Brian Thomas Parker

LIEUTENANT COLONEL BRIAN THOMAS PARKER (USAF, RET.)
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Cadet Squadron 12

Brian Thomas Parker was born at Fort Meade, Maryland, to Harry Parker and Lillian Burkowske Parker. Raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Brian demonstrated strong academic aptitude and athletic potential from a young age. He earned a congressional appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, entering as a member of the pioneer Class of 1959—the Academy’s very first graduating class.

During his four years at the Academy as a member of Cadet Squadron 12, Brian stood out both academically and athletically. Majoring in Public Affairs, he maintained an exceptional academic record while engaging broadly in intercollegiate and intramural sports. He competed in soccer, swimming, track, and cross country, earning varsity letters in both track and cross country.

MILITARY SERVICE AND COMBAT DUTY

Following his graduation and commissioning in 1959, Lieutenant Parker entered Navigator Training at Mather Air Force Base, California. Upon completing his training in 1960, he was assigned as a navigator with the 13th Bomb Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, serving there until 1964. He subsequently served with the 960th Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Squadron at Otis Air Force Base from 1965 to 1966.

With the expansion of U.S. operations in Southeast Asia, Brian was deployed to South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. From 1966 to 1967, he served as a navigator with the 4th Air Commando Squadron operating out of Bien Hoa Air Base. He then served as an Intelligence Officer with the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing at Phu Cat Air Base from 1967 to 1968. For his heroic and meritorious achievements during combat flight operations in Vietnam, he was decorated with two Distinguished Flying Crosses, nine Air Medals, and two Air Force Commendation Medals.

Upon returning to the United States in 1968, Brian was assigned to England Air Force Base in Alexandria, Louisiana, as an Instructor Navigator with the 4412th Combat Crew Training Squadron. It was during his duty station at England AFB that he met his future wife, Francyse, beginning a loving marriage that spanned nearly 48 years.

ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION, HIGHER EDUCATION, AND FINAL ASSIGNMENT

In 1970, Brian returned to his alma mater, the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he served as an instructor and Chief of the Navigation Training Branch until 1973. During his academic posting, he pursued graduate studies and earned a Master’s degree from the University of Denver in 1974.

He was subsequently assigned to Texas A&M University as an Air Force ROTC instructor from 1974 to 1977. His final military posting took him overseas to the United Kingdom, where he served as Chief of Base Operations and Training for the 48th Combat Support Group at RAF Lakenheath from 1977 to 1980. Lieutenant Colonel Parker retired from active duty in 1980 after 25 years of military service.

CIVILIAN CAREER, HOBBIES, AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Lt Col Parker and his family settled in Bryan, Texas. Continuing his passion for higher education and mentorship, he served as a Management Lecturer at Texas A&M University from 1980 to 1985. He then joined the faculty at Blinn College in Bryan/College Station, teaching economics for 18 years from 1985 until 2005.

Outside of his academic career, Brian enjoyed raising horses on his property. He remained deeply committed to veteran affairs and community service, actively participating as a member of American Legion Earl Graham Post 159, the Vietnam Veterans Association, and serving as an officer for the 13th Bomb Squadron Association.

Brian Thomas Parker passed away on March 2, 2016, at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife, Francyse; his five children—Dennis (wife Angela), Suzie Van (husband Ricky), Tim (wife Suzanne), Steve, and Nicole; five grandchildren—Jaimie, Kindel, Cassie, Kayla, and Tommy; and one great-grandchild, Ainsley. A Military Memorial Service was conducted at the American Legion Hall (Post 159), with final interment held at the U.S. Air Force Academy Cemetery.

EDUCATION


United States Air Force Academy B.S. in Public Affairs 1959
Mather Air Force Base Navigator Training 1960
University of Denver Master’s Degree 1974

MEDALS & AWARDS


Distinguished Flying Cross 2
Meritorious Service Medal 2
Air Medal 9
Air Force Commendation Medal 2

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS


1959–1960 Student Navigator Mather Air Force Base, CA
1960–1964 Navigator 13th Bomb Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan
1965–1966 Navigator 960th AEW&C Squadron, Otis Air Force Base, MA
1966–1967 Navigator 4th Air Commando Squadron, Bien Hoa, South Vietnam
1967–1968 Intelligence Officer 37th Tactical Fighter Wing, Phu Cat, South Vietnam
1968–1969 Instructor Navigator 4412th Combat Crew Training Squadron, England AFB, LA
1970–1973 Instructor / Chief, Navigation Training Branch U.S. Air Force Academy, CO
1974–1977 AFROTC Instructor Texas A&M University, TX
1977–1980 Chief, Base Operations & Training 48th Combat Support Group, RAF Lakenheath, UK
1980–1985 Lecturer in Management (Civilian) Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
1985–2005 Professor of Economics (Civilian) Blinn College, Bryan/College Station, TX