Sussex County VA Native, Speaker and Author Deborah L. Parker Launches Leadership Book on Her Vietnam Veteran Uncle's Service to Country, Family and Community at Waverly Library on February 20, 5:30pm

LEESBURG, VA, February 18, 2013

Join Deborah on Wednesday February 20 for a booksigning at Waverly's Library, 125 Bank Street, from 5:30-7:30pm as she launches this powerful book in her hometown with stories on leadership and family.

She has learned a lot from the "old soldiers" in her life, those who've found a way to keep going, in spite of, mainly her family. Growing up in her rural hometown, as the oldest child of a determined single mother in the home of wise grandparents, she was always watching and learning from them. In addition to their presence, she also anxiously awaited visits from her Uncle Horace, who was away in the army, but still found a way to impact her as his oldest niece's life with his dedication, toughness and wisdom. Because later she found herself in the army and focused on being hardcore too!

So now approving a timeless message of leadership for her late 'old soldier' retired Command Sergeant Major, Vietnam Vet, Ranger Hall of Fame inductee, former Chief Magistrate of the 6thJudicial District, national president of 555th Parachute Infantry Association (Triple Nickel) and the Honorable Chair of the Sussex County Board of Supervisors, lovingly known as Hardcore and Horace to his family, she lays out 11 lessons gleaned from him for those who find themselves in charge in their work, community, or home. She overlays Hardcore's noted wisdom, courage and vision with practical strategies to start your own leadership campaign.

Life continued as her uncle returned to his beloved hometown after retiring from the army and planted himself into making a difference in his family and the community. Through personal adversities and losses he 'pressed on'. Deborah published her first book in July 2011 and spoke to her uncle about penning his story. And then Hardcore passed in December 2011, but Deborah vowed to keep going again.

Weaving in take-aways from her career and personal experiences in leadership development, Deborah, also a retired reserve Lieutenant Colonel, has put together a thought-provoking book packed with memorable teaching anecdotes. Inspiring and informative in saluting her uncle's biographical legacy, she makes the case for us all in Hardcore's words, to 'press on.'
More information on Hardcore Leadership can be found at http://11hardcoreleadershiplessons.wordpress.com/

Through her company, The DPJ Training Group, Deborah has been providing motivational speaking, leadership, diversity and personal development learning programs for private and public sector clients for over 15 years. Using the tools of 360 feedback and other developmental assessments, she has also coached all levels of employees through periods of significant change in their career and personal lives. To solidify her work, Deborah blends an academic background of an M.A. in Human Resource Development with career stops as an Army reserve officer and corporate manager, to ensure best result outcomes for her customers. She is a member of the Metro DC Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development, Loudoun County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and other community groups.

Deborah has penned three books, Navigating Life's Roadways: Stories of Insight from My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey and Life is A Review: Observations and Collection of My Passages Through the Times. Both chronicle highlights of her life's setbacks and successes with the themes of career, family, and choices in a motivating format with relatable takeaways for readers. Her other recent work is For People of Strength, Soul, and Spirit: 7 Guidelines for Life & Career Success which focuses on African American goal achievement. More information on her books and speaking can be found at http://thedpjtraininggroup.com