PFC Larry Parks Jr. Tribute

PFC Larry Parks, Jr. was born October 30, 1982 in Altoona, PA. He was a 2001 graduate of Altoona High School where he was a football player and a wrestler.

When he was 16, Larry joined the Newburg Volunteer Fire Company. He quickly established himself as a fearless leader among his peers. It was because of this that he was in line to become a captain. He was a Volunteer Fire Fighter for 8 years before enlisting in the military in the Spring of 2006.

Before serving his tour in Iraq, he was stationed in Fort Stewart, GA. He belonged to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Delta Company, Unit 42543. He was trained as an infantryman, sniper, and tank driver. It quickly became known that he was an excellent marksman and because of this, he assumed the role as the tank gunner.

At the age of 24, after serving only 38 days in Iraq, Larry was killed while riding with his unit in a tank when Iraqi rebels outside Sadr City set off an IED (improvised explosive device) on June 18, 2007. Because he was the gunner, he was unprotected when the tank flipped onto its side. No other members of his unit were killed during this explosion.

The Funeral Services were held by Good Funeral Home and he was burried at Alto Reste Cemetery. Larry was given Full Military Honors at his funeral service and was also honored by the Newburg Volunteer Fire Company. To protect the family and honor Larry, the Patriot Guard Riders stood guard during every viewing and the funeral itself.

Larry is remembered by his friends and family as being adventurous, a natural leader, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He was the life of every party.

We are very proud of the sacrifice our son made for his family, his unit, and for his country. He is a true American Hero.