Military news for North Pinellas County

Coast Guard Seaman Christopher M. Gongaware, son of Kim D. Gongaware of Clearwater, graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N.J.

During the eight-week training program, Gongaware completed a vigorous training curriculum consisting of academics and practical instruction on water safety 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.

Gongaware 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 as well as how to prevent sexual harassment, drug and alcohol awareness, civil rights training and the basics of the work-life balance.

Gongaware is a 2002 graduate of Warren County High School in Front Royal, Va. He is a 2006 graduate of Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu, with a bachelor of arts degree.