Seaman Recruit DaHe Kang, Division 907, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command earning the Military Excellence Award on Dec. 15.

Kang, 19, said she joined the Navy to be part of the select few who serve their country and to honor the memory of Navy veterans.

"I wanted to wear this uniform and wear it with pride because some Sailors never returned home and can never wear this uniform again," Kang said. "The thought of that only breaks my heart and makes me want to get out to the fleet and perform my best."

A graduate of Ed W. Clark High School in Las Vegas, Kang participated in Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, where she was a lieutenant and both a platoon and a physical fitness commander. Kang, who was born in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, before moving with her family to Las Vegas in 2006, was a member of her high school cheerleading and badminton teams in addition to holding a full-time job.

Kang was assigned the rate of Naval Aircrewman.
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. Kang is awarded a flag letter of commendation.

Kang said it was her goal to win the MEA.

"I worked nonstop toward it," she said. "I was confident in all that I did and showed both good leadership and followership skills. Winning this award means that I can achieve anything I set my mind on. When I found out I won this award, I was jumping for joy, but I quickly humbled myself."

Kang praised her mother, Kyung Mi, Lee, for setting a strong example for her to follow.

"I'd like to thank my mother for being the strong woman she is," Kang said. "She motivates me to always do my best no matter how difficult the situation may be."

She also credited her Recruit Division Commanders, Chief Aviation Electrician's Mate Ryan Valentino, Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class William Leon and Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Sara Sanders for their leadership and support.

"My RDCs also helped me through this by being a counselor when they needed to be and being an RDC when they needed to be," Kang said. "They always pushed us to do our absolute best. They're funny and encouraging."

After graduation, Kang will attend Naval Aircrew Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida, followed by advanced technical field training required for aircrew specialties. She has hopes of eventually earning an air rescue swimmer contract.

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/.