Veterans Day – A Day of Remembrance – SFC (Retired) Mark Parker

Sergeant First Class (Retired) Mark Parker began his military career with the US Air Force.
After serving for nine and a half years, he transferred to the Oregon Army National Guard where he eventually was assigned to the 1249th Engineer Battalion in Salem.
SFC Parker served in many capacities while assigned to the 1249th in a construction unit, Operations and Planning, and the Battalion Support Company. He was deployed with the 1249th Engineer Battalion at the beginning of the war with Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and just prior to leaving for Iraq his unit was re-missioned in support of securing all bases along the west coast of the United States. He also served in several emergency service capacities including Oregon forest fires.
After over 22 years of meritorious service, SFC Parker retired from the military and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the highest award that can be earned in the Army outside of combat.
During his service, SFC Parker mentored several young soldiers who would go on to become excellent leaders within the Oregon National Guard.
Those who served beside him are proud to call him brother. He should and always will be considered a SOLDIER FOR LIFE!
”Soldier For Life” is the Army’s new slogan for recognizing that service in the Army is not just a short stint, but everyone who serves is considered a soldier for life, regardless of service time or retirement. https://soldierforlife.army.mil/about