MEET: STAN PARKER

STAN C. PARKER

Board of Directors

Stan Parker is an Electrical Contractor from Waco, Texas. Although he never served in the military, Stan has been involved in helping Veterans for over a decade beginning after his son’s enlistment in the Marine Corps. 

In 2010 a unit of Marines adopted a dog in Afghanistan named Kujo. As the unit prepared to return home, they feared Kujo would die without them. They sent out a plea for help for their beloved dog. Stan and his family made sure that Kujo could come to the states safe and sound. Tragically, Kujo chased a deer into the woods in 2012 and never returned despite extensive search efforts. Kujo’s story inspired Stan to help start an outreach program on Facebook called Kamp Kujo []. Kamp Kujo is dedicated to helping all types of pets find their way home.

            Stan continued to serve those who served in the military, realizing that he could have more opportunities to help Veterans if he started his own non-profit. In 2017 Stan started the Stan C. Parker Foundation. The Stan C. Parker Foundation website states that their mission is to, “assist those in need through a culture of advocacy, support, charity, education, and attaining joy through victory. With a focus on US Veterans, our projects will always be impactful. [https://stanparkerfoundation.com]” 

            The Stan C. Parker Foundation’s projects include Kamp Kujo, a Veterans Appreciation Luncheon, Ramps for Veteran, and Young Marines Training. Stan sees his role in the community as a seed caster in which he connects people with great ideas to others who can help them execute their vision. For example, at a recent banquet Stan was seated with a man who oversees a prison project that trains dogs for Veterans. Stan learned that this project also includes a carpentry component. There is a hope for a future partnership where this prison project could be able to help build ramps, caskets, and furniture for Solution For Veterans’ apartments across the country. 

            Stan became involved with Solutions for Veterans through what he calls the “hand of the Man.” Stan spent almost four years attempting to convert a school between the Waco VA and the Temple VA into a residential facility for Veterans. The project never came to fruition due to difficulties with contracts. Through the perceived set-back, Stan was introduced to Craig Taylor, the president and founder of Solution For Veterans. Stan and Solution For Veterans have joined forces to aid homeless Veterans.

            Stan feels like Solutions For Veterans is not only an asset to Veterans but also for Waco. Stan is excited about the partnerships that Solutions for Veterans have forged with other local organizations, especially their partnership with Waco’s One Stop. Veterans will have access for help with counseling, financial planning, career training, legal assistance, and health and wellness.