GULFPORT, Miss. — Army Private Darrian King, a native of Carver, Massachusetts, is currently training with U.S. Navy Seabees in Gulfport, Mississippi.
King graduated from Carver Middle High School in 2025.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Carver.
“I learned that respect is earned through consistent action, which is essential for building the trust needed for others to come to you with problems or questions,” King said. “A big thing I learned from my family is respect; I was taught it is earned, not given. In the Army, it’s the same, you earn respect and ensure people are comfortable enough to come to you for help with their issues.”
King joined the Army four months ago. Today, King serves as a carpentry and masonry specialist.
“I joined the military to find structure and break out of my small-town comfort zone,” King said. “Carver is a very small town and I became very comfortable there, so I wanted to step out of my shell. I didn’t have a lot of structure growing up and didn't know what I wanted for my future, but joining the Army helped me find something I truly enjoy–engineering.”
Navy Seabees, formally known as naval construction forces, provide a wide range of construction in support of operating forces, including roads, bridges, bunkers, airfields and logistics bases. Additionally, they provide responsive support for disaster recovery operations, perform civic action projects to improve relations with other nations, and provide anti-terrorism and force protection for personnel and construction projects.
King has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I take immense pride in graduating, as it’s a milestone that many don’t reach, especially having served as the Student First for my company,” King said. “Becoming the Student First and leading my peers was incredibly fulfilling; it turned a major milestone into a daily opportunity to provide leadership and support to those around me.”
King serves a military that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“I view my service as the ultimate fulfillment of a lifelong desire to be of use to others and a meaningful way to spend my life,” King said. “To me, it allows me to know I have done something with my life; I have always felt it is my duty to assist people, and the military is where I feel I get to do that while protecting the ones I love.”
This year, the military is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence.
King is grateful to others for helping make a military career possible.
“I credit my parents, Tanisha and Jason Bobola, for helping me recognize that the Army was the right path for my future,” King said. “Without them, I don’t know if I would have realized the Army is what I wanted to do. They were always supportive and provided options; they taught me the Army is a great place that provides the structure I was searching for.”
“I wanted to give a brief shout-out to a few of my close friends for their support,” King said. “Cameren Allain, Charlie Lincoln, and Chase Lafountain.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
King graduated from Carver Middle High School in 2025.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Carver.
“I learned that respect is earned through consistent action, which is essential for building the trust needed for others to come to you with problems or questions,” King said. “A big thing I learned from my family is respect; I was taught it is earned, not given. In the Army, it’s the same, you earn respect and ensure people are comfortable enough to come to you for help with their issues.”
King joined the Army four months ago. Today, King serves as a carpentry and masonry specialist.
“I joined the military to find structure and break out of my small-town comfort zone,” King said. “Carver is a very small town and I became very comfortable there, so I wanted to step out of my shell. I didn’t have a lot of structure growing up and didn't know what I wanted for my future, but joining the Army helped me find something I truly enjoy–engineering.”
Navy Seabees, formally known as naval construction forces, provide a wide range of construction in support of operating forces, including roads, bridges, bunkers, airfields and logistics bases. Additionally, they provide responsive support for disaster recovery operations, perform civic action projects to improve relations with other nations, and provide anti-terrorism and force protection for personnel and construction projects.
King has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I take immense pride in graduating, as it’s a milestone that many don’t reach, especially having served as the Student First for my company,” King said. “Becoming the Student First and leading my peers was incredibly fulfilling; it turned a major milestone into a daily opportunity to provide leadership and support to those around me.”
King serves a military that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“I view my service as the ultimate fulfillment of a lifelong desire to be of use to others and a meaningful way to spend my life,” King said. “To me, it allows me to know I have done something with my life; I have always felt it is my duty to assist people, and the military is where I feel I get to do that while protecting the ones I love.”
This year, the military is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence.
King is grateful to others for helping make a military career possible.
“I credit my parents, Tanisha and Jason Bobola, for helping me recognize that the Army was the right path for my future,” King said. “Without them, I don’t know if I would have realized the Army is what I wanted to do. They were always supportive and provided options; they taught me the Army is a great place that provides the structure I was searching for.”
“I wanted to give a brief shout-out to a few of my close friends for their support,” King said. “Cameren Allain, Charlie Lincoln, and Chase Lafountain.”