Carl Frank, President/Co-founder “Freedom Is Not Free"

As a Vietnam Veteran, Mr. Frank’s passion for assisting our wounded heroes led him to cofound a non-profit organization where he serves as President of the organization’s Purple Heart Board. This 501(c)(3) charity has, among many other things, provided financial grants to Purple Heart recipients residing in 35 states, renovated the Wounded Warrior Family Lounges at Balboa Naval Hospital, renovated the Concussion Clinic at Camp Margarita, and constructed a “Freedom Cottage” for wounded Marines and their families to enjoy at one of Camp Pendleton’s beach areas (CLICK THUMBNAILTO ENLARGE PHOTO).


Carl Frank (center) with Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients Michael Thornton and Richard Pittman.




Carl Frank with Viet Nam War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients, WWII POW’s.

Warrior Traditions Staff: Chris Lawrence US Marine Corps, Amy Hatcher US Air Force, Mike Judd, US ARMY with Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Robert Modrzewjewski.  


Carl Frank and Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Robert Modrzewjewski.


In 2005, Carl Frank, President/CEO of Artis Builders, Inc., co-founded “Freedom Is Not Free,” a 501(c)(3) organization

dedicated to assisting wounded service members and their families, and the families of the fallen. Freedom Is Not Free makes

grants to Purple Heart recipients and their families to meet their immediate financial needs, including but not limited to, the

expenses associated with medical care, travel, home modification, and paying bills. They support community projects and provide activities for wounded
service members and their families. Since its establishment in 2005, Freedom Is Not Free has raised funds

to serve, support, and increase awareness with the aim of easing the burdens of our heroes and their families.


They have assisted with travel expenses for families of fallen heroes; purchased "burn-beds" for road side bomb victims; helped to refurbish the Wounded Warrior Barracks at Camp Pendleton, Calif.; arranged the venue and accommodations for a surviving spouse conference; allocated funds for the purchase of equipment to convert conventional clothing into burn victim "tearaways"; provided logistical assistance and funding for the renovation of a brain trauma center on Camp Pendleton; and provided funds for living expenses for recovering warriors and their families facing extreme financial hardship.