United States Army (Ret.) First Sergeant • Line of Duty Death: December 9, 2017

United States Army (Ret.) First Sergeant Christopher J. Clark passed away on December 9, 2017, after his battle with cancer.  

Clark was born in Glens Falls, New York, and grew up in Argyle, New York, Marana, Arizona, and Tucson, Arizona. While growing up with his parents and older brother, he enjoyed playing soccer and baseball. Before his father’s job transfer to Tucson, he attended a small K-12 school in Argyle. Clark met his future wife, Kari, online while he was deployed in Afghanistan. They began as pen pals before meeting in person, and the rest is history. 

Shortly after graduating from high school, Clark joined the US Army just before he turned 18. He knew he wanted to serve his country and from the beginning of his basic training, his goal was to be the First Sergeant, which he was able to accomplish. Throughout his time of service, he received many notable awards and decorations, including four Meritorious Service medals, one joint Meritorious Service medal, Drill Sergeant badge, and an air assault badge, among others. After experiencing pain in his back, Clark was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. He sadly succumbed to his illness in December of 2017.  

Kari currently resides in New York with their son. She enjoys crafting, watching movies, spending time outside gardening, and being a TAPS Peer Mentor. Clark’s mother, Karen, has helped tremendously with Kari and their son’s new life adjustments. In the future, Kari looks forward to traveling, visiting her family in California and making memories with their son, and possibly buying a farm. The help the Clark Family has received from Tunnel to Towers will help them move towards financial freedom. Finally, as Clark was misdiagnosed for most of his career, Kari strongly urges service members to look out for themselves, follow their medical charts and be aware of what is, or is not, being posted in the charts.  

United States Army (Ret.) First Sergeant Christopher J. Clark is survived by his wife, Kari and their son, his twins, Austin and Christina, his stepson, Andrew, and his mother.  

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Clark family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.Â