My dad was the son of Ray and Norma Parks and the brother to 8 siblings. Dad was in the Air Force from 19xx - 19xx and we had the opportunity to travel to some interesting cities. For example, in 1962 we moved to Eielson AFB in Alaska where I attended kindergarten. Dad was the perfect example of what a serviceman should be . . or any employee for that matter. He was always early for work, imaculately dressed and took his job and position seriously - but his family was number one! In 1969 when I was 12 years old, Dad went to Vietnam for a year. I missed him so terribly and we all wrote letters to him regularly. There are so many words to describe the type of father my dad was. He was honest, trustworthy, compassionate, loving and full of interity. His soft heart spoke volumes without him uttering so much as a sound. His light blue eyes would stare back with deep emotion and love. My dad and mom made a wonderful couple and we were a close knit caring family who loved the Lord deeply. My brother, sister and I were raised to respect others, show compassion for those less fortunate and have the character of someone that the Lord would be proud of.