Unlikely Viking: From The D.C. Projects to Rural Nebraska

by Garry Clark, Joshua Schwieger (Illustrator), Mandy Mowers (Editor)

Overview

This memoir captures the story of how an exodus from our nation's capital to rural Nebraska saved an "at-risk youth" from a cycle of drug abuse and fear. Garry Clark's childhood was spread across more than 13 homes all over Washington, D.C. as his parents battled demons of addiction and poverty. Capitalizing on his God-given ability to run, Garry sought out a grain of hope in rural America when he attended Dana College in Blair, Nebraska -- where he holds 11 track records. Garry's story is one of hope, of overcoming incredible circumstances, and of taking risks to find unexpected opportunities.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780578444369
Publisher:	Garry Clark
Publication date:	02/11/2019
Pages:	194
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Garry is currently the Executive Director of the Greater Fremont Development Council (GFDC), in Fremont, Nebraska. He recently received the 40 Under 40 Award from the Midland Business Journal in November of 2018, primarily for his work to raise close to $2 million dollars to fund a Rural Workforce Housing Program in Dodge County, Nebraska. Garry is the 2nd Vice President of the National Rural Economic Developers Association and serves as a board member on the Nebraska Economic Development Association’s Board of Directors. Prior to his GFDC role, Garry worked as the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority’s (NIFA) Opportunity Fund Manager out of the Omaha area. Before that, Clark served as Cuming County Economic Development Director for five years in Northeast Nebraska. Before his work in Nebraska, Clark started out as a City Planner-Mainstreet Manager and Economic Development Specialist in Florida, Maryland, and in Washington, D.C. Garry received his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Dana College in Blair, Neb., and his Master of Science in Urban Studies/ Public Administration from the University of Nebraska—Omaha. Although his alma mater (Dana College) is no more, Garry was inducted into the Dana College Hall of Fame for Track and Field in 2010. He holds 11 records (the most ever in the school’s history) and
was the first male National Champion for Dana College. Clark still holds a Cross Country record at Montgomery Blair High School in Washington, D.C, after 20 years. Garry lives with his wife, Tina, and their three children in Omaha. For Speaking engagements and bookings please contact the author at [e-mail].