Local man in Afghanistan

Violence in Afghanistan is heartbreaking for Jen Parker. Parker tries to be strong for her son, but worries about his safety all the time. Her son, Michael Adam Parker, is a Sargent in the United States Army and is stationed in Afghanistan training Afghans and leading them into battle.

Michael Adam Parker grew up in the small town of Robertsdale, and even as a baby his mother knew he was destined for a life of service. Jen Parker said her son was always putting something on his head. "Now, that I look back I should have known it was an omen he would wear a soldiers helmet," shared Parker.

Jen Parker's son, Adam, is on the front lines of the battlefield, he's a Sargent in the United States Army and he's stationed in one of the hottest spots in Afghanistan. "He's in Afghanistan on EET embedded that trains Afghan police and soldiers," said Parker. Before his tour in Afghanistan, Sgt. Parker pulled a tour of duty in Iraq. "First deployment to Iraq, I was a total basket case because this was my baby, my only son," said Parker.

Parker said it went on that way a long time, until her son gave her some advice. " He said you have to trust in God. I'm going to stay as safe as I can, but you've got to have faith in me and my training," said Parker. And so that's what she does, she has faith that her little boy who is now a Sargent. will come home safely. Parker said she is so proud of her son and all of the troops serving our country. And will remember their sacrifice this Fourth of July.