Photo By Spc. Josh Lecappelain | Sonia Parker is made an honorary member of the 10th Mountain Division by Command Sgt....... read more read more
By Spc. Josh LeCappelain
Multi-National Division-Center Public Affairs Office
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq - Seven times, she watched him leave.
On the eighth opportunity, he had a traveling companion.
As a military spouse, Sonia Parker watched her husband, Sgt. First Class Matthew Parker, deploy around the world, leaving her to care for their two children, Ann-Marie and Heather -- both now married with their own families. Often, she would wonder about what amazing things and exciting encounters her husband was experiencing, in all corners of the globe.
In November 2007, Col. David Clark, Multi-National Division – Center deputy commanding general (at the time, Fort Drum's garrison commander) presented an interesting opportunity to civilian workers on the installation – join the division in Iraq.
Without hesitation, Sonia stepped forward and volunteered to spend a year away from the U.S., at her husband of nearly 23 years' side.
"There were many reasons I chose to come. I thought I'd get a better understanding of what my husband goes through on a day-to-day basis during deployments," said Parker, a native of Boston, Mass. "Plus, it gave me the chance to do something for my country."
For Sgt. First Class Parker, his wife's dedication to helping the MND-C is heroic.
"I am in awe of her decision," he said. "She wanted to see what it's like, and experience some of what I have experienced. She wanted to do something for the Soldiers of the [10th Mountain] Division."
While admiring her decision, Matthew has had worries.
"I never wanted her to be in a situation where a mortar attack had to be a concern," he added. "This is still a war zone, so I worry about 'what if's'. Her work is important, but I would rather she be back in New York."
Parker, who works with School Age Services back at Fort Drum, has a different job in Iraq – one equally as important.
"I am part of the Commander's Emergency Response Program and the Iraqi-CERP efforts," she added. The CERP program is funded with U.S. appropriated funds; I-CERP is funding provided to the U.S. to execute CERP projects in accordance with the Iraqi government. "I work within different aspects. I receive packets from the units, requesting funds. I then process CERP requirement packets so proper funding can be applied in a timely manner and the people of Iraq can ultimately take advantage of the goods and services. If the packet can be an I-CERP, I make sure it is filed as such [which ensures Iraqi projects are funded by their own government funding]."
In addition to these duties, Parker has created a recycling program in the MND-C Headquarters area, to help keep Camp Victory clean.
"Once I got here, I noticed a lot of plastic bottles accumulating everywhere," explained Sonia, who will stay deployed with the 10th. Mtn. Div. until they return to Fort Drum. "I investigated and found a recycling plant on West Liberty. I found some contacts, made some phone calls and started the recycling program within the 10th Mtn. Div."
Recycling bins can be found all over the MND-C Headquarters now, filled to the brim with bottles that previously would have filled garbage cans and bags. For all of Parker's hard work, she was made an honorary member of the 10th Mountain Division by Command Sgt. Maj. James Redmore, MND-C's senior enlisted leader, during a ceremony on Sept. 29 at the Honor Chapel on Camp Victory.
"I wasn't expecting it," said Sonia. "It was a great surprise."
For the Parkers, this experience has surprised them both.
"Having her here is a bit of an odd feeling," said Matthew. "I see her in a different light than back home. She eats in the same chow hall, turns in laundry and does all the other little things [Soldiers] do."
"I try to take every experience as it comes," said Sonia. "I wasn't expecting to see the amount of trees and flowers I see. I think it's really amazing. I look for the positives out of a situation that can be very overwhelming to everyone involved."
Parker's next project involves sending the tabs off of soda cans back to the U.S., to a Shriner's Organization in Erie, Pa., that uses them to offset the cost of surgical procedures. The project should begin very soon on Camp Victory.
| Date Taken: | 10.14.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 10.14.2008 03:50 |
| Story ID: | 24929 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 349 |
| Downloads: | 308 |
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