[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 40 (Wednesday, April 1, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S2965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO FIRST SERGEANT CHARLES W. PARKER

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I wish to rise and take this opportunity to 
say farewell to an outstanding Non-Commissioned Officer of the 
Mississippi Army National Guard, First Sergeant Charles W. Parker, upon 
his retirement. Throughout his military career, First Sergeant Parker 
served the people of Mississippi with valor and distinction. It is my 
privilege to recognize his many accomplishments and to commend him for 
the superb service he has provided the Mississippi Army National Guard 
and the Nation for the past 32 years.
  First Sergeant Parker enlisted in the Mississippi Army National Guard 
in August 1965, and served as a federal technician from October 1971, 
until February 1981. He then began an active duty career in the Guard 
as a Training Non-Commissioned Officer from February 1981, until his 
retirement in April 1998. He served the majority of his military career 
with Company B, 223rd Engineer Combat Battalion, in Calhoun City, 
Mississippi. During his 32 years of service, First Sergeant Parker was 
activated three times to provide relief due to flooding, ice storms and 
tornadoes.
  First Sergeant Parker served the Great State of Mississippi with 
honor. He received the Army Meritorious Service Medal, Army 
Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal 
(4), Reserve Components Achievement Medal (5), Armed Forces Reserve 
Medal (3), National Defense Medal (2), Army Physical Fitness Award (14) 
and achieved the highest score in his company, battalion, group and 
brigade on more than one occasion.
  During his 32 years of military service, First Sergeant Parker led 
his men selflessly by continuously putting his subordinate soldiers 
before himself. He is known by all throughout the State of Mississippi 
in National Guard circles for helping young people get into the Guard 
and continue their education.
  Most importantly, First Sergeant Parker is also a loving husband and 
father to his wife Sandra, sons Brent and Kent, daughter Vanessa. While 
he missed valuable time away from his family during his military 
career, he must look forward to spending many wonderful years with them 
in retirement.
  I know his family and the Mississippi Army National Guard are proud 
of his many accomplishments. My colleagues in the Senate join me in 
wishing First Sergeant Parker well upon his retirement. The Great State 
of Mississippi and the Nation are indebted to him for his many years of 
distinguished service.

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