Patrick Clare, a Clifton Park resident and veteran of the Iraq War, has been promoted to the rank of brigadier general in the New York Army National Guard. The promotion ceremony took place on May 30, 2025, at the New York National Guard headquarters in Latham, New York.
Brigadier General Clare began his military career in 1994 as an enlisted truck driver in the New York National Guard. He earned his commission as an officer in 2000 after completing Officer Candidate School. Over the years, Clare has held numerous logistics and leadership positions, including serving as the transportation officer for the 42nd Infantry Division during a deployment to Iraq in 2004–2005, and as brigade logistics officer for the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team during a 2011 deployment to Kuwait. He also deployed to Kuwait in 2020 as the chief logistics officer for the 42nd Infantry Division.
In his new role as assistant division commander for support for the Troy-based 42nd Infantry Division, Brigadier General Clare will oversee the administration and logistics of the 20,000-member division. Prior to this assignment, he served as the Chief of Staff of the New York Army National Guard and commanded the 369th Sustainment Brigade, also known as the “Harlem Hellfighters.”
Clare holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Nyack College and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
He resides in Clifton Park with his wife, Nicole, and their two children, Ryan and Michaela.
