A Christmas Salute to a General

A Christmas Salute to a General

This is a story of local boy makes good. It’s about the man and his wife and the tribulations they have faced and met with courage and faith.

As a young boy, Kip Clark assumed he would take over his parents’ sporting goods store when he grew up. But Larry and Janice sold the store before Kip finished college. Some of his friends had joined the National Guard and mentioned how the Guard helped pay for their education.

Kip enlisted in the Indiana Air National Guard (ANG) in 1984 and began his flying career four years later. Working hard he diligently climbed up the ranks. In October 2014, Colonel Clark assumed command of the 181st Intelligence Wing at Hulman Field ANG in Terre Haute.

Colonel Clark’s family was present and proudly watched as he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General December 9, 2016. Brigadier General Clark has been selected as the next Chief of Staff of the Indiana Air National Guard.

Clay County is certainly proud to have a home grown General living in its midst. Most of us think of a General as someone with power and strength who will keep our homes and families safe. I believe Brigadier General Clark is all that and more.

Kip loves his chosen career and works hard at it but it’s not been an easy road to travel. His occupation frequently put obstacles in the path to happiness for him and his family. Thirty-two years in the military often left his wife Sheila (Burk) alone to handle the parenting of their two daughters when Kip was away which included three deployments flying missions over Iraq.

Sheila worked part time as a clerk at Dr. Houston’s office and kept the books for a family business. Like most families, the Clarks had to juggle their time between family and career. Sheila dealt with the usual challenges of work. Kip had battles with various adversaries along the way. But with the love and support of their family they handled it all quite well, until they were blind-sided by a vicious attack from a silent enemy. In August Sheila was diagnosed with breast cancer.

After extensive testing it was determined that she tested positive for the BRCA 2 mutation, a genetic cancer gene she probably inherited. Her father, J.D. Burk, may have had it. He died of prostate cancer this year. Apparently it’s common that this gene causes prostate cancer and the men who have it can pass the gene on to their children. Women who carry the gene can also pass it on to their kids. Sons may develop prostate cancer. Daughters may get breast or ovarian cancer. Sheila’s sister has the gene and she’s had breast cancer also. Other members of their family are being tested.

Sheila is undergoing chemotherapy which will be completed by the end of the year. In February, she will have a double mastectomy. Later next year she will have reconstruction surgery followed by a complete hysterectomy. The one mastectomy is to remove the breast with cancer. The other mastectomy and hysterectomy is to prevent the return of the cancer in the other female organs.

Of course, when they got the news, the whole family was devastated. But the Clarks circled the wagons. They’re working together, supporting each other and fighting this potentially deadly enemy. They agree that their biggest weapon is their belief in God. This Christmas season has renewed and strengthened their faith.

Sheila believes she has two Generals watching over her and salutes them. “I’m so proud of Kip and I know he will do everything he can to help me get through this. Actually his new position will give him more time at home initially, so he should be here with me when I have my surgeries. That’s a real blessing.”

Sheila also believes that Jesus is the great Heavenly General. “He is in charge,” she said. “I know He watches over me and will take care of me and my family. He’s always beside us and helps guide us around the obstacles that life puts in our way. With the love and support of our family and friends and by the Grace of God, I am positive I’m going to be OK.”

“I’m so happy to celebrate Christmas this year with my husband and family. We’re enjoying every day and not worrying about the future. Our faith is strong. This is a very special Christmas.”

Merry Christmas. Keep Smiling.

Linda Messmer can be reached at 812-448-8725.