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An MBA from Iraq U.

Apr-27-2007 » Filed Under: 3/2 SBCT

A great story sent to us by Daniel L.

By Manny Gonzales, Denver Post

Between coordinating air and ground attacks on enemy insurgents in Iraq, Army Capt. Joel Parker sets aside time for rest. And homework.

On May 5, his father, Leedell, will don his son's graduation cap and gown at Regis University's commencement, where he will accept Joel's master of business administration degree.

Joel, who is stationed in Baghdad with the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Stryker Brigade Combat Team, earned his degree through online courses and hopes to be able to watch the ceremony through an online link-up.

"A lot of it has involved slipping in homework in between missions and rest time. But there's always the unforeseen, though," Joel, 36, said Wednesday in a phone interview from Iraq. "Taking courses online gives me a sense of normalcy. ... As one class completes, I'm that much closer to being home."

According to military publications, more than 40,000 soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq have enrolled in online college courses.

After being deployed to Iraq last summer, Joel Parker opted to continue his graduate business studies through Regis. He has done more than half the work for his degree in Iraq.

Getting his coursework completed often involves more than the usual amount of skill in time management.

Joel is stationed among about 15,000 soldiers at an outpost that often comes under mortar and rocket attacks. Even walking to chow involves staying alert for sniper fire. [...]


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