Our hike today was dedicated in honor of :
Remembering Marine/Army Veteran SSG Dustin Lee Parker
Marine/Army Veteran SSG Dustin Lee Parker
Age 39 — Crossville, Tennessee
Died August 10, 2019
Today, we stepped onto the Cascade Trail in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, carrying the memory of a local hero with us.
Marine/Army Veteran SSG Dustin Lee Parker was only 39 years old when his life came to an end on August 10, 2019. Dustin was a graduate of Cumberland County High School and proudly dedicated many years of his life to serving his country and his community.
Dustin served 6½ years in the United States Marine Corps and another 8 years in the United States Army. His commitment to serving others didn’t end when he took off the uniform. From 2004 through 2010, Dustin also served as a volunteer firefighter, giving his time to help protect the people in his community.
Today, we honored Dustin by walking 2.46 miles along the beautiful Cascade Trail in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee.
This was our 14th hike of 22 hikes dedicated to bringing awareness to Veteran Suicide.
It was a beautiful, brisk, sunny morning as we headed out onto the trail. The scenery was incredible, but what made today’s hike even more special was the number of people we encountered along the way. We met more than 15 people on the trail, and every encounter reminded us that when we bring awareness to Veteran Suicide, we never know who might hear the message, who might need it, or who might carry it with them.
The views today were absolutely amazing. But as beautiful as the trail was, the real meaning of today’s journey was the hero whose name we carried with us.
I want to give a special thank-you to my hiking friends Candy and Donna for being there and helping me honor Dustin today. I also want to thank Fallen Hero SGT Adam LaPorte for helping us honor this hero and keeping Dustin’s memory with us along the trail.
Every step today was taken for Dustin.
Every mile was a reminder that his service mattered.
And every person we met along the trail was another opportunity to bring awareness to the reality of Veteran Suicide and the importance of never forgetting those who served.
Dustin Parker served his country as a Marine and a Soldier. He served his community as a volunteer firefighter. Today, we served his memory by making sure his name was spoken, his story was remembered, and his sacrifice was not forgotten.
SSG Dustin Lee Parker, you may no longer walk among us, but you will continue to walk with us.
Your service will never be forgotten.
Your life will never be forgotten.
And your name will never be forgotten.
🇺🇸 REST EASY, SSG DUSTIN LEE PARKER. 🇺🇸
Veteran Suicide Awareness Hike #14 of 22
2.46 Miles — Cascade Trail, Fairfield Glade, Tennessee
WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
