After high school, Rodney enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He completed Basic Training at Camp Pendelton in San Diego, California. During his eight-year career with the Marine Corp, Rodney received numerous awards for his superior service and the performance of duties assigned t him. Rod received his first certificate of Good Conduct "First Award" in July 1992. The award was for his honest and faithful service. Rod also received a Good Conduct "Second Award" in July of 1995. Along with his numerous awards, Rodney also was successfully promoted from Lance Corporal to Corporal and finally Sergeant after re-enlisting in October 1992.

On January 16, 1993 Rod was among the first wave of U. S. Marines to enter into Kuwait during "Desert Storm" Gulf War.

Sergeant Walton was Honorably discharged from Marine Corp. on June 15, 1997.

While stationed in the service, Rodney met Masami and they married in Las Vegas, NV. in October 1997. Rod returned to Japan as a civilian and made his home with his wife in Tokyo, Japan.

Rod leaves behinds his wife, Masami of Tokyo Japan, a son, Marcus James Neal of Rockford, IL. Also, his father and mother, Leon and Maudi which still reside in Camanche, his brother Leon, of Clinton, and his sister Michelle Britton of Savannah, GA.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A candle in memory of Rodney Walton who grew with us as a classmate, teammate, brother, and friend. Rodney we will miss you.

The Class of 1989