[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 36 (Thursday, March 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E485-E486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO FIRST SERGEANT CHARLES PARKER UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE 
                       MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL GUARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROGER F. WICKER

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 26, 1998

  Mr. WICKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my 
constituents for his long and distinguished career in the Mississippi 
Army National Guard. First Sergeant Charles Parker of Calhoun City, 
Mississippi, is the full-time Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of 
Company B, 223rd Combat Engineer Battalion in Calhoun City. He is 
retiring

[[Page E486]]

this spring after 33 years of honorable service to his state and 
nation.
  His steady leadership and hard work earned First Sergeant Parker the 
respect of his peers and his subordinates throughout the Mississippi 
National Guard. He is credited with raising the strength level of his 
unit by more than 50 percent after it was reorganized. His technical, 
administrative, and leadership skills have been key factors in the 
company's consistently high performance ratings over the years. First 
Sergeant Parker has also led by example. In each of the last 14 Army 
physical fitness tests, he has scored more than 300 point maximum.
  His commanding officer said there is no better soldier anywhere in 
the Mississippi National Guard, citing his positive attitude and 
willingness to go beyond the call of duty in support of his fellow 
Guardsmen and their mission.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues join me in saluting First Sergeant 
Charles Parker for a job well done.

                          ____________________