Patty Parks joined the Navy as an enlisted computer technician in 1974 and served on active duty until May 1978. She joined the Naval Reserve in 1982 and after completing college she accepted a Navy commission and returned to active duty.

Her 25-year career included numerous duties including a tour as Commanding Officer at Naval & Marine Corps Reserve Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Upon her Navy retirement in October 2003, she returned to Chattanooga where she assumed the position as Volunteer Director of the National Medal of Honor Museum of Military History.

She is a Charter Member of Post 257 and served as the post's first Adjutant from November 2003 through July 2005.