Seaman Recruit Benjamin J. Hicks, Division 809, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command, earning the Military Excellence Award on March 23.

The United States Military Excellence Award is the top award from the Navy Club and is presented to the No. 1 recruit of the 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 places Hicks at the pinnacle of today's newest Sailors. Hicks is also awarded a flag letter of commendation.

At age 20, Hicks had developed an early interest in the military.

"I felt a need to repay the United States for what I have been provided thus far," he said. "And, I felt there was no better way than through the challenge and prestige of becoming a Sailor."

Hicks is a 2016 graduate of Central Lake High School in Central Lake, Mich. He was assigned the rate of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician upon joining the Navy.

Hicks is humbled to be chosen as the MEA.

"It means that I have been lucky enough to be recognized for the sort of work ethic and discipline that many others in my division and training group have established while here at RTC," he said. "I believe there are countless others that are worthy of notoriety and awards, and the fact that I have been chosen is purely a blessing."

Hicks credited his Recruit Division Commanders, Chief Aviation Electrician's Mate Jessica Shifflett, Aviation Electrician's Mate 1st Class Gerad Woolley, and Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Trevor Mink for their leadership and guidance. He also expressed appreciation for his parents.

"I would like to thank my parents for making me who I am today, and for their constant devotion and support for whatever I do," Hicks said. "I would also like to thank my RDCs, specifically Chief Shifflett, for showing me the importance of discipline and attention to detail."

Hicks said the most challenging part of boot camp was leaving his home and family.

"It was difficult to acclimate to facing challenges every day," he said. "But I have found that the adversities presented to me at boot camp have made me a stronger individual."

After graduation, Hicks will begin training with three weeks of an EOD preparation course at Naval Station Great Lakes. He will then travel to Panama City, Fla. for eight weeks of basic EOD diver training and then to Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. for 38 weeks of basic EOD training. Upon successful completion of the basic EOD training, he will then be transferred to San Diego to attend three weeks of EOD tactical training, and finally, three weeks of basic airborne training at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians locate, identify, render safe and dispose of all forms of ordnance (conventional, nuclear, chemical and biological, military and improvised) both U.S. and foreign made.

In addition to working closely with other military services, EOD technicians assist civilian law enforcement agencies in ordnance related Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection procedures.

Boot camp is approximately eight weeks and all enlistees into the 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 information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

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

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