; Whereas Claude continued his professional growth by attaining expertise as one of the first African Americans to graduate from the highly competitive and rigorous Weather Officer school; Whereas Claude enjoyed a 21-year career with the United States Air Force before retiring in 1966 with the rank of Captain; Whereas bringing great distinction to himself as the only known Tuskegee Airman to have finished two demanding government pilot training programs and earning the right to wear pilot wings from both Canada and the United States, Claude was further honored by his country in 2007, when he and his fellow Tuskegee Airmen were recognized for their service and awarded the Congressional Gold Medal; Whereas beyond his military service, Claude continued serving his community during his successful career in the banking industry as a bank manager and vice president; and Whereas Claude loved traveling with Winifride, his wife of 67 years, spending quality time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and Claude also inspired two of his daughters and one of his grandchildren to serve in the United States military: Now, therefore, be it