Alfred Delgado Parra

Alfred Parra was raised in Fowler, California to humble grape farmers. His mother, Elodia Delgada and father Frank Parra, Sr. raised seven children together. From humble means Alfred enlisted into the United States Air National Guard at the age of 17 post high school graduation. Understanding the value of an education, he knew that this was his best opportunity to go to college. He aspired to be someone of significant importance. Unfortunately, at the time of enlistment, the world was in conflict. Shortly after boot camp, Alfred was shipped off to war. This would mark the beginning of 32 years of serving with the United States Air National Guard.  Alfred would go on to serve three tours of duty throughout the course of his career. “Two jungles and a Sandbox,” is how he would often refer to his service. During his service, Alfred worked as a Airspace Ground Equipment mechanic. He served with strength and integrity in the military until he was ‘Honorably’ discharged, as a Master Sergeant from the 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno, CA. Alfred’s survival of his service in the military was due to the unwavering support of his wife, Faye Parra, Whom he met during the initial stages of his enlistment. For 47 years she would stand beside him as he would continue to pursue his dream of becoming Some one important. Shortly into their union, Alfred and Faye would welcome into the would a baby girl, Heather. Two years later they would welcome their son, Matthew. Alfred did not realize at the time, but this would be the beginning of his most important mission yet. Becoming a father, Alfred was more determined to make something of himself. He relied on the word of God to guide him through the difficulties of raising a young lady and the terrifying moments of raising a man. Yet, everyday Alfred carried the weight of his family proudly upon his shoulders. With every passing day he lived and worked toward becoming more for his family. His dream would draw closer as both children would marry. Alfred never consider the idea of losing his children, but gaining an additional son and daughter. Alfred affectionately called them, “The outlaws.” With their unions, it would give rise to four grandchildren. Three grand girls; Madison Parra, Sundance Parra, Ava Rodriguez and a grandson, Devin Rodriguez. All four grand children would quickly become the apex of his existence. Alfred would dedicate a silly little song, of his own creation, to each child as he spent time with them tending to there every whim. As time marched on, Alfred and his ‘grand babies’, as he would refer to them, would become inseparable. As soon as the grand babies where able to speak, Alfred joyfully traded in his birth name, for his God given name. Spoken on the lips of little children he fulfilled his dream of becoming someone of significant importance. We called him, Papa. A defender of the weak, the guardian to his blood; and now, a soldier amongst Gods Army. May he rest knowing we are strong because of him.