Maine Army National Guard Sgt. Richard K Parker was born on December 9, 1980. He was KIA in Iraq on June 14, 2007 during his second tour overseas.
In the military is where Richard found his place in the world. He found his purpose in life there with his brothers in arms. He was a young man who enjoyed adventuring in the great outdoors, including fishing trips with his friends. He loved animals and had much compassion for them. He also loved adventuring into the books he read. His favorite books to read were fantasy novels. He could read through a book faster than the biggest book enthusiast. As an adult, he still loved to watch cartoons. He was playful and always loved getting under peopleās skin, including his sisters, just for the fun of it. He collected dragons, wizards, coins, stamps, and rocks. He had a son, Keegan, who was born while he was in Iraq on his second tour. Unfortunately, the two never got to meet, but Keegan has many of Richardās mannerisms. Richard lives on in him.
Richard’s stone was found by his sister in a small brook next to the house where they all grew up and played as kids.
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Honoring my brother by carrying his stone on the hike to rainbow loop with TSP was an emotional, but uplifting experience. Richard loved the outdoors, often exploring and sometimes finding himself lost in the forest. He had a deep respect for all living things. Being in the forest, respecting nature and keeping all wild plants intact was rewarding for me as I felt like I was honoring his respect for living things. I felt as though he was there wandering the forest with me as I carried his stone. He often loved to tease me and try to get under my skin as a child and adult. I felt like he was there saying āyou canāt carry that heavy stone all the way through the forest.ā That gave me the push to continue hiking even when I was tired and aching. Although, I was tired and aching I knew that this was nothing compared to what he experienced while fighting for our freedom.
Dear Megan and family, I can’t tell you what an honor it was to escort Richards stone from Portland to Millinocket for TSP’s BSP event. The TSP family never ceases to amaze with with their dedication and commitment to Maines fallen and their families. Megan, it was an honor to meet you and to be able to present Richards stone to you prior to your hike. Special again, to run into you at breakfast on Memorial day as things wound down. I learned a lot about Richard and the kind of person he was. I pray that more young men can learn the values and dedication that Richard had. Very rare qualities. I will be forever grateful to Richard and to you for your sacrifice. I hope that I will be seeing you again at future TSP events. Rest assured, Richard’s stone and story will be forever told by volunteers and others. He will always be remembered, respected and honored. MHANF. Thank you and God bless
I had the honor and great pleasure of carrying the stone of Richard Parker. You never know how truly you are blessed until you get the chance to show support for a person who has done amazing things for this country. Richard was a lot like myself, which made the connection even more special. I also love the outdoors. Richard would find himself spending a good amount of time exploring the wildlife without a care in the world. During this hike I gave it all I had to make it up the mountain without complaining cause I know Richard had the heart to stand up for our country without complaining and showed true heart and his motivation kept me going. Beyond blessed to get to know Richard’s story and will always be an amazing memory that Iāll never forget. Thank you for the experience!
It was another great hike with TSP honoring my brother and all the other fallen soliders that sacrificed their lives. Both times I have hiked with TSP, I have felt my brother with me. He had a dry sense of humor, and loved to get under my skin when he could. I know he was there with me saying, “you can’t finish this hike” and then saying, “see I knew you could do it” when I did finish. I feel like I am connected with him hiking in the woods, doing something we both enjoy. I only wish we had more time together as adults to enjoy hiking.
Thank you for allowing me to honor Richard’s memory by carrying his stone up Double Top Mountain at Baxter State Park. This was my first hike with TSP. I felt as though he was on top of the mountain with us as we were sharing stories of the fallen soldiers. I also felt that Nanny Dawn and his Mom were there with me as we walked through the woods. Megan thank you for teaching me a few more things about TSP sharing your stories of your brother and the memories you have of him. Aunt Nancy, I’m grateful for your words that you shared with me about him making the ultimate sacrifice and him wanting to join the Army. This was truly an incredible experience and a humble one. It made me reflect truly what Memorial Day is all about. Words can’t express how this experience has impacted me. Richard you will always be remembered!!
For the Family of Richard Parker,
Thank you for trusting me with the responsibility of continuing Sgt. Richard Parkerās legacy. I had the privilege and honor of carrying his stone and story on the 2024 hike up Cadillac Mountainās South Ridge Trail at TSPās Acadia National Park event. This was my second hike honoring our Maine heroes. I was very moved learning about what a great young man Richard was and how he was loved by so many. But what moved me the most and crippled my heart, stopping my ability to research deeper into this great hero was when I read how Richard never got to meet his son Keegan. If my heart ached, I could only imagine how you, his family must feel. But I want to thank you from the bottom of my soul for sharing Richardās and your stories with TSP so we can honor him and your family. In doing so, I hope that your loss is divided and lessened each time Richardās greatness is remembered and shared. I didnāt get to meet you this time around but hope to have the privilege in the future to meet you and to meet his son Keegan, who you say resembles his dad, Sgt. Richard Parker. Love and Prayers, Emily M. Leonard