GREAT LAKES, Ill. - Seaman Recruit Gabriella Diaz, a a 2017 Brandon High School graduate and Brandon, Florida, native, graduated as top Sailor from Recruit Training Command, Division 068, earning the Military Excellence Award on January 11.
Diaz said she was proud to be selected for the MEA.
“Being awarded the MEA motivates me beyond whatever motivation I had,” Diaz said. “It means a lot to be recognized so early in my Navy career. It proves that anyone, from any background, can do great things and push themselves further than they know.”
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 Diaz at the pinnacle of today’s newest Sailors; she was awarded a flag letter of commendation for her achievements.
“Being awarded the MEA motivates me beyond whatever motivation I had,” Diaz said. “It means a lot to be recognized so early in my Navy career. It proves that anyone, from any background, can do great things and push themselves further than they know.”
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 Diaz at the pinnacle of today’s newest Sailors; she was awarded a flag letter of commendation for her achievements.
Diaz, 20, said she joined the Navy to pursue a career that is challenging and meaningful.
“I feel it leads to more opportunities and experiences when you do things others are afraid to do or hold themselves back from,” Diaz said. “I wanted to have the opportunity to love my job, and both help and protect others at the same time.”
Diaz drew inspiration from her mother, Maria Velarde, who she calls a role model.
Diaz drew inspiration from her mother, Maria Velarde, who she calls a role model.
“My most significant motivator is my mother,” Diaz said. “She is the most selfless, independent and toughest person I know. Being a single mom, and seeing her do everything on her own, makes me appreciative of her efforts and motivates me to be the best that I can be as she always put her best into all of her efforts. I hope to be half as much as the person she is.”
Being in training at RTC during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s was the tough part of boot camp for Diaz.
“I am very family-oriented and spend a lot of time with them so it was hard to not get upset,” Diaz said. “I had to remind myself why I came and the bigger picture of what being at RTC means. It’s the starting point of a lifetime.”
Being in training at RTC during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s was the tough part of boot camp for Diaz.
“I am very family-oriented and spend a lot of time with them so it was hard to not get upset,” Diaz said. “I had to remind myself why I came and the bigger picture of what being at RTC means. It’s the starting point of a lifetime.”
Diaz credited her Recruit Division Commanders, Chief Electrician’s Mate Susan Pavao, Hull Maintenance Technician 1st Class Ryan Zanol, and Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) 2nd Class Angel Espinoza for their leadership and guidance.
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. More than 30,0000 recruits graduate annually from RTC and begin their Navy careers.
Diaz is assigned the rate of electronics technician.
After graduation, Diaz will attend apprentice technical training and Electronics Technician ‘A’ School at Great Lakes. Electronics Technicians maintain and repair electronics equipment such as radar, communication and navigation equipment. Electronic Technicians comprise the basis of the ship’s combat systems department aboard ships and are responsible for maintaining the ships’ readiness for combat operations.
For more news from Recruit Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/rtc/.
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. More than 30,0000 recruits graduate annually from RTC and begin their Navy careers.
Diaz is assigned the rate of electronics technician.
After graduation, Diaz will attend apprentice technical training and Electronics Technician ‘A’ School at Great Lakes. Electronics Technicians maintain and repair electronics equipment such as radar, communication and navigation equipment. Electronic Technicians comprise the basis of the ship’s combat systems department aboard ships and are responsible for maintaining the ships’ readiness for combat operations.
For more news from Recruit Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/rtc/.