[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1724]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE OF ALLEN CLARK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JEB HENSARLING

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 29, 2005

  Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor Mr. Allen 
Clark for his distinguished military, business and public service 
careers, and thank him for his outstanding contributions to his 
community and his country.
  This September will mark the end of Mr. Clark's service at the 
Veterans Administration North Texas Health Care System, bringing a 
close to his long and distinguished career as a spokesperson and 
representative for veterans in our community. Always keeping his fellow 
veterans at the heart of each of his decisions, Allen Clark has been a 
strong and vocal advocate for the VA and veterans issues.
  A graduate of the United States Military at West Point and decorated 
combat veteran, Allen Clark bravely served his country in the ranks of 
the U.S. Army, volunteering for service in Vietnam. As a Military 
Intelligence Officer assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group in South 
Vietnam, Allen Clark was seriously wounded. His injury required the 
amputation of both his legs below the knee. This life-altering 
experience may have taken his legs, but it did not take his spirit. For 
his distinguished service Clark received the Purple Heart, the Silver 
Star for gallantry in action, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Army 
Airborne Wings, and the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with two battle stars.
  After returning from Vietnam, Allen Clark built a successful business 
career, earning a Masters of Business Administration degree and later 
working in finance, investments, oil and gas exploration, real estate, 
marketing, and mortgage lending in Texas. He was president of three oil 
companies in Midland, Texas, as well as a co-founder of a real estate 
investment company in Austin, Texas. His career as a public servant is 
equally impressive. Allen Clark served as Special Assistant for 
Administration to Texas Governor William Clements and Assistant 
Secretary for Veterans Liaison in the Administration of President 
George H.W. Bush. In 1991, he was confirmed as the Director of the 
National Cemetery System. In 2001, he was appointed Public Affairs 
Officer at the Veterans Administration North Texas Health Care System 
after serving there as Administrative Officer for Spinal Cord Injury 
Service and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service.
  President Calvin Coolidge once said, ``The nation which forgets its 
defenders will itself be forgotten.'' As a combat veteran and as a 
public servant, Allen Clark understands that better than most 
Americans. Throughout his life he has done his very best to ensure that 
our nation never forgets the sacrifices that our soldiers, sailors, 
marines and airmen made to defend our freedom.
  Allen Clark is a dedicated public servant, a hero, and a true 
patriot. But I am most proud to call him my friend. His peers, his 
fellow veterans, and those like me who have had the privilege to know 
and work with Allen Clark, will greatly miss him. As the U.S. 
Representative for the Fifth Congressional District of Texas, today I 
would like to honor the service, sacrifice and bravery of Allen Clark, 
and thank him for the outstanding work he has done on behalf of our 
nation's veterans.

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