(Jan. 11, 2013) New York Army National Guard 1st Lt. Gary Clark, a Syracuse resident, takes command of Ithaca-based Company D 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry on Jan. 12.
Clark, who served in the Active Army before joining the New York Army National Guard, has served in Korea and Kuwait and deployed to Afghanistan with the 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry in 2012, replaces Capt. Timothy Pasto as the company’s leader. He is qualified as a Ranger and holds the Army parachutist badge.
While in Afghanistan he served as the Operational Liaison Officer to the NATO-led Regional Command West Headquarters in Herat City.
Clark enlisted in the Army in 2000 and served on active duty in the Signal Corps before joining the New York Army National Guard as an infantryman in 2005. In 2008, he earned a commission as an infantry officer and has served in the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry as a weapons platoon leader, scout platoon leader and liaison officer.
Clark’s military experience includes an assignment with the 307th Signal Battalion at Camp Carroll, South Korea and deployment to Kuwait in support.
Clark earned his commission in 2008 through the Reserve Officers Training Corps program at Syracuse University and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Certificate of Advanced Study in Security Studies from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University.
He is a graduate of multiple Army schools including the Primary Leadership Development Course, Officer Basic and Infantry Officer Basic Courses, Airborne School, Ranger School and the Heavy Weapons Leader’s Course.
Clark’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global war on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, U.S. Army Basic Parachutists Badge, and the Ranger Tab.
Clark lives in Syracuse with his wife Chari and their son.
He is currently attending the Army Maneuver Captain’s Career Course at Fort Benning, Ga.