Dedication ceremonies were held on Monday at the Township Government Center to recognize Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 and Boardman native, Don V. Clark, who was killed in a helicopter crash Nov. 15, 2008 in Mosul, Iraq while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was 37-years-old when he died, and the Army has never revealed whether Clark, or Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christian P. Humphreys, 28, was piloting the aircraft when it crashed. They were the only two persons on board the aircraft.
      The military also said that “the incident appeared to be combat-unrelated and there was no enemy contact in the area.”
      Under legislation sponsored by State Sen. Joe Schiavoni, Market St., from Rt. 224 to Western Reserve Rd. was dedicated as the Donald V. Clark Memorial Highway.
      Among upwards of 140 people who attended the dedication were Clark’s parents, Donald and Linda, Sen. Schiavoni and State Rep. John Boccieri, Boardman Township Trustees Larry Moliterno, Tom Costello and Brad Calhoun; and a host of veterans.
      Ceremonies opened with a prayer delivered by Carol Fuller, followed by members of the Boardman High School choral music program who sang the national anthem and God Bless America. While at Boardman High School, Clark a 1989 graduate, was a member of the Spartan Marching Band under the direction of Thomas Groth, and was also a member of the school’s swim team.
      “How to we put into words, a man who volunteered to fight for freedom? How do you adequately put into words the grief felt by his family?
      “You can’t,” Trustee Moliterno said, noting “His courage and character will help all of us feel stronger.”
      Also addressing the throng was the fallen pilot’s father, Don Clark.
      “Today would have been Don’s 45th birthday. It is appropriate this ceremony is being held near the anniversary of 9/11. That is the reason my son ended-up in Iraq,” Mr. Clark observed.
      He noted his son was always ready “to do what was needed to get the job done.
      “The helicopter he flew protected our soldiers. He was an American to the extreme and liver everyday as if it was the most important day of his life.”
      Mr. Clark said his son loved his military career, and concluded “Our hearts are sad over his loss, but we are proud of his life.”
      In brief remarks, Rep. Boccieri noted, “America remains strong because of people like CWO-3 Don Clark. We cannot defend our nation without people like Don Clark.”