Press Release - Friday, December 23, 2005
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IL Soldier writes winning love letter to wife and wins her a diamond ring- the best Christmas present ever!!!
CHICAGO -Today, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn announced the winner of the "Ring in the Holidays" USO Diamond Ring Contest - Sgt. 1st Class Martin Parsons of Catlin, Illinois who won a 14k diamond ring for his wife Cyndi.
The contest, which ran from December 5 - 14, was open to all active duty, National Guard, or Reserve military husbands from Illinois who are serving or have served in the Global War on Terrorism. Each contestant submitted an essay of 100 words or less on how his wife's love and support has changed his life or made a difference to him.
On December 5, Quinn gathered with USO representatives to announce the contest and how soldiers serving in Iraq could use www.OperationHomefront.org to enter. SFC Parsons did just that.
"Although Sgt. Parsons was thousands of miles away in Iraq, he was able through OperationHomefront.org, to submit the winning entry and give his wife a wonderful Christmas present," Quinn said.
The Parsons were married more than 10 years ago on June 17, 1995. SFC Parsons has been in the Army since December 1998. Assigned to HHC 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry stationed in Urbana, Illinois, SFC Parsons is currently stationed in Taqaddum, Iraq with his youngest son, SPC Tyler Parsons.
Although his son will be spending the holidays on duty in Iraq, SFC Parsons is home on leave for two weeks. He will return to Iraq on January 2, 2006.
As their prize, the Parsons have won a 14-karat yellow and white gold ladies' "right hand ring" set with 19 round, brilliant diamonds. The ring is nearly one carat in weight and retails for $1,750. In addition, the Union League Club of Chicago will treat the couple to a free weekend stay.
The contest was created following the USO Gala held in October where a similar diamond ring was auctioned off. That night, a sailor was overheard saying to his wife, "I wish I could afford to get you that ring." Afterwards, a local jeweler was contacted and told of the story. The jeweler, who wishes to remain anonymous, agreed to custom-design and donate a ring for the contest.
Quinn was joined by the Parsons' son, 1st Lieutenant Grady Moore and representatives from the USO of Illinois: Pat Casey (Chairman) and Lisa Moeller (President). Dick Moore (President), Jonathan McCabe (Manager), and John Scully (Member) of Union League Club were also in attendance.
For more information on how to lend a helping hand to the troops and their families this holiday season, visit www.OperationHomefront.org. With nearly 13 million hits, it's one of the country's most informative websites on supporting our troops.
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