Bay Springs Marine lives, learns in Afghanistan

Photo By 1st Lt. Scott Murdock | Cpl. Cory Parker, a radio operator with Support Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), and a Bay Springs, Miss., native, uses a radio to communicate with elements of a route construction team in southwest Afghanistan April 2, 2012. Parker spent his first deployment constructing roads that improve infrastructure and quality of life in Helmand province.  

HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

04.12.2012

Story by 2nd Lt. Scott Murdock 

Regional Command Southwest

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – After two days of college and a short welding career, Cory Parker decided he needed to do something different.

The Bay Springs, Miss., native spoke to Army, Navy and Marine Corps recruiters, but only the Marines sparked his interest.

“I liked the idea of someone wanting me to join their organization.” Parker said. “I love welding but I can always go back to that.”

Now a Marine Corps corporal, Parker is serving in southwest Afghanistan as a radio operator with Support Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward). The Marines of 9th ESB have spent their deployment constructing roads that improve infrastructure and quality of life in Helmand province, affording rural Afghans better access to hospitals, schools and commerce.

“I see a lot of great things being done here,” Parker said. “I’ve had a lot of fun and met a lot of great people.”

Like all Marines, Parker has experienced adversity and found inspiration. One thing he likes about the Marine Corps is the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Marines are constantly challenged to grow past their comfort zones and reach out to people they might have never spoken to in the civilian world.

The Marine Corps has also taught Parker to be a good leader by providing good examples to follow. Parker has a great deal of respect for his platoon commander and for Marines he has met in the past.

“I had a gunny, I’ll never forget him, Gunny Mullins, who to me was the ideal leader,” Parker said.

As he nears the end of his enlistment, Parker is planning to go to college in his home state of Mississippi. When he ends his Marine Corps career, he’ll have plenty of reasons to be proud.

• Date Taken: 04.12.2012
• Date Posted: 04.12.2012 09:34
• Story ID: 86620
• Location: HELMAND PROVINCE, AF