Suffield High School Graduate Achieves Childhood Dream

Photo By Sgt. Wes Lucko | Grant King, poses for a photo in September of 2015. In 2015 Grant King weighed more than 300 pounds and now weighs 187 pounds. King is scheduled to attend recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., on 24 Oct., 2016. He will train for 13 weeks in the hopes of earning the title U.S. Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Wes J. Lucko)  

SPRINGFIELD, MA, UNITED STATES

10.25.2016

Story by Sgt. Wes Lucko 

1st Marine Corps District

However, earning the title Marine was all Grant King had wanted since he was a child. The Suffield High school graduate knew personally how incredible Marines were.
However, his dream would have to wait.
The Marines are considered to have some of the strictest enlistment policies. Those hoping to earn the title Marine must meet the Marine Corps’ height and weight standards before they can even begin the enlistment process. Even after beginning the process, applicants must continue to meet those standards or face separation.
King, at 70 inches tall, was 109 pounds over the standard, but he refused to give up.
Grant was born on the island of Okinawa, Japan, during his father’s tour there. His father, Frederick King, a retired gunnery sergeant, was a constant role model and played a heavy part in influencing his son’s decision to serve.
“Growing up on Okinawa, Grant was always surrounded by Marines,” his father said. “He first told me he wanted to be a Marine back when he was just eight years old.”
Those childhood memories from Japan had never left him, Grant King said.
He was determined to follow his dreams, regardless of the challenges. With the Corps in his blood, Grant King set his eyes on earning the title Marine. He began to exercise daily by running.
At first, he could only run a few laps, Grant King explained. However, that soon turned into a mile, and then several miles.
Grant King’s dedication and hard work paid off. He returned to the recruiting office eight months later and 80 pounds lighter. In April of 2016, the Suffield, Massachusetts, native was allowed to enlist and joined the Delayed Entry Program weighing in at 220 pounds.
“I was confident I could do this” Grant recalled. “Growing up seeing my father put on that uniform, he was a hero to me, a warrior, a Marine, and now I’m going to be one.”
Grant King continues to push himself physically. He trains regularly on his own and with the Marines, who he hopes to call brothers soon.
“He never gives up, always runs the extra mile and helps motivate the other poolees,” said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Christopher Vasquez, his recruiter with Recruiting Substation Springfield, Massachusetts. “A lot of the other poolees look up to him.”
Grant King is now scheduled to attend recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., on 24 Oct.
“I am deeply proud of my son,” said Grant’s father. “I think it is incredible he has lost so much weight to this date.”

• Date Taken: 10.25.2016
• Date Posted: 10.25.2016 11:43
• Story ID: 212850
• Location: SPRINGFIELD, MA, US
• Hometown: SPRINGFIELD, MA, US
• Hometown: SUFFIELD, CT, US