Seaman Recruit Christopher Zonkel, Division 119, graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command earning the Military Excellence Award April 14.

Zonkel from Corpus Christi, Texas, joined the Navy for the opportunity to reach educational goals, as well as provide a solid, adventurous future for his wife and three children.

Prior to enlisting, he worked full-time as a rotating equipment mechanic at power repair services. After basic training, he plans to strive for excellence throughout a long Navy career with the hopes of one day reaching the rank of master chief.

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. Zonkel is awarded a flag letter of commendation.

"It was a tremendous honor to be selected for this award," said Zonkel. "I want to especially thank my wife for first suggesting the idea to join the Navy and for pushing and supporting me every step of the way, and my Recruit Division Commanders for the firm motivation and encouragement that molded me into the Sailor I am today."

After graduation, Zonkel will stay in Great Lakes to attend Fire Controlman Class "A" School which normally lasts on average 24 weeks.

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/.

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