Page 77 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2023 - Online Magazine

WWII

Following Dad’s death in 2021, this scholarship was named in his
retirement from the memory. The scholarship is awarded annually to
military, we relocated two outstanding Texas Tech students enrolled in the
back to Lubbock, back to ROTC program. For further scholarship or ROTC
where our family’s story information, contact: Lt. Col. Christopher Palacios,
began. Dad was hired by Professor & AFROTC Commander, Detachment 820;
the Texas Employment phone 806-742-2143.
Commission, and he and
mom became involved Dad was buried with full military honors at Arlington
in their church and civic National Cemetery (Arlington, VA). It was a fitting,
activities. But it was their final tribute to a man who had a strong military
Lt. Col. Parra at Mountain identity. Yet, my brother and I saw Dad similarly
View College in Dallas, TX, lengthy involvement in
in 2018, where he and other the Texas Tech Dad and to the George Bailey character in the movie, It’s a
veterans were recognized Mom’s Association in the Wonderful
for their military service. Life. Dad was
1980s and 1990s, led by
Major General Dudley unassuming
Faver (USAF, Ret.), that cultivated their value of and likeable.
educational opportunity for the next generation. Gen. George wanted
Faver’s leadership inspired them. to leave his
small town and
That value of education manifested into two see the world.
scholarships. One family-endowed scholarship was Dad did what
established at my alma mater, the University of George could
Missouri School of Journalism. It is in memory of not do. But,
Coronado High School’s journalism teacher, Mrs. like George,
Marjorie Wilson. It is open to journalism majors both men had a
from Texas enrolled in Mizzou’s J-School. (For life well-lived,
more information, contact Colin Kilpatrick, Senior positively
Executive Director of Advancement at (573) 884-4803 impacting the
or email at kilpatrickc@missouri.edu) lives of family,
friends—and Attending the Military Ball in 1948 at
The second endowed scholarship was established now students. Texas Tech is ROTC Cadet Parra and his
by the Lubbock Chapter of the Military Officers date, Mary, who would become his wife
Association of America (MOAA). Following Dad’s later that year. They celebrated 72 years
of marriage before his death in 2021.

The FAMILY of
Lt. Col. P.S. Parra (USAF, Ret. and TTU ‘50)

Respectfully

Salute the TTU ROTC students who join the ranks of our nation’s military leaders of yesterday, today
and tomorrow. We are grateful for the Greater Lubbock Chapter of the Military Officers Association of
America (MOAA) who generously support young men and women through the
LTC Pedro “Pete” Parra Texas Tech ROTC Scholarship.

Lubbock Senior Link 77