Parke J. Stevens, Jr. was recognized for his military service by the Ozark Spring Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution during a ceremony Friday, Dec. 13.
Stevens received an award in recognition of his patriotism and service to the nation in front of a crowd at the Texas County Justice Center.
Stevens enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in June 2003 and served with active duty during multiple combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Using his GI Bill, he entered the University of Missouri-Kansas City Law Schools and earned a law degree.
Upon enlistment he was ranked Private E1 and reached the rank of Staff Sergeant E6. In 2013, he went to Officer Candidate School wherein upon completion he was commissioned as an 01 2nd Lieutenant. He currently serves as a Major of Marines. During his time in service, he has received multiple awards, but those that meant a great deal were: Combat Action Ribbon, Navy and Marin Corps Commendation Medal with Combat C distinction and multiple Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. He has deployed multiple times to Iraq and once to Afghanistan.
Stevens grew up in a big family and his father served in the Navy. He is from Huggins, Missouri and graduated from Houston High School.
After completing law school and OCS, he entered military police school at Fort Leonard Wood. In 2014, he ran for Texas County prosecuting attorney, where he has served since. He also serves on the Houston Community Foundation, VFW and American Legion. He serves in reserve duty in the Marine Corps.
He and his wife have three children.