By Haley Baker
Published: Nov. 6, 2024 at 3:06 PM PST, https://www.waff.com/2024/11/06/2024-hall-heroes-sergeant-major-robert-spider-parks/, used with permission from WAFF

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF)— Sgt. Major Robert “Spider” Parks is the latest veteran posthumously inducted into the Madison County Hall of Heroes. Known for his bravery, leadership, and enduring dedication, Parks inspired fellow soldiers and remains a symbol of selflessness and courage within the military community.

WAFF spoke with his widow, Lucia Parks, and John Meyer, a Green Beret who served alongside him in Vietnam, to remember the legacy of a man revered by those who knew him.

John Meyer, who spent two years serving both stateside and in Vietnam with Parks, shared a deep admiration for his former comrade. “It‘s a bond that exceeds family,” Meyer said. “I’m alive because of him and the training Spider gave me.” Meyer, who authored Across the Fence: The Secret War in Vietnam, recounted numerous life-threatening situations where Parks’ quick thinking and leadership saved his team.

One particular photograph, Meyer shared, showed the two men after a successful mission. “I love the picture of Spider and I, after a mission… he saved our bacon again,” Meyer reminisced. “It’s one of my favorite shots of us in Vietnam.”

Parks was a member of an elite Special Forces reconnaissance team, leading high-stakes ground tours before transitioning to secret airborne missions alongside the Air Force. In one harrowing account, Meyer recalled an intense four-hour assault where Parks coordinated the extraction efforts and guided Meyer and other team members on the ground to safety. “He would direct everything,” Meyer said. “Spider would say, ‘Reach down and get a hold of yourself, or you’re going to die,’ and he would take care of them.”

Throughout his decorated military career, Parks earned numerous honors, including the Special Forces Tab, two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star with Valor, and several classified awards. He retired from Special Forces Command in 1987. Still, he continued to embody the spirit of his service, frequently returning to Southeast Asia to search for his missing-in-action team leader, Glen Lane, and soldier Robert Owen. Tragically, Parks died at the age of 81 while traveling on one of these journeys, intent on bringing his friends’ remains back to the States.

“He went back to Vietnam… for years… determined to find Glen’s remains,” shared his widow, Lucia. Describing her husband as a caring and kind individual who would do anything for others, she reflected on his commitment to his comrades and his enduring dedication. “My husband saved a lot of lives…”

With 29 years of dedicated service, Sgt. Major Robert “Spider” Parks’ induction into the Madison County Hall of Heroes is a lasting tribute to his courage, loyalty, and sacrifice, ensuring his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

The Military Heritage Commission has a display at the Madison County Courthouse. This collection consists of the Hall of Heroes display, the Purple Heart display, the Killed in Action (KIA) display, and the “All Branches Military Medals and Ribbons” display, showcasing the valor and sacrifices of our veterans.