Dr. Charlie Clark Speaks to Limestone County Republican Women; New Officers Are Installed

Dr. Charlie Clark is pictured with Kay Alston, 2008 president of the Limestone Republican Women (Journal photo//tom Hawkins) Dr. Charlie Clark of Waco was the guest speaker for the December meeting of the Limestone County Republican Women which was held at the Hamilton House in Mexia.

In addition to Dr. Clark's remarks the 2009 Limestone County Republican Women officers were installed by Limestone County Judge Daniel Burkeen.

LCRW officers for 2009 are Jan Phillips, president; Kay Alton, first vice president; Kathy Pascal, second vice president; Mary Lou Lambert, treasurer; Elaine Nance, recording secretary; Connie Thompson, corresponding secretary; Peggy Wright, historian; Wanda Fewell, PAC Treasurer; Linda Flatt, parliamentarian.

Officers, who served during 2008, are Kay Alston, president; Aleece McBay, first vice president; Stacey Easterly, second vice president; Mary Lou Lambert, treasurer; Elaine Nance, recording secretary; Susie Milstead, corresponding secretary; Nancy Gergeron, historian; Wanda Fewell, PAC treasurer; Connie Thompson, parliamentarian. The officers were installed following Dr. Clark's presentation.

Following a "greet and meet" session, Kay Alston called the meeting to order. Following the opening prayer and the pledges to the flags, Mrs. Alston introduced the speaker, Dr. Clark.

Dr. Clark, a native of Comfort, Texas, is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He and his wife, Heidi, established the Heart of the Brazos Oral & Facial Surgery medical and dental practice in Waco in July of 2007.

Dr. Clark served in the military service for twelve years, and his wife, Heidi, is a former RN in the U.S. Army. They are parents of a son, Carson.

After serving in a military hospital in Georgia and Texas, Dr. Clark served for one year in Korea and had six months of combat in Iraq. In Iraq, Dr. Clark was a trauma surgeon focused on the head and neck injuries of soldiers and Iraqi civilians. During his tour of duty in Iraq, Dr. Clark was one of the combat surgeons responsible for treating then Iraqi President, Saddam Hussein upon his capture.

Based on his experience in Iraq, Dr. Clark and his wife are associated with group called "Celebration of Love" which is a non profit organization at Fort Hood that provides toys for children of service men and women deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan during the Christmas season. Last Christmas season, the organization provided toys for 3,800 children. The Limestone County Republican Women group has contributed to "Celebration of Love."

In his presentation Dr. Clark mainly addressed his experiences in Iraq. He expressed special thanks to the Limestone County Republican Women for the donation to "Celebration of Love."

With the assistance of a power point presentation Dr. Clark took his audience through his daily routine during his tour of duty in Iraq. His job in Iraq was mainly to treat head and neck injuries.

During the course of his talk he said that excellent care was given at the military hospital with which he was associated. He was stationed in Bagdad, and he discussed the adjustment necessary to being in the midst of a war zone.

Dr. Clark stated that he had considerable hope for Iraq in the future.

In his remarks Dr. Clark related many heart warming experiences which were associated with the treatment of soldiers and other patients in Iraq.

The speaker pointed out that his association with injured soldiers in Iraq made him more dedicated to such groups as "Celebration of Love."

Dr. Clark closed his talk with the following Christmas poem in recognition of all of the soldiers and other military personnel who are serving the United States of America this Christmas.

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