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Regular Session, 2012 ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 92
BY SENATOR MURRAY
A RESOLUTION
To commend and congratulate Noble Donald R. Parks on his election as the Thirty-ninth
Imperial Potentate of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine of
North and South America and its Jurisdictions, Inc.
WHEREAS, the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine of North and
South America and its Jurisdictions, Inc. was founded as an Imperial Council of the Prince
Hall Shriners on June 3, 1893, in Chicago, Illinois, by thirteen Prince Hall Masons under the
leadership of John George Jones; and
WHEREAS, it is a fraternal, social, and charitable organization dedicated to fostering
civic, economic, and educational development programs throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, Donald R. Parks was elected as the Thirty-ninth Imperial Potentate of
the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine of North and South America and
its Jurisdictions, Inc. at its national convention in August, 2010; and
WHEREAS, he was born on January 12, 1942, to Arvel and Alrena Joseph Parks in
Arcadia, Oklahoma, where he attended elementary school; and
WHEREAS, he graduated in 1960 from Douglass Senior High School in Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma, and upon graduation enlisted in the United States Air Force; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Parks retired on August 1, 1985, with twenty-five years of military
service and from 1985 to 1987, he was employed by Tracor Applied Sciences, Inc., where
he held various positions including Technical Support Manager and Manager of the
Montgomery, Alabama office; and
WHEREAS, in 1987, he entered federal civil service, serving in various positions
that included chief of the Requirements and Analysis Division Combat Ammunitions
Systems, chief of the Manpower Systems Division, and program manager for the Air Force
Aviation Resource Management System; and SR NO. 92 ENROLLED
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WHEREAS, in 1999, Mr. Parks was awarded the Air Force Exemplary Civilian
Service award and in May, 2006, was selected to manage the Operations and Sustainment
Branch where he served until his retirement on October 31, 2007; and
WHEREAS, he is a member of several professional and civic organizations,
including the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Retired Enlisted Association, the
American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans; and
WHEREAS, he is also a member of the Armed Forces Communication Electronics
Association, the American Military Society, the Montgomery Lions Club, the Central
Montgomery Optimist Club, and is a life member of the Phylaxis Society; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Parks is a Past Master of R.H. Rice Lodge No. 345, Past Worthy
Patron of Ruth Chapter No. 881, Order of the Eastern Star, a member of Alpha Chapter No.
26, Royal Arch Masons, E. J. Fluker Commandery No. 16, Knights Templar, Past
Commander in Chief of Prince Hall Consistory No. 19; and
WHEREAS, he was elevated to the Thirty-third Degree in 1981, is Past Potentate of
Shaaban Temple No. 103, and is currently the Grand Senior Deacon for the Most Worshipful
Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Jurisdiction of Alabama; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Parks is married to the former Symiria J. Garrett of Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma, and they have a son, Leonardo, and a daughter, Tracy; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Parks merits a special measure of commendation for the admirable
way in which he has dedicated his intelligence and unique talents to the philanthropic ideals
and principles of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine of North and
South America and its Jurisdictions, Inc.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend Noble Donald R. Parks on his election as the Thirty-ninth Imperial
Potentate of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine of North and South
America and its Jurisdictions, Inc.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Noble Donald R. Parks.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE