Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Military News

U.S. Coast Guard fireman apprentice Michael E. Slaton, a 1994 graduate of Blevins High School, recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N.J., and was promoted to his present rank.

During the eight-week training program, Slaton completed a vigorous training curriculum consisting of classroom academics and practical instruction on military customs and courtesies, water safety and survival, seamanship skills, first aid, fire fighting and marksmanship. A major emphasis is also placed on physical fitness and health.

Slaton and other recruits also received instruction on the Coast Guard's three core values - honor, respect and devotion to duty - and how to apply them in their military performance and personal conduct.

To reinforce the team concept, Slaton and other recruits were trained in preventing sexual harassment, drug and alchol awareness, civil rights training and the basics of the work-life balance as well as total quality management. Slaton is now among 36,000 men and women who comprise the Coast Guard's force.

During the training, students received instruction in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military justice, first aid and army history and traditions.

Evans is the son of Loretta Evans of Rosston.

He is a 1993 graduate of Nevada High School.