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.