Floor SpeechNeutral2026-02-02

TRIBUTE TO MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT ANTONIO PARKER

DefenseTradeVeterans

Context

On 2026-02-02, Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT ANTONIO PARKER" in the Senate. The speech addressed defense and also covered trade policy, veterans affairs. It referenced legislation including S440, S441.

Full Text

TRIBUTE TO MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT ANTONIO PARKER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S440-S441] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT ANTONIO PARKER Mr. TUBERVILLE. Mr. President, I often say, ``This country owes you one thing--and that's an opportunity.'' But it is up to you what you do with that opportunity. No one demonstrates making the most of this opportunity better than MGy Sgt Antonio Parker of Montgomery. Antonio grew up in a small town with humble beginnings in southern Virginia. But his mother instilled in him the values of service and a good education. She practiced what she preached by tutoring those who couldn't read and serving at the local church. Anthonio promised her that he would get his own education. And in 1981--1 week after graduating high school--Antonio enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. What began as a way to pay for a college education and keep his promise to his mother led Antonio to 28 years of military service, including more than 10 deployments. During this time, he earned five degrees focusing on business and leadership. Along the way, he also married his wife of over 30 years--Jean, a Montgomery native. In 1999, they welcomed their son Antwon into the world, who is continuing to follow in his family's footsteps as a two- time University of Alabama graduate and is now pursuing his medical degree in Nashville. After retiring from the military in 2009, Antonio's focus shifted to empowering those around him in the Montgomery area. He has completed 59 marathons and loves to help others lead healthier lives. Throughout the years, he has planned multiple community health events, including his Fit-4-Life 5k, where all proceeds go toward education for those in need. Antonio's life after the military hasn't been without its challenges. While training for his 60th marathon, Antonio received the life- altering diagnosis of stage IV cancer. But 5 years later, he is still with us and making the most of every day. He credits his [[Page S441]] faith and family as the two most important anchors that have kept him here. And he is still using his time and talents to help those not just in the River Region, but the entire State. Antonio frequently speaks to students across the Southeast, encouraging them to become leaders in their community. Antonio is also a friendly face to the elderly who need a helping hand, whether it be mowing their lawn or fixing something around their home. He also serves as a deacon at Maggie Street Missionary Baptist Church in Montgomery. It is no wonder that such an extraordinary person is nicknamed ``Superman'' by his colleague Officer Benjamin Duffy, who says that Antonio is ``truly an exceptional man, great patriot, and an even better Alabamian!'' It is my honor to recognize Antonio Parker as the February Veteran of the Month. ____________________

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TRIBUTE TO MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT ANTONIO PARKER Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S440-S441] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT ANTONIO PARKER Mr. TUBERVILLE. Mr. President, I often say, ``This country owes you one thing--and that's an opportunity.'' But it is up to you what you do with that opportunity. No one demonstrates making the most of this opportunity better than MGy Sgt Antonio Parker of Montgomery. Antonio grew up in a small town with humble beginnings in southern Virginia. But his mother instilled in him the values of service and a good education. She practiced what she preached by tutoring those who couldn't read and serving at the local church. Anthonio promised her that he would get his own education. And in 1981--1 week after graduating high school--Antonio enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. What began as a way to pay for a college education and keep his promise to his mother led Antonio to 28 years of military service, including more than 10 deployments. During this time, he earned five degrees focusing on business and leadership. Along the way, he also married his wife of over 30 years--Jean, a Montgomery native. In 1999, they welcomed their son Antwon into the world, who is continuing to follow in his family's footsteps as a two- time University of Alabama graduate and is now pursuing his medical degree in Nashville. After retiring from the military in 2009, Antonio's focus shifted to empowering those around him in the Montgomery area. He has completed 59 marathons and loves to help others lead healthier lives. Throughout the years, he has planned multiple community health events, including his Fit-4-Life 5k, where all proceeds go toward education for those in need. Antonio's life after the military hasn't been without its challenges. While training for his 60th marathon, Antonio received the life- altering diagnosis of stage IV cancer. But 5 years later, he is still with us and making the most of every day. He credits his [[Page S441]] faith and family as the two most important anchors that have kept him here. And he is still using his time and talents to help those not just in the River Region, but the entire State. Antonio frequently speaks to students across the Southeast, encouraging them to become leaders in their community. Antonio is also a friendly face to the elderly who need a helping hand, whether it be mowing their lawn or fixing something around their home. He also serves as a deacon at Maggie Street Missionary Baptist Church in Montgomery. It is no wonder that such an extraordinary person is nicknamed ``Superman'' by his colleague Officer Benjamin Duffy, who says that Antonio is ``truly an exceptional man, great patriot, and an even better Alabamian!'' It is my honor to recognize Antonio Parker as the February Veteran of the Month. ____________________