The Capital Guardian - Spring 2011

NEWS BRIEFS ... NEWS BRIEFS ... NEWS BRIEFS
Tech. Sgt. Parks named USAF’s
Illustrator of the Year
If you went to the Awards and Decorations Ceremony
program, NGAUS/EANGUS conference or Military Ball, you
may have noticed the posters, brochures and pamphlets for
those events. Here at DC National Guard, Tech. Sgt. William
Parks is the person behind the artwork. Parks is a visual
information specialist and webmaster/art director for the DC
National Guard. Recently, Parks was recognized as the National
Guard’s Graphic Illustrator of the Year.
This work is the culmination of a lifelong interest in art for
Parks. In the first grade, 6-year-old Will won a state award for
a print he made, and was asked to start art classes immediately.
As a high schooler, Parks won several art contests, the most
memorable being a life-sized paper mache sculpture of a toilet.
“I wanted to go to art school, but realized that I couldn’t
afford it,” Parks said. “I came from a military family, and my
mom suggested that I join the Air Force or Navy. I didn’t want
to spend that much time on a boat.”
Preventing sexual assault
is everyone’s duty
By Melvene Lanier
JFHQ-Alternate Sexual Response Coordinator
We are privileged to work in an organization whose core
values include integrity and selfless service. Integrity is the
willingness to do what is right legally and morally, even
when no one is looking. It is the moral compass, the inner
voice, the voice of self-control. Selfless Service is looking
out for the welfare of others. How many times have we
heard of our members rescuing people during an emergency—car
accident, fire, child drowning? Everyone has
the opportunity to be a bystander; intervention is a choice.
Your involvement in preventing sexual assault is needed.
Don’t let your “Guard” down but always be aware of behavior
that may lead to a sexual assault. Every two minutes someone
16 • CAPITAL GUARDIAN / Spring 2011
Not realizing that
graphic artist was a
possible military career
choice, Parks enlisted as
a ground radio operator
and then re-trained as a
fuel handler. “I asked my recruiter about graphic design, and
he said that the Air Force didn’t offer it as a career field.”
Later, while assigned as a fuel handler at Andrews AFB, Parks
did some investigation and found the Visual Information office.
He interviewed with the chief, who wanted to take him
immediately but there were no open slots in the whole career
field. The chief “pushed the envelope and ended up taking it
up to the Pentagon.” In 2001, Parks was offered training at
the Defense Information School and began a new phase of his
military career more in line with his lifelong passion for art.
In 2007, Parks was able to take advantage of Palace Chase
to transfer to the DC National Guard and came to work full
time at Joint Force Headquarters public affairs in January 2010.
He works in web production, graphic design and photography.
His work is a regular feature in the Capital Guardian, including
the masthead on the front cover. He has also done the web
design on the DCNG homepage and contributed to the
Potomac Air Monthly, and the Capital Flyer. He has designed
numerous challenge coins and T-shirts for units in the 113th
Wing as well as Joint Force Headquarters and routinely
contributes photographs.
While not at work, Will does freelance work with his wife,
Kelly, a fellow graphic designer. He has two sons who are
already showing promise in arts and music. Parks now goes on
to represent the Air National Guard in the Air Force Media
Contest.
Live 1-on-1 Help Confidential Worldwide 24/7
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in the United States is sexually assaulted. Approximately twothirds
of assaults are committed by someone known to the
victim and 60 percent do not report the assault. Although you
may not be directly affected by sexual assault, “Hurts one.
Affects all.”
As we observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month, everyone
has a role in preventing sexual assaults. Live the core values
and don’t be a bystander who watches, be a bystander who
intervenes.