Danny Cobb started his career in automotive maintenance with the United States Navy, serving four years as a ground support maintenance mechanic. After an honorable discharge, and back in the civilian world, he worked for several truck and automotive dealerships honing his skills on many different types of vehicles. Cobb went to work for American Airlines in 1989 and is a Shop Steward and member of Local 513, which represents workers at DFW International Airport. For the last twenty years he’s helped maintain AA’s fleet of automotive ground equipment; from tugs and tractors to cargoveyors and buses.

Cobb’s experience with diesel-powered buses intrigued one of his fellow union brothers, Kenneth Coleman. Coleman, a minister, was in need of a mechanic to help repair a diesel bus used for his community mission work with the homeless. Minister Coleman leads a group of church volunteers that canvas the community and provide transportation for the homeless, bringing them to church services and Bible studies. The group provides food and clothing for the less fortunate as well; Coleman refers to the people he and his Church help as “our extended family,” rather than as “the homeless.”

On October 16 Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield, Texas held their annual fund raising banquet to raise money for their church and to help purchase parts needed for bus repair and maintenance. Later that evening, unbeknown to Cobb, the congregation honored Brother Cobb with a standing ovation and a gift to thank him for his tireless efforts and generous time spent maintaining their bus. Several “extended family” members were attending and grateful for Cobb’s dedication and safety minded work. After receiving the accolades Cobb humbly replied, “When I’m involved with helping others, life is much more peaceful and happier for me, I don’t get wrapped up or angry when I’m helping someone in need.”

“Over the last three and a half years, Danny has donated his free time, unselfishly, working on the bus, keeping it roadworthy and safe,” said Minister Coleman. The Minister was moved to tears as he thanked Cobb for his work. Cobb, his mother and his girlfriend Debbie, were all overwhelmed by the entire congregation’s overwhelming show of affection.

A commemorative video was shown at the fundraiser that featured Cobb’s friends, co-workers and his Local President Darrin Pierce thanking Cobb for his work and reflecting on his helpful nature. TWU Air Transport Division Director John Conley also appeared in the video and thanked Danny for his dedication and expert technical skills maintaining the TWU motor coach and commended his commitment to those less fortunate.

Shown in photo: Cobb with his girlfriend and mother