Rev. Donald G. Parker's journey from college student to decorated World War II veteran is a story of courage, faith, and resilience. Drafted while attending the University of Pittsburgh, Parker was sent to Camp Gruber in Oklahoma for training before being assigned to the 42nd Infantry Division. In this moving interview, Rev. Parker recalls pivotal moments of his service, including a memorable encounter with General George Patton and his deployment to Utah Beach—just six days after D-Day. His stories transport us to a time of incredible sacrifice, bravery, and purpose.

Among the most powerful memories he shares are the ones that earned him his honors. Rev. Parker was awarded the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart after sustaining shrapnel wounds to both feet. He recounts his time in military hospitals with vivid clarity—from his recovery at the 22nd General Hospital near Weymouth to a harrowing voyage aboard the hospital ship Larkspur, which lost its propeller mid-sea and had to be towed to Newport, Wales. Twenty-two days later, he arrived in Charleston, South Carolina, and found comfort in the warm visit of USO volunteers at Stark General Hospital.

Faith was Rev. Parker’s constant companion throughout the war. He credits his survival and perseverance to a deep trust in God, which became the anchor of his life during and after combat. “God is first, your family is second. That’s it,” he says—words that reflect the strength of a man who never let go of his purpose, even amid chaos. His unwavering belief sustained him through unimaginable trials and continues to guide him to this day.

After the war, Parker was honorably discharged as a Private First Class and returned to finish what he started. He earned his Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and later pursued a Bachelor’s in Divinity at Gordon Divinity School. His calling led him to a life of ministry and service, a mission just as impactful as his time in uniform.

Today, at 101 years old, Rev. Don Parker remains a pillar of faith and inspiration in Abingdon, Virginia. Nearly every Sunday, you can find him at Cleveland Presbyterian Church, joyfully singing hymns and greeting neighbors with a smile. His life is not only a testament to the Greatest Generation but also a reminder that hope, courage, and belief can carry us through anything.

Tabitha Hibbitts Grieger with Appalachia Rising Ventures talks with us inside the Historic Peake Building in Appalachia, VA, on their restoration journey on the town's historic buildings. Tabitha and her husband John started Appalachia Rising Ventures when they purchased the Peake Building in October 2023. They now own the Peake Building, Lavigne Building, and Western Auto (former Pet/Flav-O-Rich diary distribution warehouse.) The buildings dating back to the 1920s were designed (notably the Peake Building) by a local architect named John Clayton Gibson. Tabitha has spoken to some of Gibson's descendants, who have provided her with information on the history of the buildings.

You can learn more about Appalachia Rising Ventures at the following link.

https://linktr.ee/AppalachianRisingVentures

Nestled in the mountains of southwest Virginia is a little community called Dante. In the early 20th century, Dante was a booming coal mine community like many other towns in the surrounding region. In 2003, the Dante Coal & Railroad Museum was opened by many who wanted to preserve Dante's coal heritage. The museum holds many artifacts and pictures from long ago that give visitors insight into what life was once like in Dante. I had the pleasure of sitting down with the museum's curator, Ms. Bobbi Gullett for an interview. Ms. Gullett spoke about her time growing up in Dante, her family (her father and grandfather were coal miners), places of employment, and the opening of the museum.