Councilman inducted into state Hall of Fame

By Michael Regan michael.regan@tonawanda-news.com 

The Tonawanda News

Tonawanda News — North Tonawanda Alderman-At-Large Bob Clark was officially recognized during a city council meeting Tuesday for his induction into the New York State Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame. 

Clark, who has served in four branches of the United States Armed Services, has spent more than four decades in the military. He began his career with the Navy in Vietnam in the 1960s, where he received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. 

He then went on to the New York Air National Guard, during which he was on the ground in New York City following the 9/11 attacks, as well as a tour in Iraq as a medic. He retired as a chief master sergeant with the U.S. Air Force. All told, Clark’s military involvement extends to the U.S. Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. 

He was approached by state Sen. George Maziarz earlier this year, who told Clark that he had nominated the long-time veteran for the induction. 

“Sen. Maziarz took me and said ‘I put you up for this and it’s going to happen,’” Clark recalled, following the meeting. 

Maziarz was on hand Tuesday for the presentation of a plaque, which will now hang in City Hall. Mayor Rob Ortt, who is also a veteran, said he first met Clark just after he was first elected to the mayorship. 

“He’s given the bulk of his life to serving his country,” Ortt said. “He is a great man, he is a leader. He is a great voice for veterans and a great voice for our community.” 

Clark was selected among a group of 50 veterans for the slate of 2014 inductees. He remains involved with several military groups including the U.S. Navy Seabees, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Marine Corp League and the Vietnam Veterans of America. 

“I was humbled when they told me about it,” he said. “There isn’t a veteran out there who doesn’t deserve this award.”