Seaman Recruit Sharon Wronski, Division 186, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command, earning the Military Excellence Award on April 27.

Wronski, 39, said she was inspired to join the Navy by world events and her spouse.

"I joined the Navy because I was concerned with the direction our country was headed over the last few years, and I wanted to do my best to protect my family and to serve my country, its citizens, and our allies," said Wronski, a reservist who will be assigned to the Naval Operations Support Center, Fort Custer, Battle Creek, Michigan.

Wronski's husband, Marcus, served eight years in the Marines Corps and currently serves in the Army National Guard.

Wronski, from San Diego, California, is pursuing a bachelor's degree through Pennsylvania State University's online degree program. She hopes to obtain her degree and attend law school with the goal of serving in the Judge Advocate General Corps.

She was assigned the rate of 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 her at the pinnacle of today's newest Sailors. Wronski is awarded a flag letter of commendation.

Wronski said she was surprised and honored and to be chosen as the MEA.

"I feel that winning the MEA has proven to me that when you have dedication, ambition, and discipline, your hard work will pay off in the end," said Wronski.

Wronski credited her Recruit Division Commanders, Senior Chief Quartermaster Matthew Fleischli, Logistics Specialist 1st Class Laura McHugh and Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Adriany Riley for their leadership and guidance.

She also expressed appreciation for the support she received from her parents, Barb and Larry Resnick, and her family.

"The most challenging part of boot camp was being away from my husband and our two children, Isaac and Bronwyn," said Wronski. "I was able to overcome it by reading their letters and looking at their pictures and drawings right after taps."

After graduation, she will attend apprentice technical training and Electronics Technician 'A' School at Great Lakes. Electronics Technicians maintain and repair electronics equipment such as radar, communication and navigation equipment. Electronic Technicians comprise the basis of the ship's combat systems department aboard ships and are responsible for maintaining the ships' readiness for combat operations.

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 38,000 to 40,000 recruits graduate annually from RTC and begin their Navy careers.

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


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