03/02/08 - News Reports From The Greenwich Time

Greenwich High School senior, Edward Parker, 18, poses as his parents, Adrienne and Van Parker, stand proudly behind him.
(Bob Luckey Jr./Staff photo)

GHS senior embraces the army-of-one lifestyle

By Meredith Blake
Greenwich Time Staff Correspondent

Just after a snowfall, battling the biting December wind, Edward Parker, 18, had to complete a grueling two-mile run to qualify for the U.S. Army Reserve.

"I was in so much pain," he said.

After completing the first mile, in his military-issued uniform and 5-pound winter boots, his whole body hurt and his face stung from the cold.

"I really thought, 'I want to give up. Forget this", he said.

But then he asked himself, "Am I going to do this in a life-or-death situation if it depends on saving other people? No, I have to continue.' It's about telling yourself you're not in pain," he recalled during an interview last week....

...He said that people often ask him why he joined up, especially now with the war going on, and he is surprised by that reaction.

Although it can be seen as a dangerous career choice, there can be risks in many jobs.

He said his biggest fear is being away from home, family and friends -- not fighting in the war in Iraq.

"What's the point of joining the military if you refuse to do your job?" he said, "There is a part of me that wants to go. My unit has been to Iraq twice already and I haven't heard any complaints. Their stories make it sound like a good life experience."

Beach-access concerns delay national listing
With fears mounting that the town might have to relinquish its control of beach-access at the site, a bid to have Greenwich Point Park placed on the National Register of Historic Places has been suspended.

Man pleads guilty to part in jewelry heist
A Bridgeport man has pleaded guilty to setting a fire with his brother to aid in the robbery of Betteridge Jewelers in September 2006, in which a gun-toting motorcyclist dropped near $5 million in jewels as he tried to escape.

Tobacco sting nets clerk
Police cited a liquor store clerk for selling tobacco to minors during a spot compliance check of 24 businesses in town Thursday, according to police.