Seaman Recruit Ryan Buehler, Division 062, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command (RTC), earning the Military Excellence Award, Jan. 19.

Buehler, 20, joined the Navy, "Simply because I felt God's calling to do so," he said. "I had gotten out of a job taking care of a young man with cerebral palsy, where I was very fulfilled. I found that the Navy could provide the sense of purpose and joy that I was looking for after such a great experience."

Buehler is a 2015 graduate of Dripping Springs High School in Dripping Springs, Texas. Before joining the Navy, he also worked at a grocery store and as a welder for a steel rainwater collection tank company.

He was assigned the rate of aviation electrician's mate.

The Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award (MEA) is presented to the number one recruit of their graduating training group. The MEA is awarded to the recruit who best exemplifies the qualities of enthusiasm, devotion to duty, military bearing and teamwork. The award placed Buehler at the pinnacle of today's newest Sailors. He was also awarded a flag letter of commendation.

Buehler credited his recruit division commanders (RDC), Chief Hull Maintenance Technician Michael Watts, Information Systems Technician 1st Class Max Rivero and Damage Controlman 1st Class Melissa Keith for the guidance they provided during boot camp.

"My RDCs not only allowed me to be the divisional yeoman, but also gave me the tools and time to excel on all the other things that we had to complete here at RTC," Buehler said.

Division 062 Recruit Chief Petty Officer Marc Hoffman also drew Buehler's praise.

"I truly would like to thank him, specifically, for being such a good bunkmate and always being someone I could talk to if I was stressed or could help me out when I was discouraged in general," he said. "I also want to thank all of my other shipmates in Division 062."

Buehler said he was surprised when he learned he had been selected as the MEA recipient.

"I was certainly shocked when I discovered I won such a prestigious award," he said. "My initial reaction was to pull [Petty Officer 1st Class Rivero] aside and question him about how I could even win. The award definitely means a lot to me and I know it brings a lot of pride to my family and division."

After graduation, Buehler will attend his "A" school in Pensacola, Florida, where he will study basic technical knowledge, aviation electrical systems, and electrician skills. Aviation electrician's mates work with some of the most advanced electronics equipment in the world and repair a wide range of aircraft electrical and electronic systems.

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 http://www.navy.mil/.