Col. David J. Clark Inducted in Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame

Aubertine: Col. Clark’s distinguished military service, community involvement make him stand out

ALBANY (June 1, 2010)—The New York State Senate today inducted retired-Col. David J. Clark into the Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame. Col. Clark, who is a leader in the Watertown community following a near 30-year career in the Army, was nominated by State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine.

“Colonel Clark came to Northern New York through Fort Drum and after serving our country, chose to stay in Jefferson County to serve our community,” Sen. Aubertine said. “His distinguished career in defense of our way of life and his role as a pillar of our community in retirement made him stand out for this honor. When he came to the North Country, he immediately embraced the community, led the charge to ensure housing was available for the new brigade coming to our expanding base, and now, in retirement, continues to work on behalf of the community he now calls home.”

A St. Petersburg, Florida-native, Col. Clark served as garrison commander of Fort Drum from June 2005 to May 2008 where he oversaw a significant expansion of the post and its personnel as he worked tirelessly to knit Fort Drum more tightly with the surrounding North County Community. Following his tenure as garrison commander, Col. Clark deployed to Iraq with the entire command structure of the 10th Mountain Division for 15 months. Working on special projects and with his background in military law enforcement, Col. Clark assisted the combined military and civilian effort to bring peace and stability to Iraq.

After retiring from active duty in August of 2009, he settled in Watertown and still works on post as a contractor with General Dynamics. He is an active member of the Rotary Club, AUSA, and the USO. He is on the Board of the Greater Watertown Chamber of Commerce. His wife Karen is also a standout in her role as director of the USO, and together, they have two sons, both of whom have followed their father into service. John, 21, is a Second Lieutenant in the Florida Army National Guard.  Jason, 20, is a recently redeployed Army Reservist now attending college in Florida.

“We are all truly honored to have him and his wife in our community and we are thankful for their extensive service,” Sen. Aubertine said. “In honoring Colonel Clark and so many veterans today, we continue to pay tribute to all of the brave men and women who have served our country. From across this state, each and every veteran honored today has made a difference.”

Col. Clark’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (6 OLC) the Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Staff Identification Badge.  He has earned the Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge and German Parachutist wings.

Col. Clark enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1980 and served in the 320th MP Company. He is a Distinguished Military Graduate of the University of South Florida ROTC program and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Military Police Corps in 1983. He served as Executive Officer at the United States Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, Fort Gillem, Georgia, as Chief, Long Range Plans for the 16th MP Brigade and S3, 503rd MP Battalion in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.  He served as the Professor of Military Science for Army ROTC at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida before assuming command of the 254th Base Support Battalion in the Netherlands where he worked as a systems synchronization officer responsible for military police and force protection equipment. 

Col. Clark’s military education includes MP enlisted Basic Training, MP Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Airborne School, Ranger School, Combined Arms Services Staff School, Command and General Staff College, and the Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellowship Program/Army War College Fellowship.  He received his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Florida and his Masters of Forensic Science degree from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.  He is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy.

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