Recruit Training Command (RTC) honored its top Sailors at the annual Sailor/Recruit Division Commander (RDC)/Instructor of the Year Luncheon at Port O' Call Banquet Hall, Naval Station Great Lakes, Oct. 23.

Sailors who met the guidelines to be considered for the awards, participated in a rigorous evaluation process that took into consideration characteristics such as professional knowledge, military bearing, teamwork, education and professional development, and oral presentation when they are interviewed by a selection board.

"Recognition programs such as Sailor, Instructor, and Recruit Division Commander of the Year allow us to acknowledge the fine and outstanding work that each of our Sailors do on a daily basis," said Master Chief Fire Controlman Donald Garcia, leading chief petty officer, Military Training Department, RTC. "Each Sailor nominated represents one year of hard work, professionalism, and expertise, but also speaks directly about the support they have received during their careers. This includes the Sailors and leaders who have mentored them, and the families and loved ones who continue to motivate them to do their very best at every opportunity."

Selected for top honors were: Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Aaron Belcher, RDC of the Year; Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Jonathan Jacobs, Junior Sailor of the Year; Aviation Electrician's Mate 1st Class Kyla Richardson, Sailor of the Year; Aviation Boatswain's Mate Fuel 2nd Class Ginalyn Daileg, Junior Instructor of the Year; Damage Controlman 1st Class Brandon Gregrow, Mid-Grade Instructor of the Year; and Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate Hawa Riley, Senior Instructor of the Year.

"Our Navy recognizes your contributions, talent and sacrifice," said Command Master Chief Jeffrey Kirby, Training Support Center, Great Lakes, who served as the guest speaker. "Only the brave who accept this challenging tour of duty will know and understand how to influence and shape the future of our great Navy; and that is personally rewarding on a higher scale."

Following the announcement of winners, the awardees were both grateful and somewhat relieved that their arduous journey had concluded.

"This is a humbling experience and I want to thank God for this opportunity and for allowing me to get this far with my peers. I want to thank my peers, my chain of command and everyone I work with and work for," said Richardson. "Being at RTC is a wonderful opportunity to help lead the future of the Navy. When you first get here, it may seem difficult, but once you see your recruits graduate across that deck, that's when you realize how great of an experience you can have here."

RTC is manned by hand selected, highly skilled Sailors from the fleet to train the Navy's future Sailors. Awardees recognized that their competition were also deserving of recognition.

"All three nominees know each other and, in my opinion, they deserve this more so than I personally think that I do," said Belcher. "This is the place to be if you want a positive, lifelong impact on somebody's life. Regardless if they stay in the Navy or not, the job is rigorous; it's difficult and it's rewarding in the fact that you're that positive influence in somebody's life regardless if it was for two days, eight weeks, or however long the recruits are here."

As Junior Sailor of the Year, Jacobs said he strives to meet the level of dedication it takes to allow his fellow Sailors become the best that they can be.

"This award is my proudest naval accomplishment without a doubt. I have a lot of pride in watching recruits change throughout their time in training, and can still remember going through those same stages," he added. "I wouldn't be where I am today without the help of my mentors, leadership, friends and family. The support I've received throughout my time here has been unmatched compared to anywhere else I've been. Even my peers have done great things for me. I hope everyone I've met here knows how much they've done for me and how much I appreciate their support."

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