Griffo honors Parker with induction into New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

CAMDEN - New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-I-Rome, announced today that Renny Parker, a Vietnam veteran from Camden, has been inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from New York State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life.  

Sen. Griffo recognized Parker at a special ceremony at Camden High School. Parker received a plaque, poster and book to commemorate his induction. Members of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum provided a color guard for the presentation.

“I am proud to recognize Renny with induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame,” Sen. Griffo said. “Renny, who is the recipient of a Purple Heart, selflessly and courageously served his country during the Vietnam conflict. He has made it a priority to support veterans and Gold Star families and has continued to be an active, dedicated and instrumental part of several veterans’ organizations in the region. On behalf of the 47th Senate District, I thank Renny for his service, appreciate the sacrifices that he has made on our behalf and commend his commitment to ensuring that our veterans and their families are never forgotten.” 

A bio of Parker is below:  

Renny Parker is a U.S. Army veteran who courageously served his nation during the Vietnam conflict. He achieved the rank of Sergeant E-5. 

Mr. Parker heroically earned a Purple Heart after being wounded on Feb. 1, 1968, during a search and destroy mission near Quang Tri City while serving as a rifleman with Company D, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 12th Cavalry. Additionally, he earned the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device, Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, three Overseas Bars, Bronze Star Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal and Sharp Shooter M-14. 

A Gold Star parent, Mr. Parker is the father of U.S. Marine Sgt. Elisha Parker, who was killed in action on May 4, 2006, while performing his duties as a Combat Engineer in Iraq. 

Mr. Parker remains committed to helping veterans and Gold Star families. He works to ensure that the memories of fallen service members never fade.  

A Life Member of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 944, Mr. Parker has been an instrumental part of the CNY Chapter 490 Military Order of the Purple Heart, donating his time in support of each organization’s programs. Additionally, he has raised thousands of dollars for the nonprofit Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (T.A.P.S) while running the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. in memory of his son. Mr. Parker, along with his wife, have worked to raise money for injured war veterans through a memorial fund and a charity golf tournament in their son, Elisha’s, name. 

As a civilian, Mr. Parker worked in manufacturing and manufacturing management with International Wire Co. for over 30 years. He and his wife, Donna, live in Camden and are the proud parents of four children: Briana, Isaiah, Elisha, and Andrew.  

Mr. Parker is also a member of Abundant Life Community Church in Camden, where he is actively involved in many areas of ministry and community outreach. 

 ###