Retired Colonel Clark served 26 years in the U.S. Air Force and is a staunch advocate for veterans in Florida

WASHINGTON—Representative Franklin (R-FL) honored veteran advocate and retired Air Force Colonel Gary Clark on the House floor on Thursday evening, commending him for his service to veterans and his induction into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame.

Press play to hear Congressman Scott Franklin’s remarks honoring Col. Clark

Below is a full transcript of the congressman’s remarks:

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a long-time friend and the biggest advocate for veterans in Central Florida – retired Air Force Colonel Gary Clark.

I’ve known Colonel Clark for 20 years as a fellow veteran and veteran’s advocate. I’m honored to recognize him as one of the distinguished 2020 inductees into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame.  This is an honor truly befitting Gary, thanks to his countless contributions to Florida veterans.

Florida is known as the most veteran-friendly state in America, with over one million Vets calling the Sunshine State home.  Anywhere you go in Central Florida, if there is a veteran in need, you can bet that Gary’s on it.

Retiring from the Air Force in 1993, Gary continued his service and quickly became a distinguished advocate for veterans.  He established the Polk County Veterans Council, developed a partnership with the Polk County School Board to support 13 Junior ROTC units, and chairs the Flight to Honor Polk, which brings senior veterans to the memorials here in Washington.

He coordinates an annual Veterans Day breakfast with the Rotary Clubs of Lakeland and chaired the 15th Congressional District of Florida’s Service Academy Nominating Committee for at least a decade, and remains the chair for my current board.

Mr. Speaker, it is simply impossible to think of veterans in Central Florida without thinking of Gary Clark.  On behalf of Polk County and the 15th District of Florida, we congratulate him on this honor, his induction to the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame, and thank him for his selfless service to our veteran community.

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