Daniel Parker honored as a top senior cadet at UNG

2016 Sep 16

On Sept. 11, the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Boar's Head Brigade held the 2016 Distinguished Military Students (DMS) Review, conducted annually to honor senior ROTC cadets who have excelled academically and as leaders.

Cadet Capt. Daniel Parker from Marietta, Georgia, is the child of Chip and Kaylin Parker. Parker is majoring in international affairs and is Leader Development Program S2, member of Headquarters Company. Parker completed Cadet Initial Entry Training in 2015, receiving the Military Order of World Wars Award. He is also a graduate of the UNG NCO Academy. Parker is a member of the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity. He has participated in study abroad in Latvia and tutored other students in Russian.

Bob Mathews, president and CEO of Colliers International and an alumnus, congratulated the 25 recipients as keynote speaker for the event. Along with Mathews, the reviewing party included UNG President Bonita Jacobs; Col. Brent Cummings, professor of military science at UNG; and retired COL Tom Palmer, commandant of cadets at UNG.

"What you do here is important; you are the future of the United States Army and the security of our nation," Mathews said. "You have distinguished yourselves by your selection and I challenge you to use it for good for all of those who will know you and those who will be led by you."

To be selected, a cadet must be in the upper half of the academic class, the upper third of the ROTC class, and the upper third of UNG's Order of Merit List, established by the professor of military science. Additionally, cadets are selected on the basis of interest and aptitude for military service and outstanding qualities of leadership and initiative as demonstrated by participation and achievement in campus, civic and military activities.

"Parents, thank you for what you've given to this university, and now to our Army. You have raised a son or daughter who is willing to do something more than the average American is willing to do and you should be very proud," Cummings said. "You have raised a child to now be an adult leader and we are grateful."