Seaman Recruit Joel Rafols, Division 229, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command earning the Military Excellence Award on July 28.

Rafols, of La Puente, California, joined the Navy to aid others who are in need and to challenge himself to strive for the highest quality of integrity, self-improvement and perseverance. He was assigned the rate of Culinary Specialist.

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 him at the pinnacle of today's newest Sailors. Rafols is awarded a flag letter of commendation.

"My initial plan coming into RTC was to lay low and graduate quickly by working independently and efficiently in silence. As the weeks went on, I was constantly reminded that being in the Navy requires superb teamwork skills and I started working with my fellow recruits and helping them out when they needed it," said Rafols. "Next thing I know I get chosen to be a section leader for my division which helped me build up my leadership and cooperation skills. Some of my most favorite moments in boot camp were the small motivational speeches the RDCs would give after the division would feel discouraged after failing to accomplish a task. The speeches would be short but brought up the motivation level for our division."

Rafols will be attending Culinary Specialist "A" school for nine weeks at the Joint Culinary Center of Excellence, Fort Lee, Virginia. During the schooling, Rafols will learn how to estimate quantities and types of food items required, and assist Supply Officers in ordering and stowage of subsistence items and procurement of equipment and mess gear. CS's prepare menus, plan, organize, and serve meals. Additionally, they maintain food service spaces and associated equipment in a clean and sanitary condition, including storerooms and refrigerated spaces.

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/local/rtc/.

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