ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Sept. 11, 2001 was a clear and sunny day in New York City. Michael Parker, a student at the University of South Alabama, was making his way to classes.

Then the airplanes hit the World Trade Center.

Parker, who is currently deployed as an Army sergeant in Afghanistan, recalls in an e-mail, “I was on the Bay Way, and at that moment didn't know what to think or do. When I arrived at school, I watched on a big screen television in the student center as the media portrayed what happened. It made me so angry that helpless people were killed. I wanted to do something about it.”

Parker got his chance in 2003. This country invaded Iraq, and Parker saw his chance to do something. He left college where he was majoring in business administration and joined the Army.

Parker could have stayed in college, graduated, and joined the Army as an officer. He chose a different path.

“I left college because I wanted to be on the lines helping out the men to my left and my right. As an enlisted soldier you have the chance to do your job and interact with the people. Plus at the time I was ready to leave, I didn't want to wait,” wrote Parker.

To say his decision was a surprise is an understatement.

“You can ask anyone that knew me up to that point and they will tell you I would have never joined the military,” wrote Parker.

To his mother, Jeanette Parker, the decision came as a surprise.

“Adam graduated valedictorian in 2001 from Central Christian High School in Robertsdale, and was awarded a scholarship from the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce,” said Jeannette.

Jeannette thought her son was set for a career, safe from harm.

“He called on his way home from South Alabama College one afternoon,” recalled Jeannette, “and said, ‘Mom, we need to have a family meeting after dinner tonight.’ We all thought he was going to tell us he was getting married. But after dinner, he pulled out a huge manila envelope and asked me to open it. He had signed up in the Army. I almost fainted, because he was set, going to college. I asked him, ‘Why?’ He said, ‘I cannot sit here and let other young men and women protect my family, and not go do my part.’ There wasn't much I could say to that.”

This is Parker’s second tour in the Middle East. It’s hard on his mother. Parker is not married, so his Robertsdale family worries alone.

“That first deployment to Iraq, I was a basket case,” said Jeannette. “I had to get on anti-depression meds, and still have to take them to this day. I worry constantly, especially when he is on long missions and I can’t hear from him. But this time, in Afghanistan, I hear from him a couple times a week, unless he’s gonna ‘be out and about’ as he calls it, and he lets me know approximately how long he will be gone.”

While Parker does not want to talk about it, his mother says that he’s seen his share of enemy fire.

“He's seen a lot of ‘action,’ blown up three times when he deployed from Fort Lewis, Wash., to Iraq. He had a few minor injuries, but wouldn’t report them.  But he has permanent neck problems from one of the explosions.  He didn’t want a ‘Purple Heart,’ he’s says he feels those are for his comrades who give the ultimate sacrifice, their lives.

That’s not to say Parker hasn’t been scared. “I have been frightened. I have been in contact directly with IEDs, Suicide Borne Vehicle IEDs, Indirect Fire, Small Arms fire, RPG fire, Machine gun fire, and Sniper fire. The first time usually frightens you a little. I earned the Combat Action Badge for direct contact with the enemy.”

While his work is challenging, there are some things about home that Parker misses.

“The thing I miss most about home is a big glass of sweet tea and a home cooked meal in the evening after it cools off a bit,” wrote Parker.

And while his work is demanding, his unit has found the time to make friends.

“One of the good memories I have from Iraq is of this family. They had two beautiful little girls, and our unit was fond of the family and protected them. We used to give the little girls candy, and anything else we could find.”

Parker is not sure if he’s going to make the Army a career.

“I'm not sure. Right now I'm still enjoying the Army (for the most part). I have had job opportunities in the high six figures, but I'm just not ready to give up being a soldier.”

But no matter what, Parker knows he’s made the right decision.

“The only thing to add is that the job satisfaction lies in helping the helpless and bringing justice to those who deserve it. That's why I love my job.”