Saturday April 19, 2014
Interment PFC Carl E. Parks US Marine - WWII Veteran, Nubieber, CA

The Patriot Guard Riders having been invited by the family of Fallen US Marine WWII Veteran PFC Carl E. Parks to stand and honor during his interment service in Nubieber at the Hillside Cemetery, Nubieber, Ca. PFC Carl E. Parks served his country proudly from 18 September 1942 until 8 December 1945 while assigned to the 2nd Marine Division as Radioman. PFC Carl E. Parks saw extensive combat service in the South Pacific Theatre including the Mariana Islands Saipan, Tinian & Tarawa as well as Okinawa. He was also part of the Marine force sent to Australia to help guard that country against the possibility of Japanese invasion.

PFC Carl E. Parks was selected by his commanders to be on the deck of the USS Missouri during the Japanese surrender, which ended WWII. His military awards include the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal w/3 sm. Bronze Engagement Stars, WWII Victory Medal, and the Navy Occupation Medal (Asia clasp).

After the war he became involved in many community & civic organizations, including Lions Clubs International, the Masonic Lodge and the Shriners. He also served a term as a Lassen County Supervisor of his home district which included the town of Bieber which he had called home since 1962. In addition to his civic duties, he also operated a successful Real Estate business for many yearss

PFC Carl E. Parks was a proud US Marine veteran. Because of his love of life, his sense of humor, his dedication to the Intermountain area and his love for his family, he will be missed by many.

On a beautiful spring day in Lassen County, Patriot Guard Riders from far & wide journeyed to Nubieber California to pay their last respects and show honors to a fallen hero and WWII veteran, PFC Carl E. Parks, USMC. Twenty-three PGR members were on hand to "stand the flag line" as the PGR escorted hearse & family made their way down the flag-lined road to the cemetery.

PGR members from as far away as Sacramento, Northern Nevada including Carson City & Reno areas; Shasta County including the greater Redding area; the Susanville & Janesville area and 5 members from the Modoc-Alturas area. The efforts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts from all over the Shasta, Lassen & Modoc County regions came together to provide the Honor Guard, Rifle Squad, Bugler and flag folders for this last tribute to a dedicated & proud Marine veteran...a member of the "greatest generation."

The services began at 1000 hrs at the Masonic Lodge in Fall River Mills, then MIAP combined with PGR riders to provide the escort to Hillside Cemetery for military graveside services. Afterwards, a nice luncheon and community get together was held at the Catholic Church in Bieber.

Rest in peace, PFC Carl Parks, for your mission here is complete, and a mission very well done, indeed.

Skip "Boonierider" Kelly
Ride Captain, Modoc Patriot Guard Riders
skip@norcalpgr.org