One of 'Eleven' attends film screening

June 26--VICTORVILLE -- Robert "Jack" Cocks rested in a wheelchair and shook hands with dozens of guests who had lined up to meet him.

The soft-spoken World War II Navy veteran, at 95, has become an unlikely celebrity since being interviewed in 2014 by writer-director George Retelas as one of 11 surviving members of Carrier Air Group 11.

The resulting documentary -- aptly titled "Eleven" -- features the Victorville resident recalling stories of his tours in Guadalcanal and aboard the USS Hornet CV-12.

After Retelas completed "Eleven," the world premiere of the film took place aboard the USS Hornet Museum in Alameda, and has since gone on to screen in numerous cities across the state -- winning Best Documentary at the Livermore Film Festival in May.

"Eleven" received its local premiere Saturday at the High Desert Center for the Arts, and Cocks, his family and Retelas attended the event hosted by the Sterling Inn, where Cocks resides.

"I hope you have both a learning and an entertainment experience," Cocks said to the near-capacity crowd, after rising from the wheelchair and taking a red-carpet walk to the front of the auditorium. "There's a lot of this history that's not known by this generation. Our children, they have a duty as well as an opportunity to learn how we managed to get here."

Before the lights dimmed, Don Holland, 1st District Supervisor Robert Lovingood's policy advisor, presented Cocks with a certificate on behalf of Lovingood, who sent "his very best wishes."

"It's really an honor to meet you today, Commander Cocks," Holland said, "and to thank you for your service and your sacrifice for our country ... To play such an important role in the world as a dive bomber pilot ... in such a monumental, epic endeavor ... is something that is just amazing."

Retelas -- donning a replica bomber jacket given to him by the 11 veterans he interviewed -- paced around the center's lobby as audio from "Eleven" faintly filtered in from the screening room.

He couldn't help but smile each time the audience laughed at the film's often humorous stars.

"There's nothing better than that," he said.

A question-and-answer period with Retelas and Cocks followed the screening, and many who watched the film -- their eyes still glossy from the many somber moments -- stayed to speak with the pair.

Later in the evening, Cocks was honored at Sunset Hills Memorial Park during the Sunset Hills Children's Foundation annual scholarship fundraiser event.

Representatives for 8th District U.S. Congressman Paul Cook, R-Apple Valley, and 33rd District Assemblyman Jay Obernolte, R-Hesperia -- as well as Apple Valley Mayor Barb Stanton -- all presented Cocks with certificates of their own.

Matthew Cabe can be reached at MCabe@VVDailyPress.com or at 760-951-6254. Follow him on Twitter @DP_MatthewCabe.

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