Seaman Recruit Natalie Beck, Division 921, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command, earning the Military Excellence Award (MEA) on March 30.

Beck, 22, said she was inspired to join the Navy by her husband, Damion Clauson, who served in the Marine Corps.

"I saw the opportunities that the military provided for my husbands' future, as well as how it impacted his character, work ethic and self-confidence," Beck said. "I decided that I wanted that same change, challenge and purpose for my own life, in addition to providing for my future family."

Beck, from Napoleon, Ohio, received a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Charleston in West Virginia in 2017.

She was assigned the rate of Hospital Corpsman.

The MEA is the top award presented to the No. 1 recruit of their graduating training group who best exemplifies the qualities of enthusiasm, devotion to duty, military bearing and teamwork. Beck received a flag letter of commendation and said winning the award showed her the importance of striving for excellence.

"I have worked hard throughout boot camp and this award has reminded me that you can accomplish anything by having dedication and being humble," she said.

Beck credited her Recruit Division Commanders, Chief Culinary Specialist Moses Brathwaite, Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Precious Mulvany and Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Ray Insley for their leadership and guidance.

She also expressed appreciation for the encouragement provided by family and shipmates.

"I would like to thank my husband and family for their constant support and believing in me when I began to doubt myself," Beck said. "I would also like to thank my shipmates for motivating me and showing me the importance of teamwork."

Beck embraced the challenges of her boot camp experience.

"For me, the most challenging part of boot camp was learning to be more confident and outspoken," Beck said. "I overcame this by being put in positions that forced me to be loud and confident in myself and in others."

After graduation, she will attend the 19-week Hospital Corpsman "A" School in Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, where she will learn basic principles and techniques of patient care and first-aid procedures.

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/.