​Larry Parks is a dedicated Welding student at Tidewater Tech, transitioning his exceptional discipline from the U.S. Army into a career in the skilled trades. As an Army Combat Veteran with 11 years of service, Larry embodies commitment and precision, traits he now applies to mastering complex welding processes. ​His primary goal is to become a fully certified welder across all available disciplines, building a career that provides critical support to the infrastructure or manufacturing sector. This dedication is a direct continuation of the mission-first mentality he demonstrated throughout his service. ​This scholarship is vital to his post-military education. By helping pay down debt, the award will alleviate financial stress, ensuring Larry can focus entirely on continuing his education, achieving full certification, and quickly transitioning into a successful and impactful career in welding. Larry is committed to leveraging this opportunity to become a leader and mentor in his new field.