Ep #016 Tomy & Dara Parker
Warrior Rising
Building America Through Veteran Entrepreneurship. It's not a handout, it's a hand up! Our Podcast airs every Tuesday!
Tomy and Dara Parker 's story is one of resilience, growth, and profound connection, shaped by the trials of military service, personal challenges, and the power of community. As long-time advocates and team members of Warrior Rising, they exemplify the strength to confront adversity and transform it into a mission to help others.
Tomy’s journey is harrowing yet inspiring. A Marine deployed to Afghanistan in 2010, his life changed irrevocably when he stepped on an IED, leading to the loss of both legs.
He recounts the stark reality of his recovery: “I fractured myself into two people. On the outside, I was the hero everyone celebrated. Inside, I was broken, grappling with addiction and feeling like I had nothing left to offer.” This internal conflict led Tomy down a dark path, battling substance abuse and enduring a cycle of loss and incarceration.
Dara, meanwhile, pursued her path as a mother and businesswoman, adopting four children and building a life of purpose. Despite years apart, their lives intersected again at pivotal moments.
Dara recalls their reconnection: “I saw him, and I knew something was off. But I also saw the potential for him to rise above his struggles.”
Their reunion became a turning point, catalyzing Tomy’s decision to confront his demons. His path to recovery wasn’t linear—marked by setbacks and doubts—but it was transformative. “I thought I was destined to stay in a revolving cycle of jail cells and drug houses,” Tomy shares. “But through support, I realized I could rewrite my story.”
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Today, Tomy and Dara work side by side at Warrior Rising, leveraging their experiences to help other veterans find purpose and empowerment. Their story underscores the importance of understanding that even in the darkest moments, hope and redemption are possible. As Tomy puts it, “The only thing that has the power to break you is you. And that also means you have the power to rebuild.”
Through their advocacy and efforts, Tomy and Dara continue to inspire, proving that resilience and love can pave the way for extraordinary transformation.
For more inspiring stories like this one, check out The Warrior Rising Podcast.
To find ways to donate, coach, or join the tribe check out: www.warriorrising.org
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Photos & Article By: Alyssa Michelle
Brand Partnership Manager/Field Team Director - Moultrie | Marketing & Community Leader in the Outdoor and Hunting industry who elevates brands through strategic partnerships and product development
2 个月Loved getting to know Tomy and Dara throughout the Total Archery Challenge circuit the last few years! Great people and mission!
CEO & Founder | Archery N Motion | Valor Archery Challenge | WildShot Archery | Hunting Enthusiast | Certified Drone Pilot | Advocate for Archery Innovation & Community Building | Veteran
2 个月That is a POWER COUPLE!!
Combat Veteran | Owner of Mil-Spec Manufacturing LLC | SDVOSB | Practical Machinist Contributor
2 个月Awesome power couple.
Dealer Account Manager | Solutions Expert | Indirect Auto Lending | United States Army Veteran | Dedicated to Building Strategic Client and Partner Relationships | Seeking Opportunities to Level Sales Expertise
2 个月The world needs more people like Tomy and Dara - thanks for sharing this incredible story, Warrior Rising ??
Founder @ LFP Creative | Marketing Director @ Warrior Rising | ???? Army Veteran | Athlete.
2 个月Tomy & Dara Parker are two people I talk about to friends and family. These two are a powerhouse, and they are two of the most compassionate people I have met in my life. Thank you for all that you do!!