THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 3, 1996 TAG: 9603010203
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Janelle LaBouve
LENGTH: Medium: 71 lines
``Anything I get involved in, I try to go all the way to the top,'' said Mary Parzynski, ``because you can't make changes at the bottom.''
Parzynski, 42, retired from the U.S. Coast Guard in 1994 after 20 years service. She was the first black female to retire as a chief petty officer.
Recently, in a Coast Guard ceremony held in Baltimore, her accomplishments and those of two peers were recognized.
``We paved the way for other black women,'' she said. ``It was supposed to be a trial period. They really didn't know what to do with us.''
Parzynski and seven other women were put at the back of Company Delta 91 which, at the time, was the largest company in the Coast Guard.
``During basic (training) we did the same things the guys did,'' she said. ``We got up at 5:30 a.m. and ran three miles, then marched carrying an M16 automatic rifle. They were heavy. Anyone who messed up had to run around two companies. While they marched, we were running.''
It was at a bachelor party that she met a young sailor who declared at their first meeting, ``You're going to be my wife.'' Four years later, in 1978, they were married.
``I guess dreams do work,'' she said. ``At the time, I thought he was crazy.''
In addition to caring for her home and family, she is a work study student at the Chesapeake campus of Tidewater Community College. She also sells home and gift products and serves as ombudsman for her husband's military unit.
``I'm a very busy person,'' she said.
Full name: Mary D. Parzynski
Hometown: Elizabeth City, N.C.
Fond memories: ``Growing up in a happy home. My father was a preacher. We were a large family (with eight brothers and sisters) who did things together. I remember the trips we took, playing clarinet in the band and having lots of good friends. I went through school with my neighbor and good friend, Sara Eason. We shared a locker.''
Spouse: Richard
Parents: Timothy and Arnetta Stokley
Children: Richard Jr., Antonio and Phylicia
Hobbies: ``Bowling with the Portsmouth Police league and singing in the choir at my church (Faithway Apostolic Church).''
Last book read: ``I'm reading `Waiting to Exhale.' ''
Favorite game: Playing Monopoly and watching football
Describe yourself as a color: ``I like brown. It's a nice color. It blends with a lot of things, like off-white.''
If you could be any animal, what would it be? ``A fox, because I'm sometimes shy until I get to know a person. Then I have the tendency to open up.''
What irritates you the most? Crime
Favorite singer: Aretha Franklin
Can't resist: Chocolate
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``I wish I were a little taller.''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: Golden Corral. They have good choices and are not expensive.''
Favorite way to spend a day: ``Working out at the recreation center, catching up on homework and housework, which has to be done, so I might as well enjoy it.''
What would you choose for a last meal? Collard greens, beef ribs, macaroni and candied yams. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by D. KEVIN ELLIOTT
Mary Parzynski
by CNB