Seaman Recruit William Thomas, Division 944, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command, earning the Military Excellence Award on September 7.

Thomas, from Belmont, North Carolina, said he joined the Navy to serve his country and defend those close to him.

“I want to protect the freedoms of the next generation and to ensure my friends and family can live in peace and without worry,” Thomas said.

Thomas, 19, is a 2017 graduate of Highland School of Technology in Gastonia, North Carolina, where he was a four-year varsity soccer player. Prior to joining the Navy, he attended the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina, in pursuit of a degree in sports medicine. 

Thomas is assigned the rate of Aviation Electronics Technician.

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. Thomas is awarded a flag letter of commendation.

Thomas said winning the MEA gave him the confidence to set higher expectations for himself.

“Winning the award means that I didn’t waste my time here and that I pushed myself to limits I didn’t know existed,” Costa said. “It also allows me to reflect upon how much I’ve grown throughout my time here; from a nervous 19-year-old college student who could barely fold a t-shirt, into a well-rounded, confident Sailor.”

Thomas credited his Recruit Division Commanders, Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Chris Teuscher, Yeoman 1st Class Jason Rynkiewicz, and Aviation Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Kylen Carpenter for their guidance and leadership.

“My RDCs are the ones who helped push me to my limits,” Thomas said. “They pushed me to be the best I could be every single day, partially because of the countless physical training sessions, and partially because of the motivational speeches they would give us. I also accredit my mother, Kimberly Settlemyer, who constantly showed me support through her letters and motivated me to be better than the day before.”

Thomas said the biggest challenge he faced at boot camp was overcoming being homesick.

“Especially during the first few weeks,” he said. “Back home, I was constantly communicating with friends and family, and then being put into an environment where I was cut off from that was difficult. Focusing on the everyday mission set in front of me, writing letters, and praying is what helped me push through.”

After graduation, Thomas will attend his “A” School in Pensacola, Florida. Aviation Electronics Technicians work with some of the most advanced electronics equipment in the world and repair a wide range of aircraft electrical and electronic systems.

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. More than 30,0000 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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