Honor Veteran Jeffrey Clark

Senate Resolution No. 3428 BY: Senator MARCHIONE COMMENDING Jeffrey T. Clark posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace- time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Jeffrey T. Clark posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate, to be presented at the Saratoga County Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, at the County Building in Ballston Spa, New York; and WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, Jeffrey T. Clark, affectionately known as Jeff, was born on

September 28, 1946, in Ticonderoga, New York; after he and his family moved to Schoharie County, he graduated from Cobleskill High School; and WHEREAS, Jeff T. Clark entered into active duty service in the United States Army on June 30, 1969; throughout his entire career, he served in Army Aviation as both a Pilot of rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft and an Air Safety Officer; during this time, he earned his Master of Business Administration from USC-Overseas Division; and WHEREAS, This brave soldier spent nearly 12 years overseas in destinations across the globe including Southeast Asia, Europe, and Central America; he served two tours in Vietnam from August of 1969 to August of 1970 and April of 1972 to March of 1973; and WHEREAS, In his first tour, Jeff T. Clark was assigned to the Army's 1st Infantry Division, famously known as the "Big Red One", where he flew helicopter transport as well as search and rescue operations; his second tour was spent primarily flying OV-1 Mohawk light attack and observation aircraft; and WHEREAS, Jeff T. Clark also served overseas in Germany on multiple assignments such as a Combat Service Support Fixed Wing Pilot, Airplane Pilot with the 207th Aviation Company, and Flight Technician with the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel; and WHEREAS, Jeff T. Clark completed his long and esteemed Army career with the 1st Military Intelligence Battalion; in this capacity, he transported security documents and high ranking officers and VIPs, piloted emergency flights, and conducted surveillance missions across the Iron Curtain; after 21 years of service, he officially retired on

August 31, 1990, with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4; and WHEREAS, For his meritorious service, Jeff T. Clark was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal 10th Award, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Service Stars, Overseas Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Device, the Army Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Master Army Aviator Badge, as well as four Overseas Service Bars; and WHEREAS, After his discharge, Jeff T. Clark worked as a civilian pilot and air safety officer at the United States Military Installation at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands; he was also self-employed through Ameriprise Financial as an adviser from 1994-2014 until his retirement; and WHEREAS, A man of many interests and passions, Jeff T. Clark served as a two-term Director of the Downtown Business Association, co-Director of the Special Olympics Silks & Satins 5k Race (which is now named the "Jeff Clark Memorial Race"), member of the Brookside Museum Board of Directors, Volunteer-Ambassador for the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, and Director of St. Peters' Keys Run alongside his wife for 10 years; and WHEREAS, A true public servant, Jeff T. Clark also held the title of Northumberland Town Justice for eight years; and WHEREAS, Jeff T. Clark died on May 22, 2014, at the age of 68; a son, husband, father, and grandfather, he was very proud of his family, his military service and today's young Americans who are following in his footsteps; and WHEREAS, Jeff T. Clark is survived by his father, Walter J. Clark; his wife, Laura; their three daughters, Julie (Darren) Suarez, Jill (Robert) Woolley, and Jacky (Grady) Gilchrist; three grandchildren, Elena, Emilia, and Bryce Arlene; two brothers, John Clark and Robert Clark; and one sister, Mary Swartz; as well as a legion of friends and colleagues who will long treasure his memory; and WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing in action; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Jeff T. Clark demonstrated his love for his country and merits forevermore, the highest respect of his State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Jeffrey T. Clark posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Jeffrey T. Clark.