Parsons felt duty, honor as U.S. Marine

MADISON – Steve Parsons entered the U.S. Marine Corps in September 1985 on the GI bill that helped fund his college education.

“I also had a sense of duty and jumped onto this opportunity to serve our country,” Parsons said. “I’m honored to have worked with, and was led by, some of the best in the business — many being career Korean/Vietnam war veterans who taught me much.”

“I feel that I’ve truly walked with giants, none of which I deserved or was even qualified, as I was a far cry from ‘their level.’ I will never forget these, as well as my fellow soldiers,” Parsons said.

After Basic Training at Parris Island, S.C., Parsons completed more training in Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, Norfolk, Va. He was Logistics/Embarkation NCO for 4th Marine Regiment, 14th Marine Division, Bessemer.

Then in Fort Sill, Okla., Parsons served as Forward Observer for battery’s M198 howitzer and at Fort Carson, Colo.; Twenty-Nine Palms, Calif.; and Fort Bliss, Texas from 1986-1988.

From 1988-1990, E-4 Parsons was attached to Navy Team 3, Naval Special Warfare Command, Coronado NAB, Calif. as operator in tactical areas, including unconventional warfare, direct action, counterterrorism, special reconnaissance and personnel recovery.

After attending Auburn University, Parsons earned a bachelor’s degree in MIS from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. With 25 years in sales and management, he currently works as Senior Territory Manager for United Rentals.

After UAB, Parsons started working for a construction equipment sales/rental company in Madison. He had to refer to a map “to find this place called ‘Madison.'” After moving on a Sunday, Parsons got turned around on Monday morning during his 2.5-mile commute.

“I never thought I would have made Madison my home, but, as fate would have it, the years went by and I settled into the community,” Parsons said.

His wife Novella Parsons works for Alliance HR. Their daughter Claire recently graduated from James Clemens High School. Son Charlie is a James Clemens sophomore.

“We’re active members of Madison Church of Christ and enjoy volunteer work. I was baptized at age 31 shortly after meeting Novella, who was instrumental in leading me to Christ and who has blessed us with two wonderful children,” he said.

Parsons enjoys hunting, fishing, history, philosophy and antique map collecting. He cherishes his family and likes their “day trips to explore, learn and visit forgotten places.”