Seaman Recruit Michael Sisolak, Division 217, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command (RTC) earning the Military Excellence Award, July 14.

Sisolak, from Howell, New Jersey, stated he joined the Navy to make his family and country proud. Experiences in life and his brother's service in the Marines inspired him toward joining the service and being part of something more important than himself. He learned to have discipline through the sport of wrestling and wanted to continue to have that bearing for the rest of his life. Prior to enlisting, Sisolak worked for his father who owns All-Brite Maintenance.

The Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award (MEA) is the top award 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 him at the pinnacle of today's newest Sailors. Sisolak was awarded a flag letter of commendation.

"When my recruit division commander (RDC) told me that I had been awarded this honor I was extremely happy and very thankful," said Sisolak. "Boot camp was an incredible experience. I would like to thank my family, especially my parents for always having my back and teaching me to push myself. Additionally, I would like to thank my RDCs for motivating me every day and educating me on the Navy core values: honor, courage and commitment."

After graduation, Sisolak will stay in Great Lakes to attend Boatswain's Mate Class "A" School, one of the oldest rates in the Navy, which normally lasts on average five weeks. During school, he will learn activities related to marlinespike and deck seamanship, small boats, painting and preservation, upkeep of ship's external structure, rigging, deck equipment, and lifeboats.

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.

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