By Tom Tumelty
Ocean City High School graduate Paul “Paulie” Douglas Stryker Jr. was given an anchors aweigh party by his parents, Arlene and Paul Stryker, along with his younger brother, Jake, before he shipped out for basic training with the U.S. Coast Guard in Cape May on May 21.
He recently took his oath at the recruiting station in Northfield.
Stryker, 19, will spend eight weeks at training and told family and friends that he also looks forward to becoming a part of the American Legion Post 524 in Ocean City, according to a press release.
In addition to his ambition to be in the Coast Guard, Stryker is also academically inclined, completing his freshman year at Rutgers University in New Brunswick with honors,
Four times each summer season, Coast Guard recruits join in a Sunset Parade, which is open to the public.
Seaman Recruit Stryker will be marching to the Coast Guard Semper Paratus (“Always Ready” song) on Sunday, June 30, in celebration of Independence Day.
After completing his sophomore year, he will begin 10 weeks of training to become a boatswain mate.
During his ready reserve time, he will be assigned to Coast Guard Station Atlantic City.
