by Alan Nunn, Recruit Training Command Public Affairs
GREAT LAKES, Ill. - Seaman Recruit Natalie Beck, a Napoleon,
Ohio, native recently graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training
Command, Division 921, earning the Military Excellence Award.
Beck said winning the MEA showed her the
importance of striving for excellence.
“I
have worked hard throughout boot camp and this award has reminded me that you
can accomplish anything by having dedication and being humble,” she said.
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 her at the
pinnacle of today’s newest sailors; she was awarded a flag letter of
commendation for her achievements.
Beck, 22, said she was inspired to join the Navy by her
husband, Damion Clauson, who served in the Marine Corps.
“I saw the opportunities that the military provided for my
husbands’ future, as well as how it impacted his character, work ethic and
self-confidence," she said. “I decided that I wanted that same change,
challenge and purpose for my own life, in addition to providing for my future
family.”
Beck credited
her Recruit Division Commanders, Chief Petty Officer Culinary Specialist Moses Brathwaite,
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Petty Officer 1st Class Precious
Mulvany and Machinist’s Mate Petty Officer 2nd Class Ray Insley for their
leadership and guidance.
She also
expressed appreciation for the encouragement provided by family and shipmates.
“I would like
to thank my husband and family for their constant support and believing in me
when I began to doubt myself,” Beck said. “I would also like to thank my
shipmates for motivating me and showing me the importance of teamwork.”
Beck embraced
the challenges of her boot camp experience.
“For me, the
most challenging part of boot camp was learning to be more confident and
outspoken,” Beck said. “I overcame this by being put in positions that forced
me to be loud and confident in myself and in others.”
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.
Beck was
assigned the rate of Hospital Corpsman. After graduation, she will attend
the 19-week Hospital Corpsman “A” School in Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio,
Texas, where she will learn basic principles and techniques of patient care and
first-aid procedures.
Beck received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the
University of Charleston in West Virginia in 2017.