About
Henry E. “Hank” Erwin was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama to Henry E. “Red” and Martha Erwin. He was their only son and they had three daughters. It was a “miracle” story that this young couple in the aftermath of WWII overcame the odds of survival and a debilitating war injury to have four beautiful children and live a very productive life in Ensley. The late Henry E. “Red” Erwin was with the 20th Air Force, United States Army Air Corps during the war. As a radio operator aboard a B-29 Bomber in the Pacific, Red Erwin sustained severe and permanent burns to 65% of his body. He personally disposed of a burning phosphorus bomb in the plane while they were in flight. The lives of the entire crew were saved and he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, April 12, 1945, for heroism above and beyond the call of duty. Red worked many years at the Birmingham V.A. Hospital as a Contact Representative. Determination, faith in God and the love of family sustained them. Principals they taught Hank Erwin.
Tragedy would strike again! Hank had the opportunity to attend Troy State University on a four year baseball scholarship as a pitcher. The summer leading into his sophomore year of college he experienced a horrific construction accident while working. He severely injured his foot and the possibility of losing his only opportunity to attend college as a baseball pitcher. With the same determination, faith in God and the love of family he lettered in baseball all four years and completed his college education. Despite adversity Hank prevails with the same principals of courage and faith instilled him by his parents living example. These principals make him the Family Choice! Sen. Erwin has served and stood for Alabama families with integrity. He has never wavered from those principals!
Hank received a B.S. degree from Troy State University, a B.A. degree from Southeastern Bible College and a M.A. degree from Dallas Seminary. Hank has worked in the radio and television industry for the past 30 years. While in Dallas Seminary, he began working in broadcasting as the host of a Christian themed sports call-in show on KCBI-FM. Upon returning to Alabama he continued his radio career at WDJC-FM and WYDE-AM. The Birmingham Post-Herald labeled him "the Larry King of the born-again set in Birmingham" with his gift as a motivational speaker. Presently, Hank hosts a one hour daily television program, "The Hank Erwin Show" on WOTM-LP, which is viewed on a public access channel in Birmingham and Montgomery by Charter Communications.
Republican State Senator Hank Erwin is serving his second term representing District 14 in Alabama, which includes portions of Jefferson County, Shelby County, Bibb County and all of Chilton County. Hank is respected for his efforts to help military veterans and was named the 2005 Legislator of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He has served on the ALCAP Board, Freedoms Foundation Advisory Board and is the past President and CEO of Save America Foundation. He is currently a member of NRA, the U.S. Golf Association, a Major in the Civil Air Patrol and was elected 2004 and 2008 Alabama Delegate to the National Republican Convention for George W. Bush and Mike Huckabee.
Hank and Sheila, formerly of Gadsden, have been married for 37 years and live in Montevallo. They have two married sons. Andrew and his wife Mandii have a son, Issac and Jonathan and his wife Beth have a daughter, Kate. Andrew and Jonathan are co-owners of their business, ErwinBrothers Motion Pictures. Hank and Sheila are members of Lakeside Baptist Church, Birmingham.
