three categories: Coach, Golf Nut, and Professor.
I tapped the professor many times over several years. We so enjoyed conversing about American history, some politics but mostly big picture areas. The man was well read, studied and always willing to teach. I’m going to miss those moments. His published white paper, Wake Up America! was eye opening on several levels. He understood things on such a different scale. I remember him telling me one day; “I spent more than 20 years in the aeronautical industry and decades more as a lawyer and I’m still learning.” The hallmark of a great professor—someone who is still learning.
The man was a patriot to the core and supported the true heroes of our country whenever possible. I have a picture of him wearing his shirt with pride: Home of the Free, Because of the Brave. I know the two Lt Cols appreciated his devotion to those in uniform. He truly cared for them because he understood sacrifice.
He loved golf. I don't mean loved, loved. I mean rubber-room, padded walls loved golf. Certifiable. We were talking one day and I shared a story about the Ping Golf company family and someone I knew and out of the blue he says--"I knew Karsten!" He then went on to explain how and the story behind it all. Amazing stuff.
There was some rumor on the boards a few years back. Apparently Frizzell had some client named Betty Hodges (or similar) so everyone was saying it was a relative of Al’s—his wife in fact. He had left the boards by that time and when I shared it with him, he let out the deepest belly laugh one might ever hear. When he caught his breath, he said to me: “My wives have given me two true gifts in the lives of my sons” and then reminisced on how we all have a tendency to wish we had done things differently, lived more intently, but no…Miss Betty was no relation. We laughed again. Then a quiet moment as two dads...just thinking. He is survived today by those very two sons. Rumors surrounding Al have taken on a life of their own over time.
Sad.
And so is the rush to be “news bearer.” Many posts from yesterday are disappointing to me, or at least those who rushed to be the one to tell everyone, rather than honoring this man with some modicum of decency. I guess we all have different standards, huh? Al Hodges did nothing but give his best to make something happen or happen sooner or better for shareholders. He believed. He encouraged. He championed. He left it all out on the field. Having been subject of (not so funny) jokes, outright insults and disparate claims of personal relationships that simply didn’t exist, he stood the test of time and…
He. Never. Waivered.
We emailed a lot. Selfish of me and my tendancy to forget as I’ve aged. But I’ve saved them from him. Sadly many messages on 1MM wiped out by the mysterious 25a clause of Proboards. But I’ll share this one with you. Not because it references me—but because it references heart. Al’s heart. THIS is the man so many of us knew…determined, strong, yet malleable.
“I took on an assignment for some brave souls which, as has been my want all these years, I will see through to total completion. Yes, I could have ducked out after SCOTUS refused to hear our Petition [and, actually, long before] and at a number of other times. It has been a very trying and tough journey; but, I have met some wonderful people along the path – you toward the top of the list – and I have not only learned a great deal, I feel as though I have had the chance to finish growing up. I am thus most thankful for the opportunity.”
It's quite an admission. I hope I have the chutzpah or intestinal attitude to be that honest with myself at that age.
So what becomes of the journey this day forward? The same as we’ve experienced of course. We wait for that which has yet to unfold. If Al could have pressed a button to bring to pass sooner, I am convinced he would have. So are you. He said as much. Many times.
When the day of restitution comes—or even beforehand—if you’re inclined to do something in honor of Al’s unselfish efforts to shareholders he never met…do something nice for a stranger in his honor. Thats what many of us were to him when he started his fight for CMKX, right? So buy the person behind you their order in the Starbucks drive-thru lane. Ask the employee to just say “compliments of Al” and go on your way smiling. Help someone lift something into the car at the grocery. Say a kind word. This was a man who lived by the motto:
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
So be a good Samaritan—don’t do nothing, do something that brings a smile to someone you don’t know. Al Hodges certainly tried to do that. Often.
I’ll leave this post with one more email (below) from Al. It came unexpected one day and caught me off guard the day he sent it. Why? Because it was one of those that you see sent all over the internet forwarded by one to another to another and so on. Al sent this? was my first thought. He reads this stuff? But then I read it as a metaphor with him in mind. Do the same and perhaps you’ll see some Al Hodges in this message. It will bless you with his memory.
Rest in peace dear friend. You toiled without asking for favor in return. A class act that stands untouchable.
Breakfast at McDonald's
This is a good story and is true, please read it all the way through until the end!
I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree.
The last class I had to take was Sociology.
The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with her last project of the term was called, 'Smile.' The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.
Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son. We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch.... An overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.
As I turned around, I smelled a horrible 'dirty body' smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was 'smiling' His beautiful sky-blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance.
He said, 'Good day' as he counted the few coins he had been clutching. The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.
I held my tears as I stood there with them. The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, 'Coffee is all Miss' because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm). Then I really felt it—the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.
That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.
I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand.
He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, 'Thank you.' I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, 'I did not do this for you.... God is here working through me to give you hope.' I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, 'That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope...'
We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.
We are not church goers, but we are believers. That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love.
I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in 'my project' and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, 'Can I share this?' I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class. She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed.
In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my son, the instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student. I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn: UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.
Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.
There is an Angel sent to watch over you. In order for her to work, you must pass this on to the people you want watched over. An Angel wrote:
Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart to handle yourself, use your head. To handle others, use your heart. God Gives every bird it's food, but He does not throw it into its nest. Send it back, you'll see why!
A box of gold with a secret inside that has never been told. This box is priceless but as I see the treasure inside is precious to me. Today I share this treasure with thee. It's the treasure of friendship you've given me. If this comes back to you then you'll have a friend or life but, if this becomes deleted, you are not a friend. Send this to everyone you consider a friend!
It will grant you one wish and only one wish.
Feel free to share this on other boards and rooms.
9/5/41 - 3/24/21
It is with great sadness that I bring the news of the passing of our dear friend and leader Alvin Clifton Hodges. Al dedicated the past twenty years of his life to the fight for justice for the CMKX shareholders as well as the American people. Never once thinking of himself. Al spent his entire life savings and inheritance to bring about vindication for us all. However even for Al his number was called! “If a man has not discovered something that he will die for, he is not fit to live” Dr. Martin Luther King. Well Al certainly discovered something to die for when he took on the CMKX shareholders as his family. Because that is what we were to him. We became his family when he agreed to the enormous task.
With anything asked of Al he always gave 110% of himself. Al was not only a friend he was a mentor and at times a counselor. His wisdom was unbelievable. His kindness unmatched. “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; What we have done for others and the world remains immortal” What Al has done for the CMKX shareholders and me personally will remain immortal. As one day soon we will reap the rewards of his fruitless efforts.
Rest in peace my good friend!
And another close friend wrote:
A story of Moses comes to mind when I think of Al. Moses led the exodus of the Israelites out of Egypt and across the Red Sea. They were at the base of Mount Sinai for 40 years wandering in the dessert. Moses died within sight of the Promised Land on Mount Nebo. My dear friend Al, you died in sight of the promised land that God has ordained for humanity and you were a part of that for many.
Rest in peace.
The above was sent to me directly from Reece Hamilton. It was the collaborative work of some of Al’s dearest friends: Reece, Dennis and Sheila—each who have also been part of our journey and long supported the efforts of their dear friend. It is the only official comment from those perhaps closest to Al. Anything else you read or another claiming special insight, likely isn’t accurate.
This request was also made:
Please do not send or raise any money in the name of Al Hodges. The shareholder’s money is best kept in their own pockets.
You should also know these fine people gave of themselves immensely when it came to Al's care. Reece especially perhaps. He stands head and shoulders above so many for such unselfish acts of kindness. Biblical in nature...looking out for the elderly and less capable without asking a thing in return. He was there for Al until the final breath. Pray for Reece. May God bless him immeasurably in return. All of them really--each one special to Al in many ways.
This request to not send/raise money, for me, rings so true to the character of the Al Hodges I knew. As I’ve shared in times past, when I offered (twice) to become the 8th plaintiff, Al softly said “Thank you, but it’s not necessary.” It spoke volumes. I was freely offering—he was freely encouraging. He did that a lot.
Many people have lost a leader in this adventure. Many others of us have lost a friend.
Much of my time spent with Al falls mostly in three categories: Coach, Golf Nut, and Professor.
I tapped the professor many times over several years. We so enjoyed conversing about American history, some politics but mostly big picture areas. The man was well read, studied and always willing to teach. I’m going to miss those moments. His published white paper, Wake Up America! was eye opening on several levels. He understood things on such a different scale. I remember him telling me one day; “I spent more than 20 years in the aeronautical industry and decades more as a lawyer and I’m still learning.” The hallmark of a great professor—someone who is still learning.
The man was a patriot to the core and supported the true heroes of our country whenever possible. I have a picture of him wearing his shirt with pride: Home of the Free, Because of the Brave. I know the two Lt Cols appreciated his devotion to those in uniform. He truly cared for them because he understood sacrifice.
He loved golf. I don't mean loved, loved. I mean rubber-room, padded walls loved golf. Certifiable. We were talking one day and I shared a story about the Ping Golf company family and someone I knew and out of the blue he says--"I knew Karsten!" He then went on to explain how and the story behind it all. Amazing stuff.
There was some rumor on the boards a few years back. Apparently Frizzell had some client named Betty Hodges (or similar) so everyone was saying it was a relative of Al’s—his wife in fact. He had left the boards by that time and when I shared it with him, he let out the deepest belly laugh one might ever hear. When he caught his breath, he said to me: “My wives have given me two true gifts in the lives of my sons” and then reminisced on how we all have a tendency to wish we had done things differently, lived more intently, but no…Miss Betty was no relation. We laughed again. Then a quiet moment as two dads...just thinking. He is survived today by those very two sons. Rumors surrounding Al have taken on a life of their own over time.
Sad.
And so is the rush to be “news bearer.” Many posts from yesterday are disappointing to me, or at least those who rushed to be the one to tell everyone, rather than honoring this man with some modicum of decency. I guess we all have different standards, huh? Al Hodges did nothing but give his best to make something happen or happen sooner or better for shareholders. He believed. He encouraged. He championed. He left it all out on the field. Having been subject of (not so funny) jokes, outright insults and disparate claims of personal relationships that simply didn’t exist, he stood the test of time and…
He. Never. Waivered.
We emailed a lot. Selfish of me and my tendancy to forget as I’ve aged. But I’ve saved them from him. Sadly many messages on 1MM wiped out by the mysterious 25a clause of Proboards. But I’ll share this one with you. Not because it references me—but because it references heart. Al’s heart. THIS is the man so many of us knew…determined, strong, yet malleable.
“I took on an assignment for some brave souls which, as has been my want all these years, I will see through to total completion. Yes, I could have ducked out after SCOTUS refused to hear our Petition [and, actually, long before] and at a number of other times. It has been a very trying and tough journey; but, I have met some wonderful people along the path – you toward the top of the list – and I have not only learned a great deal, I feel as though I have had the chance to finish growing up. I am thus most thankful for the opportunity.”
It's quite an admission. I hope I have the chutzpah or intestinal attitude to be that honest with myself at that age.
So what becomes of the journey this day forward? The same as we’ve experienced of course. We wait for that which has yet to unfold. If Al could have pressed a button to bring to pass sooner, I am convinced he would have. So are you. He said as much. Many times.
When the day of restitution comes—or even beforehand—if you’re inclined to do something in honor of Al’s unselfish efforts to shareholders he never met…do something nice for a stranger in his honor. Thats what many of us were to him when he started his fight for CMKX, right? So buy the person behind you their order in the Starbucks drive-thru lane. Ask the employee to just say “compliments of Al” and go on your way smiling. Help someone lift something into the car at the grocery. Say a kind word. This was a man who lived by the motto:
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
So be a good Samaritan—don’t do nothing, do something that brings a smile to someone you don’t know. Al Hodges certainly tried to do that. Often.
I’ll leave this post with one more email (below) from Al. It came unexpected one day and caught me off guard the day he sent it. Why? Because it was one of those that you see sent all over the internet forwarded by one to another to another and so on. Al sent this? was my first thought. He reads this stuff? But then I read it as a metaphor with him in mind. Do the same and perhaps you’ll see some Al Hodges in this message. It will bless you with his memory.
Rest in peace dear friend. You toiled without asking for favor in return. A class act that stands untouchable.
Breakfast at McDonald's
This is a good story and is true, please read it all the way through until the end!
I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree.
The last class I had to take was Sociology.
The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with her last project of the term was called, 'Smile.' The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.
Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son. We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch.... An overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.
As I turned around, I smelled a horrible 'dirty body' smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was 'smiling' His beautiful sky-blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance.
He said, 'Good day' as he counted the few coins he had been clutching. The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.
I held my tears as I stood there with them. The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, 'Coffee is all Miss' because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm). Then I really felt it—the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.
That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.
I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand.
He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, 'Thank you.' I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, 'I did not do this for you.... God is here working through me to give you hope.' I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, 'That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope...'
We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.
We are not church goers, but we are believers. That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love.
I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in 'my project' and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, 'Can I share this?' I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class. She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed.
In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my son, the instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student. I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn: UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.
Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.
There is an Angel sent to watch over you. In order for her to work, you must pass this on to the people you want watched over. An Angel wrote:
Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart to handle yourself, use your head. To handle others, use your heart. God Gives every bird it's food, but He does not throw it into its nest. Send it back, you'll see why!
A box of gold with a secret inside that has never been told. This box is priceless but as I see the treasure inside is precious to me. Today I share this treasure with thee. It's the treasure of friendship you've given me. If this comes back to you then you'll have a friend or life but, if this becomes deleted, you are not a friend. Send this to everyone you consider a friend!
It will grant you one wish and only one wish.
Feel free to share this on other boards and rooms.
