Aeromedical services graduate receives gift of family

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kimberly Spencer
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  A 59th Medical Wing member got an early holiday gift at graduation this week, his family.

Airman 1st Class David Parker, an Aeromedical Services Apprentice Phase II student here at Wilford Hall Medical Center, was not expecting to see his mother, Cathie Parker, and brother, Jonathan Parker, at his graduation ceremony held in the 59th MDW Chapel Wednesday.

His mother flew in from their home town of Roseburg, Ore., as a special surprise to see his graduation, and his brother's graduation, which will take place Friday when Airman Basic Jonathan Parker graduates from the Air Force Basic Military Training Course here at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

Master Sgt. Richard Righetti, the 59th Training Squadron Military Training Flight chief, worked closely with Mrs. Parker to ensure she and her oldest son were able to attend Airman Parker's graduation. Airman Parker did not realize they were present until he marched in to the chapel during the graduation ceremony.

The surprise could be seen on the young Airman's face, a striking figure at six foot two with a bright smile, he managed to keep his military bearing without missing a beat as he marched to his seat one row in front of his family.

"As a Military Training Leader I have the opportunity to mentor the best and brightest this country has to offer and every once in a while a truly special Airman crosses my path," said Sergeant Righetti. "Airman Parker is one of those special Airmen. He epitomizes the core values and genuinely lives service before self."

During the graduation ceremony Airman Parker was coined twice, once by the AMSA Phase II instructors for his outstanding contributions to his class, and again by Sergeant Righetti for his dedication and leadership on and off duty during the course.

Airman Parker will now be heading to Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., where he will be a member of the 27th Medical Operations Squadron.

His brother, Airman Basic Parker, is scheduled to attend training to be an air traffic controller at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., following his graduation on Friday.

The young Airman was all smiles following the ceremony when he was finally able to hug his mom and brother.

"This has been such an honor," said Mrs. Parker. "Everyone has been so wonderful and treated us with so much care and respect. I've always admired our military members, but being here and seeing first hand the dedication, caring and professionalism of our Air Force members has reinforced my admiration."

Airman Parker and his brother are following in their grandparent's foot steps, said Mrs. Parker.

"My grandfather was a Marine and their father's grandfather was a member of the Army's central intelligence agency. Their father's grandmother was also an Army member and served as a nurse," said Mrs. Parker.

Life has not always been easy for the family. The boys lost their father to colon cancer eight years ago and it has been just them and their mother since that time.

"What a gift this day has been," said Mrs. Parker. "I can not thank Sergeant Righetti and his wife enough for their help with my son Jonathan and me being able to be here. My boys are the best of friends and we have all been through some very difficult times. It means so much for us to be able to share this special day together, and Jonathan's graduation on Friday."

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