Col(RET) Thomas Parker

COL Thomas E. Parker is the Senior Army Instructor for Woodbridge High School, Woodbridge, NJ. COL Parker received his commission as a Second Lieutenant through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at Fordham University. Upon graduating from Touro College in 1984, he received a reserve commission appointment into the Infantry branch.

COL Parker’s previous assignment was the Chief of Staff for the Atlantic Division, 75^th Training Command. His early assignments include the Deputy Provost Marshal of 77^th ARCOM; G5 Forward, and Civil Assistance Team Chief at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo; Public Administration Officer and Commerce Officer, 353rd Civil Affairs Command, Staten Island, NY; Commander, Headquarters 353rd Civilian Affairs Command, Staten Island, NY; Chief, Southern Regional Coordination Cell, Baghdad, Iraq; Intelligence and Operations Officer of 3rd Brigade, 100th Division (IT); In 2008, he assumed command of the 5/98^th Battalion, 80^th Training Command, where instructors trained Soldiers in support of Operation Allied Force and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Exercise Branch Chief, 1^st Group, 2^nd Brigade, 75^th Division; In 2013, he assumed command of the 1^st Group/1^st Brigade, Atlantic Division, 75^th Training Command; During his command tenure, he led the Brigade as they conducted two vital Army Force Generation exercises, WAREX 86-12-01 and WAREX 78-13-01. Additionally, he directed the Brigade’s efforts as they planned and executed culminating training events for numerous battalion-level and higher units preparing to deploy to combat.

His military education includes the Infantry Officer’s Basic Course, Civil Affairs Advanced Course, Black Belt Lean Six Sigma Course, Combined Arms and Service Staff School, United States Command and General Staff College, and United States Army War College.

His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (1OLC), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, the Kosovo Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and the NATO Medal (2).

COL Parker holds a Master of Science degree in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University, Master of Strategic Studies from United States Army War College.