Seaman Recruit Maegen Aldrich, Division 935, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command earning the Military Excellence Award on Jul. 7.

Aldrich, of Ocala, Florida, joined the Navy with the hopes of being able to fill the boots of a family member lost in Afghanistan. She wants her Navy career to serve as a tribute to the sacrifice that was made in the pursuit of ensuring the U.S. remains the great nation it has become today. Prior to joining the Navy she attended Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida were she was studying to become a psychologist.

Aldrich is part of a Gold Star Family. The term "Gold Star" describes a family member who has lost a loved one in military service. The Gold Star first made an appearance during World War I after being placed over a service flag's blue star when a service member was killed in combat. The Gold Star signified the family's pride in the loved one's sacrifice rather than the mourning of their personal loss.

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 her at the pinnacle of today's newest Sailors. Aldrich is awarded a flag letter of commendation.

"When Chief Carmona, announced at chow that I had been selected as the top recruit for our training group I really thought he was trying to mess with me. I started crying when I realized he was being honest," said Aldrich. "Being given this honor both humbled me and gave me a sense of pride, not only in myself, but in my family for making me who I am and in my Recruit Division Commanders who have devoted so much of their time to turning recruits into sailors."

After graduation, Aldrich will head to Pensacola, Florida to attend aircrew candidate school followed by Advanced Technical Field training required for aircrew specialties. She has hopes of eventually earning an Air Rescue Swimmer contract.

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.


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