Harold J. Parker was raised from an early age to be responsible and to think for himself by his parents and grandparents.  He was an inquisitive child who asked numerous questions about local and current events.  His Father corrected his pronunciation and usage of the English language.  As an avid reader, Harold increased his vocabulary by researching and enunciating words he did not understand or understand their meaning.  Harold earned his spending money by doing chores around the house and cutting grass.  Harold earned his money while in Alcala de Henares, Spain by shining his father’s and other neighbors’ shoes.  After returning stateside in 1973, he began his first job, was as a union member at the Eisner Food Store in Rantoul, Illinois as a cashier.  He also worked for his Uncle Lewis Dorian in Houston, Texas at the C&L Shoe shop shining shoes.  After graduation from High School in San Antonio, Texas, he joined the United States Air Force (AF) and retired after 26 years.  During his tenure in the AF, he was taught graphics, cost analysis, Lifecycle Cost Estimating, FORTRAN/COBOL programming, Analysis of Alternatives (AOA), Support Agreements, Acquisition Management, Commercial Activities, and myriad other technical skills.  After the AF, he was employed as a consultant by different companies.  He was employed as a Cost Analyst, Senior System Analyst, Financial Program Manager, Senior Financial Analyst, Principal Business Analyst, and other positions.  Harold also advises a local Home Owners Association and performs consulting services for private clients.   Harold enjoys reading, automotive mechanics, music, travel, spending time with family and friends, and thanking God for each and every day.  Harold has three children, Clayton  and Brooke, aged 34 and 19; plus two granddaughters, Madison and Sienna, aged nine and six.