Courtesy Photo | Seaman Apprentice Ezra Lillard graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training...... read more read more
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GREAT LAKES (NNS) – Seaman Apprentice Ezra Lillard graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command (RTC), earning the Military Excellence Award (MEA) Oct. 2, 2025.
For Lillard, 19, of Troy, Illinois, the award represents more than personal achievement—it marks the realization of a lifelong goal to serve in the U.S. Navy. Though his first attempt to enlist was unsuccessful, Lillard said he refused to let that setback end his dream.
“The Navy always stood out to me because of the discipline, the standards, and the chance to be a part of something bigger than myself,” Lillard said. “Being able to wear this uniform now is something I’ve wanted for as long as I can remember. I’m so glad I got a second chance to enlist and prove to myself that I belong here.”
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 Lillard among the top of today’s newest Sailors. As part of his recognition, he is awarded a flag letter of commendation.
Lillard said earning the MEA wasn’t something he set out to do, but rather the result of his commitment to doing his best every day.
“When I found out I had won, my first thought was, ‘Woah, I did it,’” he said. “On my last phone call home, I told my mom I had a surprise for her, but I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off. Being named the top Sailor wasn’t just a win for me—it was a chance to honor my parents and everyone who’s shaped me into who I am today. It’s proof that I have what it takes, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward in my Navy career.”
Before joining the Navy, Lillard attended Penn Foster High School, where he focused heavily on academics in preparation for college. He also competed in cross country, track, and football, and participated in NJROTC, Poetry Club, and Military Student Connect. Outside of school, he worked in the restaurant industry, where he served as a shift leader and maintenance assistant.
“Our store was the top-performing one in the company,” Lillard said. “That job taught me responsibility and leadership—training new employees, keeping things organized, and making sure everything ran smoothly. Those lessons definitely carried over into boot camp.”
Lillard’s Recruit Division Commanders were Chief Master-at-Arms (MAC) Timothy Wilson, Machinist’s Mate 1st Class (MM1) Keenan Allen, and Operations Specialist 2nd Class (OS2) Cierra Johnson.
“My biggest motivator at RTC was Chief Wilson,” Lillard said. “From day one, he held us to the highest standards and demanded perfection. He reminded us that meeting the standard was just the bare minimum—we had to go above and beyond. That mindset stuck with me.”
He said Wilson reminded him of his father, who also works in law enforcement.
“Chief taught me not to make the same mistake twice, to hold myself accountable, and to always look out for my shipmates,” he said. “Those lessons made me a better leader and a better teammate.”
For Lillard, the most difficult challenge at boot camp was learning to succeed as a team.
“I always tried to do the right thing and not contribute to mistakes,” he said. “So, when the whole division would get in trouble, it was discouraging at first. But eventually I realized that it wasn’t about me—it was about the team. We succeed or fail together. Once I embraced that, I started looking at those moments as opportunities to reflect and to figure out how I could help the team get better. Even when I was sick, I felt frustrated not to be with them, because they’re my team—we share everything, the good and the bad.”
After graduation, Lillard will attend “A” school in Great Lakes, Illinois, for follow-on 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: | 09.30.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.30.2025 13:15 |
| Story ID: | 549708 |
| Location: | GREAT LAKES, ILLINOIS, US |
| Hometown: | TROY, ILLINOIS, US |
| Web Views: | 4,451 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Lillard Earns Military Excellence Award at Recruit Training Command, by Marc Lindsay, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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