LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Lieutenant Colonel Todd J. Clark posthu-
mously 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 signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Lieutenant
Colonel Todd J. 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
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, Born in Albany, New York, Todd J. Clark graduated from Chris-
tian Brothers Academy in 1990, before receiving his bachelor's degree
from Texas A&M University; he later earned master's degrees from both
the Naval Postgraduate School, and the Command and General Staff
College; and
WHEREAS, In 1995, Todd J. Clark was commissioned as an Armor/Cavalry
Officer following his graduation from the Corps of Cadets; he proudly
served in both Kuwait and Bosnia with the 1st Calvary Division, and as
Troop Commander, he led Lightning Troop, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment in
the attack on Iraq; and
WHEREAS, A veteran of several combat tours, this valiant soldier
continued to provide outstanding service to his country as an advisor to
the Iraqi Special Police Commandoes, and the 10th Mountain Division
Staff in Iraq on his second and third deployments; and
WHEREAS, During his fourth combat tour, Lieutenant Colonel Todd J.
Clark was assigned as the S3 with one of the 10th Mountain Division's
Cavalry Squadrons in Afghanistan; during this time, he sustained inju-
ries from an IED; and
WHEREAS, While recovering, Lieutenant Colonel Todd J. Clark refused a
medical discharge offer, and courageously returned to duty at Fort Drum
to prepare soldiers for upcoming service in Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, On June 8, 2013, Lieutenant Colonel Todd J. Clark gave the
ultimate sacrifice while serving as the Senior Adviser to the Afghan
National Army; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his outstanding military service, Lieuten-
ant Colonel Todd J. Clark was the recipient of numerous awards and
honors including the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious
Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal
w/ Bronze Service Star, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Lieutenant Colonel Todd J. 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
honor Lieutenant Colonel Todd J. 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 tran-
smitted to the family of Lieutenant Colonel Todd J. Clark.