Navy Veteran John Parker was born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Arlington, Texas. He joined the Navy at 21 and served for ten years, 1988-1998. He began his Navy career in weaponry and later transferred to aircraft machinist. “I didn’t think there was much call for building bombs in civilian life, so I decided I should make a change”, he said grinning.
Mr. Parker moved back to Texas after leaving the military and worked at DFW Airport in refueling. He later moved to East Texas to help care for his parents. His father was ill and passed away in 2010. His mother soon followed. “I had already been drinking. I started in the Navy. You worked and got off and you drank with your friends. I was basically a functioning alcoholic. But after my mom died, it increased. I had my first binge after she died.”
Eventually, his family intervened. “I got home and I saw the cars. My sister had gotten my uncles to come. And that was a good thing because by then I had lost all faith in humanity. And I wasn’t going to listen to anyone except another Veteran. My uncles were both Viet Nam Vets so I couldn’t blow them off. I couldn’t say ‘you don’t know what it’s like’ because they knew even more than I did.”
Mr. Parker went to the Shreveport VA and through their program. After that, he went to the Shreveport Bossier Rescue Mission to live. The pastor asked me to join their program. I was agnostic, but eventually, I told him ‘I’ll join and keep an open mind. It was the right decision. I even went through the program again and that’s where I began my relationship with the Lord.”
Mr. Parker eventually joined the staff as their cook. “I started as full-time, but later I became part-time. I was homeless for a while and did various jobs. Honestly, it made me stronger and better. I met some good people being homeless. They were usually more ready to help than people who are well-off.”
Mr. Parker was living at the Salvation Army and receiving out-patient care from the Shreveport VA. They recommended he come to Little Rock and go through a VA program here.”When I got out, they recommended St. Francis House.”
Mr. Parker has recently gotten a new job and is looking for a place close to his work. He continues in therapy and groups. “St. Francis House gave me a roof over my head and a lead on employment. My advice to anyone? Don’t give up! No matter what is happening.”