Coming together to support Clay and his family

Clay Grooms: A Legacy of Unwavering Dedication and Selfless Service

Clay Grooms has exemplified unwavering dedication and selfless service throughout his distinguished career in the United States Army, serving with honor for over 25 years on active duty. As one of the longest-standing members of the esteemed "Vultures" of the 1-212th Aviation Regiment, Clay has set a legacy defined by his exceptional commitment to the nation, his peers, and the people he served alongside. His expertise and profound contributions to the UH-60 Mike and Lima aircraft were pivotal in advancing Army aviation, training hundreds of students, and setting the standard for operational excellence.

Clay joined the Army in 1988 as an Advanced Hawk Pulse Radar repairman and spent the next 9 years as an enlisted soldier, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. During that time, he also served as a TOW/Dragon Missile technician. It was during this early phase of his career that he met his wife Menda, and together they have celebrated a happy marriage for over 35 years and a have a son, Morgan. In 1997, Clay transitioned into a warrant officer role and qualified in the H60L. Over the course of his service, he held multiple key positions including Pilot-in-Command, Flight Lead, Maintenance Test Pilot, Instructor Pilot, Academic Instructor, and Maintenance Evaluator. During his 25 years on active duty, he deployed on multiple occasions to both Afghanistan and Iraq. His sacrifices and accomplishments are highlighted by his being awarded 2 Bronze Star Medals, 2 Meritorious Service Medals, and 5 Air Medals, among other honors. His unwavering dedication to aviation earned him the Senior Aviator Badge and culminated in his promotion to Chief Warrant Officer 4 prior to his retirement.

Even after retiring from active duty, Clay's commitment to service did not end. He continued to support the military by becoming a contractor, dedicating approximately two years to teaching the new generation of maintenance test pilots. Following that, he transitioned to flying Air Medical Transport helicopters. Yet his true calling remained in the uniform, which eventually brought him back to Fort Rucker. Today, he serves as a Department of the Army Civilian teaching the Maintenance Test Pilot Course. In recognition of his long-standing service, Clay has received the prestigious 30 Years of Service in the Government of the USA Certificate—an accolade that only a few can claim. Throughout his career, his passion for service and his love for aviation never waned; he consistently devoted himself to coaching, teaching, and mentoring younger generations of UH-60 Maintenance Test Pilots, inspiring everyone who had the privilege of learning from him. Clay has become a true role model and an inspiration to many, embodying the very essence of a life devoted to service.

Now, Clay and his family face one of the most profound and challenging chapters of their lives. Clay has been diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor called Glioblastoma (GBM), a life-altering event that has deeply transformed their day-to-day existence. Despite this daunting diagnosis, the Grooms family has united in love, resilience, and an unwavering strength to confront the most difficult journey they have ever faced. Together, they have chosen to focus on what matters most—cherishing every moment and creating lasting memories in the precious time they have left. Their courage, steadfast bond, and enduring commitment to one another serve as their guiding light through this unimaginable trial. Your support can help ease their burden and honor the remarkable legacy of service and inspiration that Clay and his family have built together over a lifetime.