OUR CAUSE

On September 11, 2010, at his Purple Heart Ceremony, LTC Todd J Clark humbly asked, “Please honor all the proud warriors that have faced the enemies of our Nation and bear permanent physical scars and reminders of their time in battle.”

On June 8, 2013 the Clarks became a Gold Star family, an honor they never endeavored to receive. Todd had the greatest respect for our Country and appreciation for all who served.

The LTC Todd J Clark Golf Tournament is a living testament to Todd’s legacy. It’s a chance to stand with our Gold Star families in honor of their sacrifice and raise funds in support of Veteran’s service organizations.

“We carry the weight of our fallen, not on our shoulders but in our hearts.”

OUR INSPIRATION

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Todd’s greatest life accomplishment was that of a loving father and husband, devoted son, and brother. In addition to his parents, Todd’s life was also shaped by caring and influential grandparents, who themselves were bright lights. Todd had a deep appreciation for his family lineage, and particularly the generations that served before him. Between his tours of duty, Todd soaked up time with family and friends, whether impromptu backyard barbecues and bonfires, hunting with Collin, Daddy & Daughter dances with Madison, or nights at home watching Aggies football with a beer and the dogs, every minute was a gift. Give Todd a microphone and audience, and he’d grace you with his wittiness, and a song. He was most proud of his kids Collin and Madison. They were his motivation, and his pride in them was returned 100-fold. Todd’s life was not without challenge, injuries, and loss, but he had a special way of turning adversity into triumph and helping those around him do the same.

LTC Todd J Clark is interned in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas.

Aggie LEGACY

LTC Todd Clark was a Fightin' Texas Aggie, Texas A&M Class of ’94, and a proud member of Company B-2 in the Corps of Cadets. He was affectionately known as “Toddy the Tanker.” After his last tour in Afghanistan, Todd was going to return to Aggieland to serve as an Executive Officer in the Texas A&M Army ROTC program, a role he described as his “dream job.” He was the 29th Aggie and former member of the Corps of Cadets to die in military service since 9/11. Todd proudly raised his children Collin and Madison as Aggies, and both carried on his legacy. Collin graduated from A&M in ‘20 with Honors and a degree in Political Science. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant Armor Officer in the United States Army, following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps. Madison accelerated her studies graduating in ’21, also with Honors, and a degree in Special Education. Todd’s friend, roommate and fellow Aggie, Paul Smith ‘94, summed it up best, “Todd was the true definition of an unconditional friend, Aggie to the core and American Hero. He was a party wrapped in a body and voraciously loyal to his family and friends. He loved life and loved it loudly.”

OPERATION SONG

In August of 2023, Tom McElvain of Operation Song wrote and performed Todd’s song, “It Won’t Rain Today.” He captured Todd’s spirit perfectly, it was a true privilege to work with this organization.

MESSAGE FROM THE CLARK FAMILY

Todd was born to COL Jack Clark, U.S. Army Retired and Kathleen Clark in Albany, New York. He had one brother, Kyle. Todd attended Albany County Schools, and graduated from Christian Brothers Academy. Todd then graduated from Texas A&M, ROTC Corps of Cadets, being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, US Army.

Todd earned a Purple Heart when he was severely wounded by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, on July 10, 2010 during his first combat tour in Afghanistan, after three previous combat tours in Iraq. He spent eight months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center recovering from his wounds and receiving rehabilitation. He refused an offer to be medically discharged as a result of his injuries. At that time he told the authorities, "That's not going to happen... I have to rejoin and provide leadership to the fight; that's what I do."

He returned to duty at Fort Drum and prepared soldiers for upcoming service in Afghanistan. He subsequently was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and received orders for his fifth and last overseas combat deployment.

He was Killed In Action (KIA) in Paktika Province, Afghanistan on June 8, 2013, serving as an advisor, a victim of a dastardly, murderous "Green on Blue" (Insider) automatic weapons attack at close range.

Todd would be honored to have you be a part of this effort to pay tribute to the men and women who have been wounded or gave their lives for the protection of our freedoms.

God Bless all of our military who made the ultimate sacrifice. Our families will never be the same without them, but we are grateful for people like you who take the time to respect our loss by recognizing their service and supporting this annual event.

Jack, Kathy & Kyle Clark