Seaman Recruit Cody Reimel, Division 818, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command earning the Military Excellence Award on August 11.

Reimel, of Sellersville, Pennsylvania, joined the Navy to develop a highly trained skill set that will allow him to serve the United States at the highest level possible, taking advantage of opportunities, and having a quality of life that can provide for him and a future family.

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. Reimel is awarded a flag letter of commendation.

"When I arrived at RTC, I arrived with the mentality to strive for excellence and compete in every task asked of us. Whether it was folding clothes, cleaning the compartment, or training at the pool, I always wanted to complete each task to the best of my ability," said Reimel. "This is the mentality that was instilled in me while playing college football at Randolph Macon College, in Ashland, VA., for head coach Pedro Arruza."

Helping him to maintain focus during the course of his training were his division's Recruit Division Commanders - Chief Damage Controlman Mark Rayner, Fire Controlman 1st Class David Rivera and Operations Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Bell.

"The dynamic between the three of them definitely helped our division reach its full potential. We got lucky when we got these three," said Reimel.

Also helping him stay motivated was Reimel's parents and girlfriend.

"I want to thank them for all the letters they sent because each night I would read the letters which gave me a chance to mentally relax before falling asleep," he said.

Reimel has chosen the rate of Explosive Ordnance Disposal.

EOD Technicians are on call to respond to any type of ordnance, and they receive specialized training on how to handle chemical, biological and even nuclear weapons. They investigate and demolish natural and man-made underwater obstructions, prepare coastal regions for amphibious landings, warn about potential threats - both in the United States and abroad. With expertise in the most conventional and unconventional explosives, they ensure the secure disposal of explosive weaponry.

His training begins with three weeks of EOD Prep Course in Great Lakes followed by nine weeks of Diver Training in Panama City, Florida and then 42 weeks of EOD School at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

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/.