December 23, 1944

Wesley Clark (whose original name was Wesley Kanne before his stepfather, Victor Clark, adopted him) was born in Chicago, Illinois. An Arkansas resident from a young age, Clark had a distinguished military career that propelled him into the international spotlight. His consulting business, high-profile television commentary, and political aspirations sustain his involvement with the nation’s political leaders and processes. He obtained the rank of a four-star general during his military career and acted as the Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, Europe, from 1997 to 2000. During his first political race, in 2004, he was a Democratic candidate for president of the United States. Although unsuccessful in that race, he ran an effective campaign and ultimately turned his support to John Kerry’s bid.