I (ET2 (SS) Wayne Sanders) served with Clifton on the USS Pittsburgh, SSN 720. I'm working with Clifton's ex-wife trying to take care of his cremation and then getting his ashes to the fleet. His last wish was to be cremated and buried at sea from a sub. I am working with both the VA and VSO to obtain all of the required paperwork to make this happen. Clifton served aboard the Pittsburgh (SSN720), Baton Rouge (SSN689), and Toledo (SSN769).

I will admit that I lost connection with him when I left the Pittsburgh and went to the Batfish (SSN681). I was able to reconnect with him about 2 years ago when my wife was dying from cancer. He would often reach out and check in to see how I was doing. I started doing the same with him until about 6-8 months ago. I would reach out, and he would say he was okay and decline my visits. At the time, I didn't know just how sick he was. Clifton was a very proud man and would not ask for help or let anyone assist him. In the end, his ex-wife, Yvette, was there with him.

When he and I would spend time together, our conversations would revolve around sub life and things we did on the Pittsburgh. He loved the life and the lifelong brotherhood. In the end, all he had were the memories and friends he made. I am working on making his last wish a reality. I'm asking for a little assistance from his brothers to help with his cremation. Once that is complete, I will ensure that his ashes get to one of the subs (fast attack); he didn't want a boomer, he wanted a real sub! I'm working with VA and VSO here in Savannah to make this happen.

i have received the final invoice from the cremation center. $1865.17. If this reaches the $1,800 goal, I will be shutting down the fundraiser.