Our Family

Frank Clayton

About Frank A. Clayton

Frank A. Clayton celebrates his 92nd birthday in 2025. His decision to join the Marine Corps came during a harsh winter with no work opportunities after heavy snowstorms, compounded by his car being stolen. With $150 from insurance and a desire to support his family, he enlisted in the Marines in Denver, Colorado, specifically because they agreed to send an allotment to his mother — as first noted by the recruiting sergeant.

Three days after enlisting, he was leading seven men to basic training at Camp Pendleton. He served overseas in Japan and Korea, working first as a parts clerk and later in the infantry on the front lines. He even served as a barber aboard ships to return overseas. For his service in Korea, Frank was awarded the Purple Heart after a concussion in battle that kept him off duty for 12 days. He recalls one story where sunburn kept him from a mission — a mission that his comrade Johnson took instead, and tragically, Johnson was killed.

After returning home, Frank built a 32-year career with George M. Raymond Company, retiring as a supervisor. He chose to retire early at age 53 to protect his family from a negative environment in southern California. Out of 15 siblings, seven of his brothers also served in the military, making service a proud family tradition. While he was serving in Korea, his girlfriend, June married his brother. Later in life, Frank received a legacy shadow box lovingly made by his wife’s niece Vicki and her husband John, honoring his service and sacrifices.

Legacy

Frank Clayton’s life is a testament to courage, resilience, and devotion to family. His 92 years embody duty and perseverance, and his story stands as an example for generations to come.

Marshall Clayton

I am a service disabled veteran. I served as an MP assigned to the General’s Guard in Stuttgart Germany, Patch Barracks, I was assigned as a personal bodyguard to the DCINC of NATO a four star Air Force General Robert E. Huyser. We answered directly to Alexander Haig, NATO Supreme Allied Commander. I am second from the left. This was at the compound in downtown Stuttgart Germany. We were receiving Henry Kissinger when this picture was taken.

I grew up in Pico Rivera, Ca. Graduated from El Rancho High School where I played Football, Basketball and Baseball and Lettered Varsity. I received an academic Scholarship to USC where I attended one semester.

I then enlisted into the Army and became a Military Policeman for 3 years. I served in Stuttgart, Germany and White Sands Missile Range. I have been in the Construction Industry as a Plaster tender, Estimator, Project Manager, Project Executive and Owner of 2 companies which are Disabled Veteran Owned and Minority Woman Owned Small Businesses. I recently retired to start a nationwide company to serve our veterans who are being discharged to help them get into their first home.

Our company mission statement is "Strengthening communities by renovating distressed properties and providing affordable homeownership opportunities for first-time buyers, targeting veteran families". This is my focus for my 70-80 years. If all goes well, I'll extend it to my 90th Birthday.

Christopher Simonds

Background & Inspiration

  • Born and raised in Orange County, CA.

  • Strong family military tradition: grandfather fought in Korea, uncles Marshall, Darren, and Bryan who also served. .

  • Attended military boarding school, then University of San Diego.

  • After 9/11, felt called to serve; finished college before enlisting (advised by uncle).

Military Service

  • Enlisted in the Army as infantry (despite qualifying to be an officer).

  • Distinguished Honor Graduate in infantry school.

  • Deployed with 1-6 Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division to Ramadi, Iraq.

  • Ramadi was highly dangerous—roadside bombs, snipers, hostile civilians.

  • Nicknamed “Expendable” for his front-line breaching role.

Injury in Iraq

  • Only six weeks into deployment, he was shot by a sniper while on patrol.

  • Bullet ricocheted off rifle plate, fragmented in chest, punctured lungs and artery.

  • Nearly drowned in his own blood; medic John “Doc” Holt saved his life.

  • Evacuated from battlefield → Germany (Landstuhl) → Walter Reed (Maryland).

  • Endured multiple surgeries, lasting nerve damage, and long recovery.

  • Awarded the Purple Heart.

Life After Service

  • Received strong community support on returning home.

  • Built a career with CVS (over 9 years), partly inspired by VA healthcare challenges.

  • Married Chelsea; raising two daughters, Gentry Rose and Emery Grace, in Fountain Hills, Arizona.

Reflections on War & Loss

  • Believes war is terrible but sometimes necessary to protect against dictators and terrorists.

  • Deeply affected by mental health struggles of fellow soldiers.

  • Lost more friends to suicide after the war than in combat—including “Doc” Holt, who had saved him.

👉 Core Message:
Chris Simonds’ story illustrates the harsh realities of war, its lasting physical and emotional costs, and the resilience required to rebuild a meaningful life afterward. He honors those who served, acknowledges the trauma, and holds a sober belief that while war is awful, it can be necessary to defend freedom and protect people from tyranny.