Parker was born into a military family and went to high school in Saigon, Vietnam, where his father was stationed. As a member of the United States Army, he returned to Vietnam. He joined the Border Patrol to protect his own country, and he went to Iraq to help rebuild someone else's country.

Photo Credit: Jacqueline Parker

Retired Border Patrol Agent Daniel G. Parker

Parker did one tour of duty in Vietnam, 1969-1970, where he earned the Bronze Star for meritorious service above and beyond the call of duty.

In 1983, he joined the Border Patrol, where he was stationed at El Paso, Tex., San Angelo, Tex., Baton Rouge, La., and at the Border Patrol Academy at Charleston, S.C. He retired from the Academy in June 2003, after 20 years of service to the Border Patrol.

After retirement he went to work for Kellogg Brown and Root Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Halliburton, as a senior security coordinator, working in Iraq. He was part of a convoy going to Baghdad Airport on the day of his death. He had joined the Border Patrol to protect his own country, and he went to Iraq to help rebuild someone else's country.

Daniel Parker is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Parker, daughters Shannon and Kara Parker, son Kurt Kromer, and granddaughters Makenzi and Miranda Kromer. He is also survived by his mother, Nancy, brother, Jamie, sister, Kelly, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

What do you say about a 56-year-old grandfather who went to war-torn Iraq? He was a man who loved life with exceptional zest. He was a man who could have enjoyed many years of easy living, riding on his beloved Harley, walking his daughters down the aisle, enjoying his grandchildren, and growing old with the woman he loved? He could have been safe, secure and enjoying the fruits of his labors. Yes, he was attracted by the challenge and the excitement; yes he was given the opportunity to monetarily provide as never before. But the ultimate reason Dan went to Iraq was as simple as doing something more with his life than just serving his country twice and raising a family. He wanted to do something that really made a difference. What he wanted to do was put his strong convictions and morals to a productive use. Right a wrong, undo evil, and do something that really, truly counted. He did it in his everyday life as a husband, father, son, brother, Border Patrol agent, friend, and finally as just one of many in Iraq who are dedicated and committed to making this world a better place. --Jacqueline "Jacquie" Parker, wife of Daniel Parker