Courtesy Photo | Airman Apprentice Bailey Burke graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training...... read more read more
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GREAT LAKES (NNS) – Airman Apprentice Bailey Burke graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command (RTC), earning the Military Excellence Award (MEA) Sept. 25, 2025.
A Colorado native, Burke said her decision to join the Navy was shaped by both family legacy and a desire to challenge herself.
“I joined the Navy for the opportunities it creates and to live a more disciplined life,” Burke said. “I wanted to prove to myself and my family that I could be more than what I was making of myself before. I want every decision I make to build a better future.”
Burke also said she felt called to honor her family’s service. Her father served in the Air Force, her uncle in the Marine Corps, and her grandfather in the Navy.
“I grew up hearing their stories—the good and the hard times—and they were the ones who opened my mind to this path,” she said.
The Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award is the top award presented to the recruit who best demonstrates enthusiasm, devotion to duty, military bearing, and teamwork. The award places Burke among the top of today’s newest Sailors. As part of her recognition, she is awarded a flag letter of commendation.
For Burke, receiving the MEA was the most meaningful accomplishment of her life so far.
“When I found out I had earned the award, it reminded me that hard work is always worth it,” she said. “Even on the toughest days, when it felt like too much, I pushed through, and it paid off. I’ve always believed in my leadership skills, but winning the MEA confirmed that I should be proud of the person I’m becoming.”
Before joining the Navy, Burke was a varsity poms dancer at Columbine High School, where she served as one of three team captains. Her team earned first place at the 2025 league competition, a victory she said taught her lasting lessons.
“Being part of that team instilled values I carried into boot camp—discipline, teamwork, and perseverance,” she said. “Those experiences shaped me into the kind of leader I strive to be.”
Burke’s Recruit Division Commanders were Chief Machinist’s Mate (MMC) Lyzalee Rosado, Quartermaster 1st Class (QM1) Philip Simonsen, and Operations Specialist 1st Class (OS1) Shakira Parker.
“QM1 Simonsen really pushed me,” Burke said. “He was the toughest RDC, but that motivated me to give my best effort. When he shared his own experiences and how he worked hard to get where he is, it reminded me of why I joined. He was exactly the kind of leader I needed at boot camp.”
Burke said her biggest source of strength came from her parents.
“Even though I couldn’t talk to them much, I knew they were cheering me on from home,” she said. “I’m so grateful for how they raised me and for the example they set. I just want to keep honoring them and making them proud.”
The hardest part of boot camp, she said, was being away from her loved ones for the first time.
“I’ve always been surrounded by family and friends, so going weeks without seeing them was difficult,” Burke said. “But learning how to handle that separation showed me I’ll be able to do it in the fleet. It made me stronger.”
After graduation, Burke will Aircrewman candidate “A” school in Pensacola, Florida, for specialized training.
Training at RTC is approximately nine weeks, and all enlistees in the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy’s only boot camp.
| Date Taken: | 09.24.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.24.2025 12:58 |
| Story ID: | 549161 |
| Location: | GREAT LAKES, ILLINOIS, US |
| Hometown: | LITTLETON, COLORADO, US |
| Web Views: | 310 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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