Marine Sgt. Elisha R. Parker

Remember Our Heroes

Marine Sgt. Elisha R. Parker, 21, of Taberg, N.Y.

Sgt. Parker was assigned to the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; killed May 4, while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Anbar province, Iraq.

Elisha "Eli" Parker was a 2002 graduate of Camden High School who was "born to be a Marine." He died on May 4 in service of his country in Iraq.

Parker, 21, a combat engineer, was killed in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, U.S. Defense Department officials said last week. He was a member of the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

Parker was on his third tour of duty in Iraq when he was killed by a roadside bomb. Parker's latest tour was scheduled to run from March through September.

Eli was devoted to the U. S. Marines and had a passion to serve the country he loved. He was the school's first recipient of the Cpl. Pat Tillman Award, which is given to a graduating senior who enlists in the military for full-time active duty. Eli began basic training for the Marines three weeks after he graduated from Camden High School.

All in Camden will remember Sgt. Eli Parker for his convictions, bravery and patriotism.

Quotes about Eli

"Eli's smile will be forever imprinted in my mind. He was a gentle spirit loved by all who knew him. Someone once said to me that when a young person passes before their time should be over it's because God needs old and young angels and he only takes the best. He certainly has a gem by His side now. God Bless the Parkers with strength and flood their minds with memories of happier times spent with Eli throughout his short life. I'm glad to have known him. He will be missed by many, but we are thankful to have known him." Maureen Dourney

"Eli Parker was a true asset to our community. Indeed, he was an asset to our entire nation." Carl Goodwill, friend.

"He made the ultimate sacrifice for us and his country. As tragic as it is, it's very fitting for Eli...He loved what he did." Justin Casey, friend and high school classmate

"He was a kid who was so gifted, he could have done anything. I think he felt it was his duty ... to serve the country..." Steve Campbell, Parker's high school track coach.

"He took all our most rigorous courses and graduated 15th in a very competitive class. He was an outstanding young man with a great personality who was actively involved in our high school activities." Rocco Longo, Camden Superintendent of Schools.

Special Thanks From the Parker Family

The Parker family would like to extend their gratitude and deepest appreciation to the many people throughout Camden and the surrounding area who have shown such overwhelming compassion and kindness during this difficult time. The cards are too numerous to count, the food is delicious and plentiful, and your kindness, hugs, and outpouring of love is carrying us when we would surely fall without you.

Thank you for remembering our precious Eli.

Please continue to pray for our troops and the families who await their return.
Contributions in Eli's Honor

Eli Parker Memorial
Youth Center Fund
P.O. Box 215
Camden, NY 13316

A new community youth center will be built at the Abundant Life Commuity Church in honor of Eli Parker. If you would like to make a donation toward its construction, please send a check to the above address made out to the Eli Parker Memorial Fund.

You could also consider supporting the following fund which the Parker family feels is worthy.

Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund
825 College Blvd., Suite 102
P.M.B. 609
Oceanside, CA 92057

Marine Sgt. Elisha R. Parker was killed in action on 05/04/06.