Seaman Recruit Jhon Bernal, Division 933, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command, earning the Military Excellence Award (MEA), June 22.

Bernal, from West New York, New Jersey, said he joined the Navy because he wanted to be the first person in his family to serve in the military.

"I wanted to be a hero to my mother, Maria Bernal, and be a shining example of honor, courage and commitment to the younger generations growing up in West New York," Bernal said.

Bernal, 22, is a 2014 graduate of Memorial High School in West New York, New Jersey. Prior to enlistment, Bernal was a lifeguard and swim instructor.

Bernal was assigned the rate of hospital corpsman.

The Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award is the top award presented to the number one 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. Bernal was also awarded a flag letter of commendation.

Bernal said he was overwhelmed to be selected for the MEA, despite making a vow to his family.

"Winning the MEA means that I have fulfilled a personal promise to myself, my family, and loved ones that I left behind," he said. "That was to do my absolute best, at all times, even when times get rough and tough."

Bernal credited his recruit division commanders (RDC), Chief Machinist's Mate Cody Partin, Naval Aircrewman (Tactical Helicopter) 1st Class Michael Gionet, Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Tiara Moore, for their leadership and guidance.

"My RDCs motivated me every day by exemplifying the meaning of working hard every day throughout training, by being the leaders I hope to become one day," Bernal said.

Bernal said his biggest boot camp challenge was taking the initial step.

"I was leaving everything and everyone behind back home, being the only son, in order to grow into the person the Navy wants me to become for the greater good," he said. "My mother and fiancee, Stephanie Chen, kept my drive going by supporting me every chance they got to write me a letter."

After graduation, Bernal will attend Hospital Corpsman "A" School in Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, 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 from RTC and begin their Navy careers.

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

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