Seaman Recruit Landon Hunter, Division 901, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command earning the Military Excellence Award on Nov. 9.

Hunter, 18, joined the Navy as an expression of his patriotism.

"I always viewed myself as a very patriotic civilian, but I told myself I couldn't be as patriotic as I thought I was unless I served my country," said Hunter.

Hunter, a recent graduate of Midland High School in Wyoming, Iowa, was assigned the rate of Intelligence Specialist.

The Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award is the top award presented to the No. 1 recruit of their graduating training group. The MEA is awarded to the recruit that best exemplifies the qualities of enthusiasm, devotion to duty, military bearing and teamwork. The award placed him at the pinnacle of today's newest Sailors. Hunter is awarded a flag letter of commendation.

Hunter said he received plenty of support, both from his family and his Recruit Division Commanders, Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate Edmond New III, Culinary Specialist 1st Class Jamie Scrubb and Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Tiara Moore.

"My family motivated me daily with plenty of mail and encouraging words," said Hunter. "When I got to RTC my main goal wasn't to win an award, but to graduate on time with my division so I could see my family as soon as possible. My RDCs also motivated me daily by showing their dedication to me and my fellow recruits, pushing me to do my best so I did not disappoint them and make them feel like they are wasting their time."

Hall, who was participating in physical training with his division at Freedom Hall when he received word that he had been selected as the MEA, had to keep the news to himself until the formal announcement was made.

"I was shocked by the news and had felt like all of my hard work was finally worth it," said Hunter. "I couldn't wait to tell my mom. Chief New told me to keep it to myself and not tell anyone, which was very tough but it helped me to stay humble over the last few weeks of training."

Despite modest goals for bootcamp, Hunter stood out as top recruit in his graduating class.

"I just wanted to be the best recruit I could possibly be," said Hunter. "This award also means to me that with enough hard work, you will eventually be awarded for your actions."

After graduation, Hunter will attend Intelligence Specialist School Dam Neck, Virginia. Intelligence Specialists assist in every phase of the planning, collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence information. They assemble and analyze multi-source operational intelligence in support of all warfare areas, assist in support of intelligence briefings, reporting, and analytical programs

Boot camp is approximately eight weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Training includes physical fitness, seamanship, firearms, firefighting and shipboard damage control along with lessons in Navy heritage and core values, teamwork and discipline. About 30,000 to 40,000 recruits graduate annually from RTC and begin their Navy careers.

For more news from Recruit Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/.

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