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Graphic Halo Halo Alpha has a collection of quotes related to Franklin Mendez on its quotes page.
“Nothing can kill the Chief.”
— A young John-117 refers to Mendez

Senior Chief Petty Officer Franklin Mendez (SN: 22926-11908-FM)[1] is a legendary UNSCDF NCO who was involved in the training for every SPARTAN soldier in the SPARTAN-II and SPARTAN-III programs. His career is extensive and he has earned numerous medals and commendations fighting the Covenant and the Insurrection.

History[]

Early career[]

At the age of 16 Franklin Mendez joined the military, transferring to NAVSPECWEP by 2514, and participating in numerous battles in the Eridanus system, earning him two Silver Stars, a Red Legion of Honor and a Purple Heart.[1]

SPARTAN-II Training[]

Bloodline Chief Mendez

Mendez disciplining Black-One.

He was the SPARTAN-II's training leader during their first years on Reach in 2517 until 2525. He trained them in the aspects of combat as hard as any Marine when they were only at the age of 6.[6] His military training was punctuated with in-class strategy sessions with Déjà.[7]


In the beginning of their training, Mendez and his training instructors used Electric Batons to discipline trainees.[8] However, his trainers would occasionally use rifles with tranquilizer rounds to incapacitate the trainees (those that would eventually make up Gray Team) who attempted to escape. Eventually, the SPARTANs, SPARTAN-117 in particular, grew to look up to Mendez as a solid, unmovable force in their life.[9] They had great respect for him, perhaps even to the extent of seeing him as a father figure.

After the first class of SPARTAN-II's training was completed, he was reassigned to train the next class of SPARTANs.[10] It has been stated that John-117 never saw him again.[11]

SPARTAN-III Training[]

After the SPARTAN-IIs graduated, Mendez was slated to train the next class of SPARTAN-IIs, but the program was delayed indefinitely by Dr. Halsey due to issues with viable candidates. Mendez requested reassignment to active duty. Over the next six years, he fought the Covenant on five worlds, won two more Purple Hearts, and was promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer. Mendez was then recruited by Colonel James Ackerson to assist Kurt-051 in running the SPARTAN-III Program. He trained three SPARTAN-III companies at Camp Currahee on Onyx from 2531 until 2552. He was originally skeptical of the job, comparing the behavior of the trainees to that of the schoolchildren in Lord of The Flies.[3]

Battle of Onyx[]

Main article: Battle of Onyx

Mendez was on the Shield World Onyx when it activated. He, along with SPARTAN-III Team Saber, Tom-B292, Lucy-B091, and Kurt-051 were virtually alone on the planet, and were forced to hide from Sentinels until Kelly-087 and Dr. Halsey eventually arrived, followed shortly by Fred-104, Will-043, and Linda-058. Mendez assisted them in fighting all the way to the core of Onyx. Mendez then evacuated to the Micro Dyson Sphere in Onyx's core along with the other survivors. At the funeral for the SPARTANs who died in combat, he read an excerpt from his favorite book: an account of the Interplanetary War called A Soldier's Tale: Rainforest Wars.[12]

He expressed his discomfort of his role in the SPARTAN program and saw how Halsey was at odds with the third generation SPARTANs. As he and the survivors of Onyx established a camp, Lucy-B091 encountered Huragok which would lead ONI to rescue them. Aboard the UNSC Port Stanley they were debriefed and then returned to Earth to attend the Hillside Memorial at Voi.

Sometime later, following his thoughts in his role in the SPARTAN-II Program and pressure from the UNSC, Mendez decided to retire.[1]

Personality[]

Mendez is a strict, by-the-book military man and thus has a solid sense of duty and honor. He also rarely allowed himself to display his emotions (for example, John-117 had very rarely seen him smile). When he heard of the destruction of the SPARTAN-IIIs, he kept his face stony, holding his feelings to himself. His total need for discipline and order off-sets many of his new acquaintances, however those who know him well (namely the SPARTAN-IIs, particularly John-117 and Kurt-051) have a respect and relationship with him that can be compared to that of the connection between father and child.

Awards[]

Mendez is a battle-hardened veteran who has won numerous decorations, including multiple Gold Stars, Silver Stars, Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts,[13] and The Red Legion of Honor.

Trivia[]

Gallery[]

Appearances[]

Sources[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Halo Waypoint: Universe - Characters - Franklin Mendez
  2. Halo: Glasslands - page 208
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Halo: Ghosts of Onyx - page 69
  4. Halo: Blood Line
  5. Xbox Wire - #HuntTheTruth Podcast Cast
  6. Halo: The Fall of Reach, Chapter 4
  7. Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 38
  8. Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 35
  9. Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 99 - "The only constant in the universe"
  10. Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 99
  11. Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 101
  12. Halo: Ghosts of Onyx page 366
  13. Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 95
  14. Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 70
  15. Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 69
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