Eli Parker
Roadside Bombing Takes Life Of Sgt. Eli Parker
(May 8th issue QCN)
The family of Sgt. Eli Parker, 21, a 2002 graduate of Camden
High School received official confirmation on May 4 that their son had lost
his life in a roadside bomb while serving with the Marines in Fallujah, Iraq,
with the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion.
Eli, serving his third tour in Iraq, is the son of Renny and
Donna Parker of Second Street in Camden.
"We're very proud of him, he was a great Marine" his
mother, contacted shortly before the Queen Central went to press, said explaining
that Eli enlisted in the Delayed Entry Program shortly after the Sept. 11
Terrorist attacks. "He was determined to serve his country" she
added.
"We thank the community and our church for their prayers"
she said. A fellow Marine of the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion also lost his
life in the roadside bombing.
Marine Sgt. Elisha Parker Comes Home
(May 15th Issue QCN)
Sgt. Elisha 'Eli' R. Parker, of Camden, lost his life while performing his
duties as a combat ingineer in Iraq with the U.S. Marine Corps, 1st CEB, based
in Camp Pendleton, CA. Eli's family and friends are proud of his accomplishments
as an individual and as a Maine and will never forget his love for God, life,
his country and fellow Marines.
Born in rome, on June 25, 1984, Eli was a 2002 graduate of Camden Central
School. He joined the Marine Corps immediately upon graduating from high school
and was currently on his third tour of duty in Iraq. He loved his job; he
was born to be a Marine.
Eli was a committed Christian throughout his life, being active in his church
youth ministry. He possessed a thorough understanding of what it meant to
be committed and live his life for God. Eli also enjoyed sports, participating
in Little League Baseball, Pop Warner Football, boxing, high school soccer,
Nordic skiing, cross-country and track.
Eli's life, though brief in respect to years, was lived with a fullness that
touched many individuals, He is remembered for his unique admiration of Spiderman,
his unpredictable humor, athleticism, loyalty and maturity. He is loved and
remembered as a son, brother, grandson, nepyew, cousin and friend. Last, but
not least, he will always be remembered as a Marine. For his service and sacrifiec
Eli is without question-a hero!
Surviving are his parents, Renny and Donna (Storms) Parker, Camden; a sister,
Briana, Camden; two brothers, Isaiah, Ithaca, Andrew, Camden; maternal grandparents,
Richard and Virgina Storms, Blossvale; and many aunts, uncles, cousings and
friends. He also leaves behind 'the love of his life,' Lauren Allen, and the
entire Allen family in Fort Worth, Tx.
The parker family would like to express their deepest thanks and heartfelt
gratitude to the Marines and friends of Eli, who have fought for and will
continu to fight to preserve the honor of our country and the U. S. Marine
Corps. The family is also grateful to the people of Camden and surrounding
communities for their incredible outpouring of support and love.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 16, 2006, at the Abundant Life
Community Church, 86 Mexico Street, Camden, under the direction of the LaRobardiere
Funeral Home, Inc., Camden.
A memorial fund has been established to assist with the Community Youth Center
at the Abundant Life Community Church, which will be named, 'The Eli Parker
Memorial Youth Center,' in Eli's honor and memory. The family requests that
contributions be sent to the Eli Parker Memorial Youth Center Fund, P.O. box
215, Camden, NY 13316.
Additionally, the family asks that consideration be given to support the
'Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.' contributions may be sent in Eli's honor
to the 'Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Boulevard, Suite 102, P.M.B.
609, Oceanside, CA 92057.
During his years of service to his country and the Marine Corp, Sgt. Parker
had received the Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps, Good Conduct Medal, National
Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global
War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Sgt. Parker is the fifth area soldier to die in the war in Iraq and the fourth
from Oneida County.
Proclamation
(May 15th Issue QCN)
WHEREAS: Marine Corps Sgt. Elisha R. Parker was an inspiration to everyone
in the Camden community, and;
WHEREAS: Sgt, Elisha R. Parker displayed a spirit for life, love for family
and his country, and a willingness to respond to any challenge before him,
and;
WHEREAS: Sgt. Elisha R. Parker was an exceptional student, and displayed
a sense of moral obligation that was commendable, and;
WHEREAS: Sgt. Elisha R. Parker was killed in action on May 4th 2006, in Fallujah,
Iraq, sacrificing his life for the love of his community and his country,
now;
THEREFORE: I, Cristen J. Harlander, Mayor of the Village of Camden, New York,
in order ot pay tribute to a true American hero, proclaim that May 16, 2006
will be forever inscribed in history as Marine Sgt. Elisha R. Parker Day in
the Village of Camden, and I also decree that all Village of Camden flags
will remain at half-staff until sunset on the evening of May 16th, 2006.
