Havasu Veterans: Marine Corps Hero Frank Blain Inducted into Arizona’s Veterans Hall of Fame

Frank Blain, an 85-year-old resident of Lake Havasu City, has reached one of the highest enlisted ranks in the U.S. Marine Corps, earning the title of master gunnery sergeant in 1972, 14 years before concluding a distinguished 30-year career.

Blain’s journey into military service began as a teenager, inspired by his older brother’s enlistment. He joined the Marine Corps in 1956 at just 17, aspiring to follow in his brother’s footsteps. Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Blain’s service took him around the globe, with assignments spanning from Boston and San Diego to Argentina and Japan.

“Being a Marine defines you for life; that’s what motivated me to enlist,” Blain reflected. He initially served as an infantryman for ten years, later transitioning to combat intelligence for the remainder of his career. His military service included two tours in Vietnam, where he was wounded during his first deployment in 1965. A serious injury necessitated a four-month hospitalization, yet Blain returned for a second tour in 1969.

Aside from combat, Blain also embraced teaching roles during his service. He experienced varied assignments across every major Marine division and has fond memories of returning to Okinawa multiple times.

Despite remarkable achievements, Blain acknowledges the toll military life took on his family. Over the years, his wife and two children moved nine times, adjusting to new schools and communities while he was often deployed for lengthy periods. “Unless you’ve experienced it, you can’t truly understand what families endure,” he stated, emphasizing the stress his absence placed on his loved ones.

Post-war, he became the intelligence chief for the 12th Marine Air Group in Iwakuni, Japan, where he provided intelligence support to operations in Japan and Okinawa. Blain served in numerous roles, including heading the Marine Security Guard at the U.S. Embassy in Argentina.

After retiring in 1987, Blain returned to Michigan and engaged in various ventures, including cattle farming with his brother. His family’s journey eventually led them to Kingman and later Lake Havasu City by 2010.

In Havasu, Blain became involved with veterans organizations. He served as commandant of the Marine Corps League Detachment 757 from 2015 to 2017 and led the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 27.

Today, his home showcases numerous accolades, including the Marine of the Year, the Purple Heart, and various Vietnam War medals. Among his achievements, Blain considers his induction into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in 2021 as a pinnacle moment of his life. “That was my highlight,” he remarked, proud that his name will forever be part of the records honoring veterans in Arizona.