Logistics Specialist 1st Class Amber Wilson, from Muskegon, Michigan, a recruit division commander (RDC) at the Navy's only boot camp was named Manpower, Personnel, Training, and Education (MPT&E) Senior Sailor of the Year (SSOY).

Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) and Recruit Training Command 2017 also recently recognized Sailors and Instructors of the Year.

Wilson stated she was surprised and relieved at the same time because all her hard work paid off.

"I am especially appreciative to my chain of command for believing in me and giving me the necessary tools, information, and sound advice to humbly represent them," said Wilson. "I know without their mentorship, help, and guidance I would have never went so far to win this award."

She added it is also a good feeling for the recognition she receives from not only her chain of command, but also her peers who've recognized her accomplishments.

Wilson intends to take all the knowledge and advice and return it to the command to mentor new Sailors coming in, so they too will be good Sailors and the future of RTC.

"I know this experience will set me up for success in my career and hopefully lend a professional hand in achieving the career goal of becoming a chief petty officer," said Wilson.

Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Steven Leib, from Torrington, Wyoming, also an RDC, is the NSTC/RTC Junior Sailor of the Year.

"JSOQ was always a goal of mine to strive for excellence; however, winning the JSOY was a shock and I never believed that I would achieve that award," Leib said. "Then to proceed to winning the Naval Education and Training JSOY was truly an honor and reflection of the hard work the chain of command invested in me, along with the dedication the mentors put into my professional development. I know these awards are beyond me and I want to set an example for other to want to follow, give back to the Sailors, command, and community."

Leib intends to share his experiences with his peers to help guide them and lead them to successful careers.

"I have always lived up to something my high school wrestling coach always told us, 'You will never be the best. There is always someone bigger, faster, stronger than you, but you can be the best at what you do,'" he said. "The emphasis is you -- you choose to excel, to accomplish goals, to push harder. The only person holding you back is you. Don't ever give up on anything work hard, stay focused on your long-term goals, and be the best at what you do!"

The Commanding Officer of RTC, Capt. Michael Garrick, said it's a tremendous honor to recognize the Sailors and Instructors of the Year.

"The selection process was fiercely competitive -- these Sailors truly represent the best of the best," Garrick said. "Their outstanding performance embodies the level of professionalism and dedication to duty required to accomplish our mission of transforming citizens into Sailors who can carry on the Navy's legacy into the future."

NSTC/RTC's Junior Instructor of the Year is Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Demour Christian, from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Christian said she is motivated for trying her hardest at everything, every day.

"I was surprised to win at the RTC level, but to win both commands was mind-blowing because of the competition," said Christian.

"I truly didn't believe that I would ever win because all the high-caliber Sailors who are instructors," she added. "After all, that is all they do -- teach, train, and instruct every day!"

Christian plans to give back to her peers, finish her master's degree for her daughter, and give back as much as she can to the command for their support, mentorship, and guidance to her success.

Damage Controlman 1st Class James Battaglia was named the NSTC/RTC Mid-grade IOY. Battaglia transferred Jan. 4, and is currently stationed aboard amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27), homeported in San Diego. While at RTC, he was the fleet quality assurance inspector for all instructors, conducted evaluations for classes led by instructors, and wrote course critiques for proper instructor protocol and procedures.

The Sailor of the Year program is an opportunity for Navy commands to recognize a Sailor who represents the best of the Navy by demonstrating both professional and personal dedication.
Adm. Elmo Zumwalt, then chief of naval operations, or CNO, initiated the Sailor of the Year program in 1972 to recognize the outstanding Atlantic and Pacific Fleet Sailors. The following year, the Shore Sailor of the Year program was introduced.

Today, every Navy ship, station and command around the world chooses its Sailor of the Year based on leadership, professionalism, dedication, and superior performance. These selectees compete against recipients from other commands competing at higher and higher echelons until the Navy's four finest are chosen from U.S. Fleet Forces (Atlantic); Navy Reserve; U.S. Pacific Fleet; and from shore activities. These four are then meritoriously promoted to chief petty officer.

Rear Adm. Steven C. Evans, commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) headquartered at Naval Station Great Lakes, and his NSTC staff oversee 98 percent of initial officer and enlisted accessions training for the Navy. This includes RTC; NROTC at more than 160 colleges and universities; Officer Training Command (OTC) on Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island; and Navy Junior ROTC and Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) citizenship development programs at more than 600 high schools worldwide.

For more information on RTC, visit http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Service Training Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/, http://www.netc.navy.mil/nstc/ or http://www.facebook.com/NavalServiceTraining/.