Three American trainers were shot by a man wearing an Afghan National Army uniform during an attack in Afghanistan last Saturday, June 8.

Killed were Lt. Col. Todd J. Clark, of Evans Mills; and Major Jaimie Leonard, of Warrick; and civilian law enforcement training contractor Joseph Morabito, from Hunter. Gov. Cuomo has directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Friday, June 14, in honor of three New Yorkers, the Daily News reports.

Members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians met in Albany to mourn Clark on Sunday. Clark’s father, Jack, a retired lieutenant colonel, tends bar there. Family friend Paul Collins said about Clark, “He was a fine, fine guy. He was a family man, but he was a true, true patriot. He did five tours over there.”

An international coalition spokesman said the shooter was killed during the attack and a second Afghan man was arrested after the attack. An investigation has been launched.

After growing up in the Capital Region, Clark lived near Fort Drum in Jefferson County with his wife and two young children. He served for 17-years in the army. Clark served three tours of duty in Iraq and two in Afghanistan. He received the Purple Heart for injuries he sustained during his first tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Newschannel 13 reported that Clark’s wife, Shelley Wuenstel Clark posted on Facebook, “Words cannot describe (the) pain and anguish. I just want him back so bad. Thank you everyone for the kind words. To know Todd was to love him.”

Another longtime family friend, Albany County Comptroller Mike Connors added, “This is the ultimate price that people pay to defend us. We take our freedoms for granted very often.”

Funeral arrangements for Clark are pending. 

Watch a news clip from Newschannel 13 here