Seaman Recruit Jacob Fimbres, Division 209, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command, earning the Military Excellence Award (MEA) on May 18.

Fimbres, 21, said he joined the Navy with the intent of impacting other peoples' lives as a Special Warfare Operator.

"But midway through my enlistment process I realized that more opportunities were available to me as a Hospital Corpsman," Fimbres said. "My goal in my Navy career is to become a commissioned officer and further my education by graduating from medical school."

Fimbres, from Tempe, Arizona, is a 2014 graduate of La Sierra High School in Riverside, California. He previously was employed as a server in the food service industry.

He was assigned the rate of Hospital Corpsman.

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. Fimbres was awarded a flag letter of commendation.

Fimbres described winning the MEA as a surreal experience.

"Mainly because when I enlisted I had some people close to me tell me I couldn't do it or to just 'go through the motions,'" said Fimbres. "Winning the MEA is a way for me to reflect on my hard work and dedication to my goals. I proved to everyone, and even myself, that I can push through and be successful by working hard and staying motivated."

Fimbres credited his recruit division commanders (RDCs), Chief Fire Controlman Daniel Rainmaker, Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Bobby Price and Fire Controlman 1st Class Sandy Simpson for their leadership and guidance.

"I would like to thank my RDCs for pushing me the whole way through boot camp and for challenging me every step of the way," he said.

Fimbres said he received plenty of family support during boot camp.

"My family wrote me often and sent inspiring letters that propelled me forward to strive for my goals," he said.

Not being able to communicate with family or loved ones on a daily basis was the toughest part of training, according to Fimbres.

"I overcame this challenge by always reminding myself the days will fly by if I dig down and pull through, which is exactly what I did," said Fimbres. "And here I stand today receiving the Military Excellence Award."

After graduation, Fimbres will attend Hospital Corpsman "A" School in Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, where he 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 38,000 to 40,000 recruits graduate annually form 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/.