In the Service

Seaman Recruit Sidney Bodin, a 2016 graduate of Battle Ground High School, graduated as Top Sailor from Recruit Training Command, Division 060, earning the Military Excellence Award on Jan. 31.

“When I first signed my contract to join the Navy, I started preparing myself to be the best version of myself, because I knew that I was joining an organization where excellence is not just expected, but required,” Bodin said in a recent press release.

The Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award is the top award presented to the top recruit of each graduating training group. Honorees exemplify the qualities of enthusiasm, devotion to duty, military bearing and teamwork. Bodin is assigned the rate of electronics technician (nuclear), and was awarded a flag letter of commendation for his achievements

“My Recruit Division commanders asked my division if they thought I deserved to be No. 1 in our training group,” Bodin said. “When I saw that every recruit had their hand raised, I knew that the hard work and effort that I had put into helping my fellow shipmates had truly made a difference.”

Bodin held the rank of Cadet Senior Master Sgt. in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and was drill team commander. Bodin attended Washington State University, where he was pursuing an electrical engineering degree and a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship.

Bodin credited his Recruit Division commanders, Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) Ray Holland, Engineman First Class Zachary Garrett, and Hull Maintenance First Class Joshua Bomberger for their leadership and guidance.

“My father, David Bodin, was a Marine during the Vietnam War, and he was the one who inspired me to look toward military service,” Bodin said. “For me, he set the standard of excellence that I aim to achieve every day.”