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SPC Zach Parker, USA (Ret), grew up in Lake Charles, LA, where his passion for the outdoors first began. After joining the US Army to fight for the American way of life, he was deployed to Afghanistan as a medic for his platoon. Near the end of his deployment, Zach Parker’s team encountered a deeply buried improvised explosive device (IED) that had shifted due to heavy rains. The explosion severely injured Parker and several others. Zach lost his left arm, his right leg at the hip, and his left leg above the knee, making him one of the rare triple amputees in the country.

After being stabilized at Landstuhl, Parker was stationed at Fort Sam Houston. There he met his wife, Misty, and an incredible love story unfolded, bonded by their shared interests in the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. Since Misty is a native of Springfield, their two boys love to explore the Wonders of Wildlife Aquarium while their dad shops for hunting and fishing equipment at Bass Pro Shops. The Parkers are true outdoor enthusiasts, whether it’s a trip to the beach or witnessing wildlife on a forest hike—nature is the heartbeat of their family. This is why owning land at Republic Grand Ranch is a dream come true for Zach and Misty, providing them with access to hiking trails, fishing, and archery right in their backyard!

Living in a supportive community that honors veterans means the world to Zach and his family. The developer worked closely with the Parkers to find their perfect homesite, which backs up to five acres of green space—ideal for the boys to explore and appreciate nature. This location provides the privacy they cherish while still being conveniently close to the entrance and a fully stocked eight-acre fishing lake, a favorite pastime for the Parker family.

Zach appreciates that a home designed for accessibility will enable him to navigate every room with ease, allowing him to be the husband and father he wants to be. He has learned to cherish each day as a gift and knows that an adapted home in such a wonderful community will allow him to live each day to the fullest.

The Parker family is grateful to Republic Grand Ranch and Design Tech Homes for partnering with Helping a Hero to make their dream of living in nature with complete freedom and independence a reality.

Republic Grand Ranch welcomes anyone interested to join the Parker family for a Groundbreaking Ceremony on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Click below for directions to the lakeside tent.