By Tom Jordan
In recent years, he's been heavily involved in the planning of the local St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Breakfast with Santa Claus, and was recently named president of the 14th Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, an organization dedicated to various charitable projects and celebrating Irish heritage.
His friends and family describe him as kind, patriotic, humorous and fiercely compassionate.
"He's known for making kids smile and for having a good time," said Mayor Eugene Murray, who has known Mr. Clark since childhood. "But when it comes to seriousness, he loves his country and he helps so many people. You could not have chosen a better person to be Man of the Year."
It is Mr. Clark's commitment to helping veterans that made him the Herald's choice for Person of the Year, 2000.
After retiring in October from his job with the Nassau County Office of Veterans' Affairs, a position he held for eleven years, Mr. Clark instituted an outreach program based in American Legion Hall Post 303, where he serves as commander.
"The county isn't going to hire anyone to take my place, so I'm going to stay in business and fight for veterans," he said at the time. "After so many years of doing this, you can't throw up your hands and say, 'You're on your own.' There's plenty more out there who can use some help."
Every Friday, Mr. Clark sets up shop in a room at the hall on Maple Avenue. He is still working with veterans, on a volunteer basis now, to get them the assistance they need.
His office is makeshift, but it serves its purpose for now. Supplied with only a telephone, a photocopier and a half-dozen crates overflowing with forms, files and various other paperwork, Mr. Clark sees ten to fifteen people each week. He reaches more people with this arrangement, he said, than when he worked in Nassau County's Plainview office.
The relaxed atmosphere suits his business. As he talks to people about their problems, the aroma of bacon and eggs permeates the room. Down the hall, members of the American Legion are busy in the kitchen preparing breakfast, which they provide whenever Mr. Clark is working with the veterans. Tony Galiardi handles the stove while Bill Bath, Joe Pucciarelli, Ed Swenson and several others pour, mix, cut and spread. Anyone who walks through the door is fed.
"For a vet with problems, this place is like an oasis in a desert," said Mr. Pucciarelli. "How many places can you go when you need help? Mickey Clark is like a chaplain. He's a great communicator and that's very important to people."
Mr. Clark is pushing to upgrade the facilities at the American Legion. With the help of Nassau County Legislator Joseph Scannell and Safe Communities, he recently acquired two computers and is now working towards getting the software necessary to get them online and linked to the New York State Veterans system. He also plans to instruct computer training classes, which would enable others to help him facilitate veterans' disability claims.
One of Mr. Clark's recruits is Larry Forella, who met Mr. Clark when both worked for Veterans' Affairs. Mr. Forella works at the Suffolk County office in Northport three or four days a week, but not on Fridays.
"He told me he was opening his own office in Rockville Centre as an outreach center, and that he was looking to get counselors to help him," said Mr. Forella, a Long Beach resident. "I figured that since it's close to home, why not. I've been his apprentice here since. Mickey is truly a veterans' advocate."
In his years as a counselor, Mr. Forella has seen unspeakable suffering: struggles with disabilities, homelessness, unemployment and mental problems. He refers some of the men and women he meets, those who would benefit from a more personal touch, to Mr. Clark.
"We've kind of shared our counseling experiences. Some of the guys, particularly the guys who fought in World War II and are a little older, like the personal interaction. They prefer to deal with someone they can talk to and trust. Mickey is that type of person."
Mr. Clark's work for America's soldiers began soon after he returned from Viet Nam. He joined the American Legion, and during the 1971 mail strike, Mr. Clark spearheaded efforts to make sure the boys overseas would get their letters from home. The legion hall became a makeshift post office and a crusader was born.
In October, Mr. Clark said that his retirement would give him even more time and leverage to fight for veterans, who he feels are often dealt with poorly. "The way veterans are treated sometimes is a criminal act," he said at his retirement party.
"Mickey's view is that the V.A. is lacking in some ways, and a lot of the veterans are not receiving the attention they need," Mr. Forella said. "Together we help them out in whatever way we can. We try to pick up the pieces, whether it be finding them places to live, helping them collect social security or helping them find jobs."
"Mickey helps people who had no idea they could get assistance," said Mayor Murray. "His outreach program has helped hundreds of vets who had no other way."
Bill Bath, who spent two of his Christmases overseas, mentioned to Mr. Clark a few weeks ago that he had no way to get to Veterans' Affairs in Northport. Mr. Clark immediately arranged for a V.A. shuttle bus to deliver Mr. Bath to and from his appointments.
"I had no idea that could be done, but Mickey set it up," said Mr. Bath. "Without it, I'd be in trouble."
Mr. Clark seems to do his best work at Christmas. Apart from bringing smiles as Santa, he has raised thousands of dollars the past few years for the Salvation Army. Each year he and other veterans host a drive to collect clothing, especially suits and underwear, for veterans. The vets wear the suits to go on job interviews.
And, like a true St. Nick, Mr. Clark loves children.
"He helps us in a lot of ways at the rec center," said Tony Brunetta, superintendent of Rockville Centre Parks and Recreation. "Whenever we need anything, especially involving children, he's always willing to help us out. There is no limit to his giving."
