USAF Veteran MSgt. Roger Sparks Joins NVF Honorary Board

Roger Sparks, Pararescue-Ready

MSgt. Roger Sparks is one of the most highly decorated combat veterans from OEF/OIF and one of our greatest inspirations. He’s a pararescue jumper, skilled in battlefield surgery and rescue. Sparks was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States while assigned to the 212th Rescue Squadron in the Watapur Valley, Afghanistan. On November 14, 2010 he parachuted in under fire, his only light, moonlight, to rescue severely wounded soldiers. The citation reads in part, “His extraordinary efforts under direct, immediate danger to his own life resulted in saving four American lives, one Host Nation civilian and returning four Soldiers killed in action to their families.”

Sparks speaks eloquently as a medic saving lives under horrific circumstances, seeing and experiencing trauma. “Tenderness comes from pain…when people want to help other people it’s because they themselves have experienced pain.”

The NVF is honored and grateful to welcome him to our Honorary Board. Learn more about this extraordinary veteran at Force Blue.

Master Sergeant Roger Sparks at Silber Star Award Ceremony