Col. William (Bill) Parker, director of the Air and Missile Defense Cross-Functional Team, was promoted to brigadier general in a ceremony Aug. 1, 2024 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Parker is a native of Bell County and the son of Mike and Diane Parker of Pineville. He attended Lone Jack Elementary and graduated from Bell County High School where he played football for four years.

The promotion ceremony was hosted by Lt. Gen. Sean Gainey, commanding general of the Space and Missile Defense Command, at Fort Sill’s Air Defense Artillery Training Support Facility.

Fort Sill public affairs shared that during the ceremony, Gainey reflected on Parker’s career and contributions, emphasizing the impact of his work in the counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) operations.

“I got into the counter UAS world, and as a brigade commander, I was looking to do something outside of a tough job after brigade,” Gainey said. “I thought, ‘Boy, do I have a deal for you.’ I couldn’t have done my job without Bill Parker as my deputy in the work that he was taking on.”

Gainey praised Parker for his technical competence, team-building skills, and ability to forge strong relationships within the military community.

“Now, we have him in one of the most critical positions in our branch as we map our way out of this modernization effort. I couldn’t think of a better person to take charge,” he added.

Following his promotion and the administration of the oath, Parker took the podium to express his gratitude and reflect on his journey.

“No one in their right mind back in 1995 ever attending an event like this would have believed it, least of all myself,” Parker said. “I really wanted to have the ceremony here to stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, wearing a uniform harkening back to today’s Greatest Generation.”

Parker acknowledged the many individuals who supported his career, offering a special thanks to Gainey for his mentorship and trust.

“Watching you operate as an Army senior leader was like witnessing a master craftsman at work. Words cannot do justice, so I simply say thank you.”

He also expressed deep appreciation for his colleagues and family, noting that his achievements were built on the lessons he learned from others.

“I’m not standing here based on what I’ve done as much as what I’ve learned from soldiers and leaders I’ve served with in the past,” Parker said.

Parker’s career has been marked by service in various critical roles, including multiple tours with the 101st Airborne Division and leadership positions in Air and Missile Defense. He concluded his remarks with heartfelt thanks to his family for their unwavering support through the demands of military life.
“Thanks for sticking by me through deployments, exercises, and everything in between. Your support has had a measurable impact on both me and others,” he said.

With this promotion, Brig. Gen. Parker will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the U.S. Army’s Air and Missile Defense capabilities as it modernizes to meet emerging threats.

Parker was commissioned as an Air Defense Artillery Officer from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1995. His first assignment was as a Platoon Leader, 1-2 ADA at Fort Bliss, Texas, subsequently becoming a Fire Direction Center Officer-In-Charge, 2-43 ADA at both Fort Bliss and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Following the Infantry Captains Career Course at Fort Moore, Georgia, he served as an Assistant Operations Officer and Battery Commander, 1-44 ADA  at Fort Cavazos, Texas, as part of the 4th Infantry Division.

Upon completion of command, Parker was assigned as an assistant Professor of Military Science at Clemson University. He became the Theater Access Control Officer, Multi-National Forces-Iraq in Baghdad. He attended the Air Force’s Air Command and staff College and then transitioned to Fort Campbell where he served as a Brigade Combat Team Chief of Operations, Iraqi Army Brigade Military Transition Team Chief (Mansoor Security District-Baghdad), Brigade Special Troops Battalion Operations Officer and Brigade Combat Team Rear Detachment Commander, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AASLT).
Parker’s next assignment was as the Plans and Policy Division Chief, HQDA DCS G-3/5/7, Air and Missile Defense Directorate at the Pentagon. He later served as a Professor of Military Science (PMS) at Michigan State University. After a short year as the PMS, Parker took command of 5-52 ADA at Fort Bliss and deployed the battalion to Gaziantep, Turkey, for a year in support of the NATO Operation Active Fence mission. After 5-52 and Army War College attendance, he became the Commander’s Initiatives Group Director and Chief of Staff, 94th AAMDC at JBPH-H, Hawaii. Parker next served as the Commander, 30th ADA Brigade at Fort Sill. His most recent assignment was as the Military Deputy to the Director, Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aerial System Officer at the Pentagon.

Parker’s civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy, A Master of Arts in History from Clemson University, a Master of Arts in Management from Webster University, a Master of Military Operational Art and Science from the Air Command and Staff College, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

Brig. Gen. Parker is married to the former Kerry Bennett of Walton, Indiana. They have been married for 22 years and have three children: Pixie (20), Billie (18) and Cassie (15). Kerry currently works as an accountant with the Bay Business Group. Parker’s interests and hobbies include spending time with his family, supporting school and club volleyball games, distance running and watching college football.