MUSCATINE, Iowa — Three generations of the Otto Parker family will take a sentimental journey to Washington D.C. this spring and document memories.

Parker, 92, is a veteran of World War II who will go on the World War II Honor Tour in May. The tour sends local veterans on an all-inclusive trip, funded by public donations, to the nation’s capital. Last October, 30 Muscatine-area WWII vets took the trip. This year, 30 more will leave for the four-day journey to visit the World War II Memorial and other sites.

“I am very excited. I have been wanting to see the memorial,” said Parker, who will be accompanied by his daughters, Nancy Hawley and Debby Brower of Muscatine, and grandson, Jake Hawley, of California. When the tour arrives in D.C, Parker’s son, Ron Parker of Florida, will join the family. All family members will pay their own expenses.

Parker is excited to see his                      

grandson, who will make a documentary of the tour. Jake Hawley, 29, is a 1998 Muscatine High School graduate who works for Cobra Creative in San Francisco, producing motion graphics for television, movies and Web sites.

“I remember my grandpa telling me stories when I was young, but I only remember bits and pieces. This documentary will be a great keepsake but also a part of history,” said Hawley, a tall, lanky skateboarder who grew up on Hope Avenue in the same block that his grandfather and parents still live today.

“I took him to ball games and we went everywhere together,” Parker said. The two visited D.C. once before, when Hawley was about 9.

Hawley said that he never pried for details about his grandfather’s war experience because he didn’t know how comfortable Parker felt talking about it. The documentary will focus on Parker but Hawley said he will interview and shoot video of others on the trip and plans to make it available to those who want a copy.

Living through history

Parker enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940 and was stationed at different camps throughout the U.S. and became a training officer teaching weapons and tactical techniques.

“Dec. 7, 1941, that day changed a lot of things,” Parker said of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor.  “I would have been discharged soon if that hadn’t happened.”

He expected to be enlisted for a year, but that turned into five years and three months, he said. And after that point, Parker made a career of his military experience, not retiring until 1977.

Parker was sent to Italy in 1944 to train infantry men.

“It wasn’t what you call fun,” Parker said of the experience. “We spent a lot of time in the towns and training in the mountains. I spent a winter living in a tent. But I think it was worth it.”

In March of 1970, Parker earned the rank of Colonel and was a part of the U.S. Army Reserves until 1977. He was also commanding officer of company C 133rd infantry division stationed in Muscatine for about four years during that time.

Memories

Parker’s wife Donna died in 2004 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The tour will take him there where he will visit her grave for the second time since she passed away. Parker will be buried with her when he dies.

“I have been there once, but I am glad this time my family will be there, too,” Parker said.

Brower said that the rest of the family hasn’t been to visit the grave.

“This will be very meaningful. We are so excited and can’t wait to share this experience together,” Brower added.

how to help

 To make a tax-deductible donation, make checks payable to WWII Honor Tour and mail them to:

American Legion Post 27, Attn: Pam 110 S. Houser St., Muscatine, IA, 52761

or drop off pop cans at the American Legion any time for the Junior Auxiliary pop can collection. Proceeds will go to the tour.