Boardman soldier killed in a helicopter crash in Iraq was honored by state lawmakers

By Marc Kovac

news@vindy.com

COLUMBUS

A Boardman soldier killed in a helicopter crash in Iraq was honored by state lawmakers and the governor’s office Thursday during pre-Memorial Day ceremonies at the Statehouse.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Donald Vincent Clark died in the crash over Mosul in late 2008. He was among a half-dozen fallen servicemen remembered during a joint session of the Ohio House and Senate, where lawmakers presented family members with Military Medals of Distinction.

“We gather today to honor six brave servicemen – six Americans, six Ohioans, six fathers, sons, brothers and friends – all lost while standing in defense of this great union, all lost by boldly standing up against tyranny,” said Senate President Keith Faber, R-Celina.

He added: “They did so knowingly, stepping into harm’s way. They did so to uphold the way of life and precious freedoms we hold dear. ... Today we join with the family and friends of our fallen heroes in a tribute to their sacrifices and the sacrifices they made on our behalf.”

Clark was a 1989 graduate of Boardman High School, where his family has since set up a scholarship fund in his honor. Each year, Clark’s family gives a $500 scholarship to a band or orchestra student, as Clark was involved with Boardman’s music program.

The annual memorial ceremony honors military men and women who have died in service since Sept. 10, 2001.

“Today we gather for a solemn occasion,” said House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger, R-Clarksville. “My words nor any others could ever comfort or be a guide to those who sit here today as a family as we honor some very brave men and women of our state who have paid the ultimate sacrifice so that, quite frankly, we have the right to assemble here today, to have the opportunity to attend baseball games, families and loved ones.”

Afterward, Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor and other state officials laid a wreath in honor of the fallen. Gov. John Kasich met with the families of the servicemen but did not attend the ceremonies due to a scheduling conflict.

Speakers Thursday included James Bernholtz, a suburban Columbus man whose son was killed in action a decade ago.

Marine Lance Cpl. Eric James Bernholtz died in 2005 in Iraq after his vehicle was attacked by an improvised explosive device.

“I wish I could tell the Gold Star families here today that have lost a son or daughter in the war on terrorism that it gets easier to bear the grief,” Bernholtz said. “But it does not. If anything, the knowing of what we’ve lost becomes more keen.”

But, he added, “I can say this as a word of encouragement to you from my own experience: I also live. I see the good that has been preserved and protected.”