GULFPORT, Miss. — Army Private Second Class Tadan LaPalm, a native of Taylor, Michigan, is currently training with U.S. Navy Seabees in Gulfport, Mississippi.
LaPalm graduated from Taylor High School in 2025.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Taylor.
“I learned the importance discipline, especially playing football,” LaPalm said
LaPalm joined the Army seven months ago. Today, LaPalm serves as a carpentry and masonry specialist.
“I joined because I wanted to start out on the right foot,” LaPalm said. “This is something I've wanted to do since I was a kid.”
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.
LaPalm has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Just being here every day is a testament and accomplishment compared with where I started,” LaPalm said.
LaPalm serves a military that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Every day I put on this uniform, I try to be what I imagine a soldier should be,” LaPalm said.
This year, the military is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence.
LaPalm is grateful to others for helping make a military career possible.
“I want to thank my mom and all my family back home,” LaPalm said.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
LaPalm graduated from Taylor High School in 2025.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Taylor.
“I learned the importance discipline, especially playing football,” LaPalm said
LaPalm joined the Army seven months ago. Today, LaPalm serves as a carpentry and masonry specialist.
“I joined because I wanted to start out on the right foot,” LaPalm said. “This is something I've wanted to do since I was a kid.”
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.
LaPalm has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Just being here every day is a testament and accomplishment compared with where I started,” LaPalm said.
LaPalm serves a military that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Every day I put on this uniform, I try to be what I imagine a soldier should be,” LaPalm said.
This year, the military is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence.
LaPalm is grateful to others for helping make a military career possible.
“I want to thank my mom and all my family back home,” LaPalm said.