DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE -- With tears, laughter, and a full house of family, friends, Airmen and community leaders, Col. Michael Parks, commander of the 94th Airlift Wing, was promoted to brigadier general during a heartfelt ceremony Monday.
"To say I'm humbled would be an understatement," Parks said, addressing the packed auditorium. "I'm just me – an untrained professional, an average listener according to my wife, but I've learned that leadership is about being there on your Airmen’s best and worst days. It's about grabbing onto their rope and keeping them from falling."
Presiding over the ceremony was Brig. Gen. Craig McPike, deputy commander of Air Force Recruiting Services and a former 94th Airlift Wing commander, who spoke of Parks' remarkable achievements over his 32 years of service.
"Michael didn't just rise through the ranks; he stood out at every level," McPike said. "His
leadership has shaped missions, mentored Airmen, and strengthened the force wherever he's served."
As Parks’ wife, Ali, and children, Charlotte and Collin, pinned the first stars to his uniform, the crowd applauded a career defined by sacrifice, service, and steadfast leadership.
In a profound moment, Parks and his father stepped forward together to place a star on his flight cap – a star forged from a necklace worn by Parks' late mother and the wedding ring his father wore for 45 years of marriage.
"May this star forever serve as a reminder of love, respect and honor," the narrator said, as the room fell silent and many wiped away tears.
In keeping with the tradition of promoting general officers, the Honor Guard unfurled the one-star flag before Parks, marking him as the 15th general officer to fly the flag over Dobbins and lead the 94th Airlift Wing.
Neal VanMarter, representing the office of U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff, presented Parks with an American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol.
"This flag is a symbol of the nation's gratitude," VanMarter said. "It reflects not only your leadership, but the strength of your family, who have stood with you every step of the way."
In his remarks, Parks reflected on a recent moment that brought clarity to the meaning of his new rank – responding to a call from an Airman in crisis.
"That call wasn't about strategy or readiness," he said. "It was about being present. And I realized then – this is what it means to wear the star."
As the audience rose to applaud, it was clear that Brig. Gen. Parks hadn't just earned a promotion – he exemplified the kind of leader who serves with purpose, leads with humility and never loses sight of the people behind the mission.