Dix medic honored at ceremony in Washington

Published April 27, 2010
By Armed Forces YMCA Public Affairs

WASHINGTON -- Sgt. 1st Class Nathanial Parsons, an Army Reserve medic stationed at the Dix NCO Academy, received the Armed Services YMCA 'Angels of the Battlefield' award on behalf of all U.S. Army Reserve medics during a ceremony March 17 at the nation's Capitol.

Parsons was selected in part because of his dedication and commitment to service in the Army Medical Department and the Armed Forces.

"Our medical services personnel are responsible for providing first aid and frontline trauma care on the battlefield. They are the wounded warrior's best friend, the calming presence in the fury of a firefight, the first to respond to pain and tragedy," said Gen. (ret.) Eugene Habiger, chairman of the National Board of Directors of the Armed Services YMCA. "These heroes, like Sgt. 1st Class Nathaniel Parsons, are the first to turn back, to risk their own lives for the sake of others. We recognize them for their service, their dedication, their sacrifices and their bravery."

Parsons joined the military to pursue a career in the medical field and take advantage of the G.I. Bill to earn money for college. Now, with almost 17 years of service, Parsons believes his choice to become an Army medic was a much more important decision than he realized.

"For me, it's not just about the Soldier; it's about the hundreds, and possibly thousands, of people who are connected to that Soldier," Parsons said. "It's about their family, friends and loved ones who rely on that Soldier. What I do makes a difference, not just in the lives of the soldiers I care for, but for generations to come."

Parsons, who is from San Antonio, received the Combat Action Badge and the Joint Service Commendation Medal while serving in Iraq.