LIVING A LIFE OF PURPOSE

Major Fran McClendon  Retired USAF

Served with the Six Triple Eight Mail Battalion during WW2.  The Six Triple Eight had two distinctions, one an all Black Unit and two they were the only all Female Unit to serve over seas during the Second World War.

Still living a vibrant life that makes a difference, Fran has become quite a legend and deserves to be recognized for her courageous achievements.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor Fran and a group of girl friends attended a WAAC recruiting drive and all of them decided to enlist August 11, 1942.  Trail Blazer that she was, Fran McClendon served a total of 26 years in the Military during World War 2, Korea and Vietnam, achieving the rank of Major. During WW2 Fran was a member of the WWII, 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. It was the only all-black, all-female battalion overseas during  World War II.  The group was nicknamed “Six Triple Eight” and their motto was “No mail, no morale.

As a young Black woman she pioneered the path for others to follow, always the perfect example of Love and Respect for all to see and admire.

Completing that phase of her life, she married her true love and together they moved to Phoenix, AZ to embark on a career of Antiquing and hunting treasures from the past that they valued so much.

Determined as she was and still is today, Fran became an Entrepreneur in the World of Antiques and Vintage Collectibles of all kinds.

If you do the math, most people would have retired many years ago. Fran considered for a brief moment about liquidating her life’s work, but that was only for a moment – Instead she moved to a New Expanded Location in Downtown Mesa!

Fran is loved by many and continues to inspire people as a Historian and Educator. Many of her loyal customers spend time with her and encourage her to write an autobiography of her life for others to also share and enjoy!