Seaman Recruit Kevin Cacique, Division 135, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command earning the Military Excellence Award (MEA), April 28.

Cacique, from Sarasota, Florida, joined the Navy to serve his country, learn new life skills and be a part of something bigger than himself. He selected the rate of aviation maintenance administrationman to learn how to conduct administrative assignments and management.

Prior to enlisting, he graduated from Sarasota High School and started a small business where he owns and operates a brick paving company.

The Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award is the top award presented to the top performing 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. Cacique was awarded a flag letter of commendation.

"Since night of arrival, my only goal was to follow orders, do my best, and help my team," said Cacique. "I didn't even consider that I would win this award, but when my recruit division commanders (RDC) told me that I won, I was grateful and thankful for the news. If it wasn't for my RDCs and shipmates, I probably would not have achieved this honor."

Cacique mentioned one of the most memorable moments in boot camp was meeting the RDC for the first time. At that point, he knew it was real.

After graduation, Cacique will head to Meridian, Mississippi, to attend aviation maintenance administrationman "A" school, which normally lasts on average 11 weeks. Cacique will study basic administration and aviation maintenance tasks.

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/.