Colonel Robert Hoffmann, USAF (Retired)
'Dusty'
Published in Charlotte Observer on 4/16/2006

Colonel Hoffmann, age 86, passed away on March 16, 2006 in San Antonio, Texas of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease.) A Memorial service was held at Air Force Village II in San Antonio, where he and his wife, Caroline lived since moving from Charlotte in 2002. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery on April 20, 2006 at 1:00 p.m.
Colonel Hoffmann was born on August 2, 1919 in San Francisco and grew up in Oakland, California. He graduated from UCLA with a degree in meteorology. Col. Hoffmann was an aviation cadet at the time Pearl Harbor was attacked in December, 1941. He served on active duty for 28 years as a pilot, navigator and meteorologist. During World War II, as aircraft commander, he flew 33 combat missions in B-17S with the 91ST Bomb Group, 8th Air Force in England. The famed Memphis Belle was 91st Bomb Group B-17. After the war, Col. Hoffmann became a Hurricane Hunter and flew into hurricanes off Bermuda.
He served with distinction as a meteorologist in Korea, Japan, Guam and all regions of the United States. The Bronze Star, U.S. Army Commendation Medal, are among the honors he was awarded. He retired in 1968 as Commander of the 3rd Weather Squadron, Shaw AFB, South Carolina.
After moving to Charlotte, Col. Hoffmann continued his service to our country by activating the Central Cabarrus High School Jr. ROTC Squadron in 1970. He served as ROTC instructor in Concord for 13 years, inspiring many young cadets to follow in his footsteps. He was a very devoted teacher and received the Air Force Jr. ROTC Outstanding Instructor award several times before his retirement in 1983.
During the 33 years he lived in Charlotte, Col. Hoffmann enjoyed being an active member of many organizations. The Charlotte Kiwanis Club, The Military Order of the World Wars, the 8th Air Force Historical Society, and Myers Park Methodist Church were particularly dear to his heart.
Dusty was an avid gardener, and each spring cars would stop in front of their Charlotte home to admire the beautiful flowers. He also loved seeing his old friends at the many reunions he and Caroline attended. Dusty was a modern day Will Rogers, who loved people and made friends with everyone he met.
Col. Hoffmann is survived by his wife of 62 years, Caroline; daughter, Sharon White and husband, Jim of Oceanside, CA; Robert M. Jr. and wife, Dee of Houston, Texas; son, James, Lt. Col. USA (Reserves) and wife, Flor; granddaughter, Maria and grandson, Robert also of Houston.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to: ALS Association So. Texas Chapter, 6800 Park Ten Blvd. Ste. 220 N., San Antonio, Texas 78213. Arrangements with Porter Loring, 1101 McCullough, San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 227-8221.

Caroline U. Hoffmann (1921 - 2008)
Published in Charlotte Observer on 9/28/2008

Mrs. Hoffmann, age 87, formerly of Charlotte, died on Saturday, September 13, 2008 in San Antonio, TX. She and her husband, Col. Robert 'Dusty' Hoffmann lived in Charlotte, NC for many years after his retirement from the U.S. Air Force.
Caroline grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida where she met and married 'Dusty,' a Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps. When Lt. Hoffmann was deployed to England in 1944 to fly B17s, he named his new Flying Fortress the 'Naughty Caroline' after his young bride. The 'Naughty Caroline' was flown on many successful missions by the 91st Bomb Group, home of the famed 'Memphis Belle' and 'Nine-0-Nine.'
In Charlotte, Caroline worked for the Department of Commerce and was a longtime member of Meyers Park United Methodist Church and Charity League. She and 'Dusty' were very active in their support of local political candidates and volunteered many hours at the polls. In 2002, Caroline and 'Dusty' moved to Air Force Village II, a community for retired military officers, located in San Antonio. The following year, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
In 2006, Caroline was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Col. Robert Hoffmann and her brother, Robert Underwood (killed in action in 1945). She is survived by two sons, Bob and Jim; a daughter, Sharon and two grandchildren, Maria and Robert.
A memorial service was held at Air Force Village II on September 23rd and interment will be held in Arlington National Cemetery on October 6, 2008 at 9:00 A.M. You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.porterloring.com.
Arrangements with Porter Loring, 1101 McCullough Ave., San Antonio, TX (210) 227-8221.

Cindy Blackwelder Icard and I were fortunate to goto Arlington for the burial. We did get to see Mrs. Hoffman and his family. It was a wonderful send off to a very special man. He made a difference to many of our lives.

I know exactly what you mean, Pam! I don't think it's overstating when I say, Dusty made me what I am today.

My junior year at CCHS, he nudged me into applying for a college AFROTC scholarship. I was sure I wasn't scholarship material, but I went through the whole process anyway. What a surprise when I was selected! That's how I was able to afford to attend East Carolina, graduating with a Computer Science degree. It's also how I was set on the path to become an Air Force officer. Almost 9 years later, I became a defense contractor and moved to Hawaii.

When I graduated from ECU, Dusty and his wife drove up with my family for the ROTC commissioning ceremony. He pinned one "butter bar" on my shoulder, and my mom pinned the other. What a memory.

Always in my thoughts, Dusty..."FRAP!"