THOMPSON COMPLETES COAST GUARD TRAINING

Coast Guard Reserve Seaman Benjamin G. Thompson, son of Linda and Randy Smith of Boulder, CO, recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N.J. During the eight-week training program, Thompson completed a vigorous training curriculum consisting of academics and practical instruction on water safety and and survival, military customs and courtesies, seamanship skills, first aid, fire fighting and marksmanship. A major emphasis is also placed on physical fitness, health and wellness.

Thompson and other recruits also received instruction on the Coast Guard's core values -- honor, respect and devotion to duty -- and how to apply them in their military performance and personal conduct. Thompson will join 36,000 other men and women who comprise 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.

Thompson is a 1998 graduate of Boulder High School of Boulder, CO.