GREAT LAKES (NNS) — Seaman Recruit Kelsie Crowder, Division 902, graduated as the top sailor from Recruit Training Command, earning the Military Excellence Award, Aug. 27.
Crowder, from Memphis, Tennessee, said she joined the Navy to be a role model.
“For my family and friends, and for women who think they have to live by today’s social formalities,” Crowder said. “I joined to encourage these people to step out of their box and to show myself that I can do anything I put my mind to.”
Crowder, 23, is a 2017 graduate of Fayette-Ware Comprehensive High School in Somerville, Tennessee. She was a National Honor Society student and participated in cheerleading and gymnastics. She attended the University of Memphis while pursuing a degree in anthropology.
Carlile is assigned the rate of aviation ordnanceman.
The Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award (MEA) 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. Crowder is awarded a flag letter of commendation.
Crowder said winning the MEA was an unexpected honor.
“With this award, I will hold myself to a higher standard because that is what I know I can accomplish,” she said. “I know that if I set my mind and intentions to something, I will achieve it. I intend to be a motivator for those who need guidance.”
Crowder credited her Recruit Division Commanders, Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Launching and Recovery Equipment) Fabian Bohorquez Carvajal, Chief Machinist’s Mate Sanchez Torres, Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Shaquan Granville, and Equipment Operator 2nd Class Sibel Uzun for their leadership and guidance.
“All of my RDCs inspired me to be the best version of myself that I could and to never give up on myself nor my shipmates,” Crowder said. “Petty Officer Uzun was a huge role model for me. She always encouraged us to do twice as much, because we are independent, strong women making a career and reputation for ourselves. Without her, I would not be the sailor I am today.”
Crowder also acknowledged the contributions made by her father, Larry Crowder.
“He motivated me by encouraging words and letters to let me know that I could accomplish anything,” she said. “He never let me forget who I was and how much he supported me.”
The toughest part of Crowder’s boot camp experience was the transformation from civilian to sailor.
“It was balancing who I was and who I wanted to be,” she said. “I wanted to keep my personality but leave behind my childish ways. I learned there is a switch and all you need to know is when to cut it on and off.”
After graduation, Crowder will attend Aviation Ordmanceman “A” School in Pensacola, Florida. Aviation Ordnanceman are aircraft armament specialists in charge of storing, servicing, inspecting, and handling all types of weapons and ammunition carried on Naval aircraft.
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 40,000 recruits are trained annually at RTC and begin their Navy careers.
For more news from Recruit Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/rtc/