Today our walk was dedicated in honor of:
Army PFC James David Parker, Age 20 of Bryan, TX.
KIA Jan. 21, 2004
PFC Parker was assigned to the 588th Engineer Battalion (Heavy), 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas
Pfc. James D. Parker of Bryan, Texas had a quick wit and smiling face that earned him many friends in Central Texas even though he lived there just two years. He was a happy person you couldn’t help but be happy right along with him. Although Parker followed his father and grandfather into military service, his family was surprised when as a teen he decided to enlist. While in Iraq, he volunteered for ordnance disposal, a highly dangerous job that involved clearing paths of mines and booby traps before other troops advanced. He grew up in San Diego, where he developed a love for surfing, hip-hop and freestyle rapping. Shortly after he graduated from high school, his family moved to Bryan and he came along. He assembled a crowd of friends in Bryan although he spent most of his time at Fort Hood. He saw the military as an opportunity to develop discipline, a chance to make it on his own and a vehicle to someday help pay for tuition at Texas A&M, where he hoped to study engineering. He is survived by his parents and two younger brothers.
It was an honor to walk 7.27 Miles with Army PFC James David Parker today. We first walked by Holiday Hills Lake. It’s starting to ice over. We watched the geese for a short time and then headed up town. We made a stop in the Veterans Memorial Park where we read some names of our Fallen Brothers on the Memorial War. We then headed north and turned at the Bakery. We made a stop in at the Frost Cemetery to visit some of our Fallen Brothers before heading home. We had a great walk. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping me honor this hero. We had 251 honks. It was amazing. Thank you.
Army PFC James David Parker will not be forgotten !
