GREAT LAKES (NNS) – Seaman Apprentice Seth Guerrero was recognized as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command (RTC), earning the Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award (MEA) March 27, 2025.
Guerrero, 22, of Clarksville, Tennessee, said receiving the Navy’s highest recruit honor represents more than personal achievement—it marks a turning point shaped by perseverance and responsibility.
“When I was informed that I was receiving the award, I was in total disbelief,” Guerrero said. “All I wanted from this experience was the chance to build a better life for my family. To be recognized for my hard work confirmed what I’m capable of, and it motivates me to continue being an example for the Sailors I stand beside, my siblings, and my country.”
The Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award is presented to the recruit who best exemplifies enthusiasm, devotion to duty, military bearing, and teamwork. As part of the recognition, Guerrero received a flag letter of commendation.
Guerrero said his decision to join the Navy was driven by a desire to establish stability and opportunity for his family.
“Growing up, I went through a lot,” he said. “I didn’t have the most stable home life and often had to move just to survive. Those experiences gave me perspective. The Navy is my opportunity to create something better and provide for my siblings. It’s what will allow me to adopt them and give them the life they deserve.”
Guerrero graduated from Kenwood High School, where he was a member of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) and competed in varsity track and field and football.
His Recruit Division Commanders were Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Jared Scifert, Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Anthony Thurston, and Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Vanessa Suazo-Figueroa.
“BM2 Suazo-Figueroa was someone I really connected with,” Guerrero said. “When I first arrived, we bumped heads, and I felt like I couldn’t do anything right. Eventually, she sat me down and explained things clearly. She was tough on me because she believed in me. That’s what real leadership looks like, and I’m grateful for how she helped shape me into the Sailor I am today.”
Along with his RDCs, Guerrero said thoughts of his family motivated him throughout training.
“I did this for my siblings,” he said. “Thinking about the future I can now provide for them kept me going every day. Seeing my family again on graduation day and knowing I made them proud means everything to me.”
Guerrero said one of the greatest challenges he faced during boot camp was learning to work effectively as part of a team.
“I was used to doing things on my own,” he said. “Boot camp taught me that success depends on patience, trust, and respecting different perspectives. Once I embraced that, I realized there’s no limit to what a team can accomplish.”
Training at RTC is approximately nine weeks long, 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.