YOKOSUKA, Japan — Growing up in rural New York, Information Systems Technician 1st Class Darek Furgeson learned early that hard work, discipline and self-reliance were necessities. Those lessons now guide him through a Navy career spanning more than 13 years and four commands.
Furgeson, assigned to Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka, said his childhood in Chenango, New York, included splitting firewood to heat the family home, hunting and completing physically demanding work without constant supervision. The experience taught him to take initiative and accept responsibility — qualities he believes helped him adjust to military life.
Raised in a single-family household, Furgeson enlisted at age 21 after leaving college and working part-time in a grocery store deli. With few opportunities for advancement, he began looking for a more stable path and a chance to accomplish something larger than himself.
He first visited a Marine Corps recruiting office, but said the culture did not feel like the right fit. After meeting with Navy recruiters, he found a stronger sense of belonging and a path that better aligned with his goals.
For Furgeson, the Navy can be summarized in one word: stability. The service has provided consistent income, benefits and security for his family, even as military life has required relocations, time away from home and other personal sacrifices.
Stationed in Japan since December 2017, Furgeson is awaiting orders for his next sea tour. He said that around the 10-year point in his career, completing 20 years of service became the most practical and responsible decision for his family.
One of the achievements he values most is receiving an end-of-tour award at each of his four commands. To Furgeson, the recognition reflects consistent performance, reliability and the character he has tried to demonstrate throughout his career.
He credits his father and hometown with teaching him discipline, hard work and what it means to lead. Despite financial hardship, his father continued caring for the family and provided an example of responsibility that Furgeson carried into the Navy.
Furgeson also credits his sister with first encouraging him to consider military service. She remains his primary source of support and a steady presence whenever he returns home.
Reflecting on younger people who may feel uncertain about their futures, Furgeson said military service can provide structure, experience and an early foundation for adulthood.
“If you find yourself stuck, not knowing what you want to do in life, or struggling with decisions, the military can give you that head start,” Furgeson said.
He encourages prospective service members not to join blindly. Instead, they should research available jobs, understand the commitments involved and accept responsibility for making informed decisions.
Furgeson also said new service members should be prepared to begin with basic responsibilities, follow orders and learn from the bottom. Tasks such as taking out the trash and completing routine work are part of building the discipline and foundation required for greater responsibility.
For Furgeson, leadership begins with the ability to direct one’s own life before attempting to lead others.
“Real leadership isn’t just about managing others; it starts with self-discipline,” Furgeson said. “If you can lead yourself down the right path, you can lead others.”
NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka is one of eight fleet logistics centers under Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command. The command oversees 13 sites across a 52-million-square-mile area of responsibility, extending from Misawa, Japan, to Sydney, Australia, and from Guam to Diego Garcia. Its sailors and civilian employees provide supply and logistics support that enables maritime warfighter readiness throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, NAVSUP employs a worldwide workforce of military and civilian personnel. NAVSUP and the Navy Supply Corps conduct and enable supply chain management, acquisition, operational logistics, and sailor and family care activities with mission partners to generate readiness and sustain naval forces worldwide.