Clayton Veteran Carries Lessons Of Service Into Classroom

CLAYTON, N.C. – For retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Andrew Bond, serving his country has always meant putting others first. After 20 years in the military, he now shares that same commitment with students at Clayton High School. Bond will reflect on his experiences as the guest speaker for the Town of Clayton’s annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony. 

The ceremony begins at 5 p.m., Monday, November 2, at The Clayton Center, 111 E. Second Street. The event is free and open to the public, giving residents a chance to come together and honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. 

The evening will include a Presentation of Colors by American Legion Post 71 and a performance of the National Anthem. The Wake & District Piper Band will perform “Amazing Grace,” and students from Clayton High School’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NJROTC) will present a drill exhibition. 

Bond served in the U.S. Navy from 1986 to 2006. During that time, he was aboard four Navy ships and completed deployments throughout the Caribbean, South America, and the Indo-Pacific. His assignments included missions to stop drug trafficking and support national security, following the September 11 attacks. 

Looking back on his military career, Bond says the experience shaped how he approaches life long after leaving the Navy. “Serving in the military instilled in me the value of teamwork and inspired a lifelong commitment to serving a purpose greater than myself,” said Bond. 

His interest in working with young people began during his military career when he helped establish two Naval Sea Cadet Corps units. Through those programs, he discovered how much he enjoyed helping students learn about leadership and responsibility. 

That experience led him to become an NJROTC instructor in 2006. He moved to Clayton in 2010 and now teaches at Clayton High School where he encourages students to look for ways to help others succeed. 

“Above all, the greatest lesson I hope students take from my journey is the importance of putting others before yourself,” said Bond. “Even when you reach the peak of your career, true leadership means turning around, reaching back, and helping those coming up behind you achieve the same success or greater.” 

Along with the ceremony, the Town of Clayton is inviting residents and businesses to participate in Operation Green Light, a nationwide effort to show appreciation for veterans. 

From November 2-11, community members are encouraged to display green lights in windows or outside their homes and businesses. This simple gesture lets veterans know their service is remembered and appreciated. 

“Any recognition a community shows toward its veterans is deeply appreciated,” said Bond. “The Operation Green Light initiative provides a visible, outward show of support for Clayton’s veterans.” 

To help the community participate, the Town will offer free green light bulbs beginning Monday, October 26, at the following locations: 

• Clayton Town Hall (111 E. Second Street)
• Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library (100 S. Church Street)
• Clayton Community Center (715 Amelia Church Road) 

Bulbs will be available while supplies last with a limit of one per household or business. Participants are encouraged to place their green lights somewhere visible and keep them shining through Veterans Day on November 11.