Frank Rist served in the United States Navy in the Naval Construction Battalion, better known as the Seabees, during World War II. Frank watched his three older brothers enlist to serve their country and enlisted himself shortly after his 17th birthday. He served from May 10, 1945 to July 16, 1946 when he was honorably discharged as an Electrician's Mate Third Class. Frank spent most of his active-duty time stationed in the Philippines. He earned the American Area Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
Born in rural Vermont and orphaned at a young age, Frank learned early the value of family and hard work. After leaving the Kern Hattin Homes for Children, he lived with various local farmers and business owners assisting with their operations and gaining a wide variety of skills and knowledge. Frank has always been a lifetime learner, constantly educating himself. His family has often said there is nothing Frank cannot learn to do. He even taught himself trigonometry to become a tool and gauge maker. Although he never obtained a high school diploma in his youth, Frank went to night school to get his GED before his oldest daughter graduated high school. Frank spent a lengthy career with Pratt & Whitney making aircraft parts until his retirement in 1983. Frank has never met a stranger and holds a special place in the hearts of all who know him.