Warrior of the Week: Master Sgt. Tomeka Parker

Master Sgt. Tomeka Parker, director of Equal Opportunity for the 319th Air Base Wing, reviews information prepared for a future EO briefing, Sept. 30, 2013, at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. The Lafayette, La.,-native is the base’s Warrior of the Week for the first week of October 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Warrior of the Week: Master Sgt. Tomeka Parker

Master Sgt. Tomeka Parker identifies the six categories protected against the unlawful discrimination under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 during a briefing review, Sept. 30, 2013, at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. As the director of Equal Opportunity for the 319th Air Base Wing, Parker processes complaints of unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment; she advises special observance committees and conducts unit climate assessments and human relations education. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Warrior of the Week: Master Sgt. Tomeka Parker

Master Sgt. Tomeka Parker was selected as the Warrior of the Week for Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., for the first week of October 2013. The senior NCO conducted the unit climate assessments for more than a dozen wing staff agencies and served as a resource advisor. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Warrior of the Week: Master Sgt. Tomeka Parker

Published Oct. 2, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez
319th Air Base Wing/Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE ABSE --

Rank and name: Master Sgt. Tomeka Parker

Unit: 319th Air Base Wing

Duty title: Director of Equal Opportunity

Time in service: 17 years , 10 months

Hometown: Lafayette, La.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? Serving in the Air Force is important to me because it allows me to be a part of something that truly matters. In addition, the traits that make me who I am have been utilized to help others which is something I truly value.

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why? The accomplishment I'm most proud of is receiving the 2011 Air Force Equal Opportunity Director of the Year award. I worked very hard and never thought that I would be able to accomplish such a task.

What is your favorite part of your job? Helping people is what I enjoy most about my job.

Who or what inspires you and why? If it's a person or two, please provide name and title. Retired Chief Master Sgt. Nate Turner is one of my inspirations. Although he is no longer in the Air Force he's still an awesome mentor and friend; he's always believed in helping and molding others to reach their potential; he's truly an example of what I aspire to be.

What's the first thing that made you think Grand Forks Air Force Base was a cool place other than the temperature or weather? To be honest, I didn't think there was anything cool about Grand Forks Air Force Base upon receiving the assignment; however, I've met a lot of great people and made some good friends; although a small base; we have a great mission and get outstanding community support.