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Capt. Hayes Clayton Jr. - 29 years old from Marietta Georgia.
Hayes was born in Memphis. After he graduated High School, he Hayes went onto college at FVSU (Fort Valley State University). He graduated from FVSU in 2002 with a bachelor's degree in politicial science. He was a member of the ROTC program and was a loyal brother of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
LTC(R) Gregory K. Rooks recalls back when Hayes was in the ROTC Program and his participation as a member of the Ranger Challenge Team. LTC Antonio Foster, another Professor of Military Science said, "He was a beacon of light for all of us. He left behind a legacy that his son can and will be very proud of."
That same year, Hayes was commissioned into the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. Hayes' grandmother, Vera Cooper said that he joined the Army because he hoped to one day run for office. He told her that he wanted to actually know what it was like to be in the service if he was ever going to be in position to send troops into battle. Vera said her grandson knew the risks going in, but was prepared to face them. "When he got ready to go to Iraq, he didn't complain about that. It was an acceptance. It was part of who he was. It was part of his job to do what was supposed to do." She said.
Capt. Clayton was a husband and a new father. His son, Hayes Clayton III was just three weeks old when when he was ordered to Iraq. Capt. Clayton was killed on December 25, 2006 from wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated while was conducting combat operations in Balad, Iraq. Before he left for Iraq, he made a video for his son. However, Vera said that it can never replace the time this little boy has lost with his father. She said, "He was a good son, he was a good son, a good grandson. The only thing that I regret was that it came soon."
Capt. Clayton's wife and grandmother learned of his death on Christmas night. However she said that Junior's courage doesn't make his death and less painful. "Some hours are better than others, and some it will become overwhelming when I think about the finale of the whole thing, and then I think about how his son won't really know who he is."
Cpt. Claytona was a Christian, a Soldier, a son, a brother, a husband and a father. To honor Capt. Clayton Jr., the FVSU ROTC has establised an account to pay for the education of his son, Hayes Clayton III. To make a donation to the Hayes Clayton III Education Fund, please mail contributions to:
Fort Valley State University |
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