The November 2014 issue of the Arcadia News has several articles honoring America’s Veterans including an article about U.S. Army Sergeant Ian Parkinson.
In 2009, after talking with U.S. Army recruiters for years, Parkinson enlisted in the Army. He began basic and specialized infantry training. Then he spent a one-year 
tour in South Korea, and in March of 2011 he was deployed to Afghanistan. While serving in Afghanistan the Arcadia native and Arcadia High School graduate survived a 60-pound explosive device blast directly below his feet. The explosion shattered his arm, cracked his pelvis and destroyed his legs, but not his spirit. After 30 surgeries, the avid skateboarder is riding again and learning new tricks every week. Parkinson is also now married to his high school sweetheart and attending Scottsdale Community College working toward a degree in computer science. Some days bring him challenges and sometimes there are setbacks, but this optimistic veteran doesn’t let it bring him down for very long.
To watch a video about Ian Parkinson or make a donation to support education and employment for veteran, visit see4vets.org.
Read more about Ian Parkinson and other inspirational veteran stories in the November 2014 issue of the Arcadia News.
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