Coast Guard Seaman Apprentice Michael J. Mulderig Jr., a 2014 graduate of Jim Thorpe Area High School, graduated from the United States Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, New Jersey, on Nov. 13.

He is the son of Sue and Michael Mulderig Sr. of Jim Thorpe, and Todd and Hope Young of Lehighton.During the eight-week training program, Mulderig completed a vigorous training curriculum consisting of academics and practical instruction on water safety and survival, military customs and courtesies, seamanship skills, first aid, firefighting and marksmanship.A major emphasis is also placed on physical fitness, health and wellness.Mulderig and other recruits also received instruction on the USCG's core values, honor, respect and devotion to duty and how to apply them in their military performance and personal conduct.Mulderig will join 46,000 other men and women who make up the Coast Guard's force.Men and women train together from the first day in the Coast Guard just as they do aboard ships and shore units throughout the world. To reinforce the team concept, Mulderig and other recruits were trained in preventing sexual harassment, drug and alcohol awareness, civil rights training and the basics of work-life balance, as well as total quality management.