JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) — A veteran is dedicating his craft of sculpting to honor fallen service members. Marine Corps veteran Cliff Leonard crafts bronze busts of fallen service members, working 60 to 70 hours on each sculpture, for their families at no cost.

Leonard, who began sculpting in his 50s about 20 years ago, works from his garage in Jacksonville. He has completed 65 busts, including service members who died in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

“It was a long process. I started in wood, which is not very forgiving. Eventually, moved to clay, which is very forgiving,” Leonard said.

His latest work depicts Clifford Chester, a Vietnam veteran who died at age 25 when he dove on top of an explosive device in 1968. Chester, who grew up homeless, became a Medal of Honor recipient.

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