Stanley Julian Parmentier

COL (Ret.) Stanley Julian Parmentier, a distinguished veteran and beloved family man, passed away on April 10, 2025, at 94 in Alexandria, Virginia. He was born on August 25, 1930, in Spokane, Washington, to Julien S. and Catherine (Sprague) Parmentier. Stanley led a life of service, dedication, and accomplishment.

Stanley graduated from Cusick High School in Cusick, Washington, in 1948. There, he met his high school sweetheart, Betty G. Elliott. The couple married on her 21st birthday in 1951, embarking on a journey that spanned 35 years until Betty's passing on November 8, 1986.

In 1952, Stanley graduated from Washington State College in Pullman, Washington. His leadership skills were evident in ROTC, as he served as Cadet Regimental Commander, Captain of Scabbard and Blade, and Sergeant Major of the ROTC Precision Drill Team. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant to the Infantry. After Infantry school, he earned his Ranger Tab in 1953. His military career began with notable achievements, including winning the 2nd Infantry Division Service Rifle Championship in Korea and forming the Regimental Rifle Team at Fort Lewis, Washington.

Stanley's career was a testament to his dedication and skill. He completed the Infantry Officer Advanced Course and Airborne School in 1957. He had tours at Okinawa, Japan, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina, followed by the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He was assigned to XVIII Airborne Corps and deployed to the Dominican Republic in 1965. He graduated from the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia, during his career he commanded five Rifle companies, an Airborne Battle Group HQ Co, and commanded the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Div, and was Chief of Operations, G-3, II Field Force V to work the Tet Offensive 1968 in Vietnam War. He had nine years of Senior Policy Positions at the Pentagon. Assigned to the Pentagon as Chief Infantry Weapons Development for less than a year, then attended the U.S. Army War College and was named in 1970 to the Army General Staff, then the Joint Chiefs of Staff J5, and then to the Office of the Secretary of Defense (ISA) as Director, NATO Nuclear Policy. Assuming command for the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, Home of Champions, June 1978 through the 1984 Olympics.

His contributions were recognized with numerous awards and badges: Ranger Tab, Distinguished Rifleman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge (105 jumps), Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Staff Identification Badge, Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge, Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (2), Bronze Star w/ V (two Oak Leaf Clusters), Air Medal w/ V (6), Meritorious Service Medal (two Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal w/ two Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm (2), and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Gold Star. Stanley's commitment to excellence was unwavering.

Upon retiring from a 32-year Army career, Stanley continued to pursue his interest in archery and bowhunting, becoming the Virginia State Field and Indoor Archery Senior Champion, and was an active member of the Ft. Belvoir Bowhunters Club. His legacy was further cemented with his induction into the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Support Hall of Fame in 2023.

Stanley's life was one of service to his country and community. He is survived by his daughter, Gloria K. Parmentier (CPT), married to Robert (Tabby) Talmage Crabb III, who passed away on April 18, 2011. Gloria hopes to carry forward her dad’s legacy of strength and perseverance. He was honorable and a good friend to many, always lending a helping hand. He also leaves his sweet Suzi Shafer, his longtime girlfriend, and her family, Scott, Donna, Nate, Mattie, and Sara.

A graveside funeral will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date, allowing family and friends to gather and honor a life well-lived. Stanley's memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name to the National Infantry Museum Foundation or the American Heart Association.