Kenyan actor, Seaman Apprentice Paul Ogola, recently graduated as the top sailor from the U.S. Navy’s Recruit Training Command (RTC).
His achievements culminated in receiving the esteemed Military Excellence Award (MEA) on August 8th, heralding the start of a promising career in the naval service.
The MEA is awarded by the Navy Club of the United States to the recruit who best demonstrates qualities such as enthusiasm, commitment to duty, military discipline and teamwork.
Ogola’s accomplishment positions him at the forefront of the latest cohort of sailors joining the U.S. Navy’s accomplishment positions him at the forefront of the latest cohort of sailors joining the U.S. Navy.
In recognition of this honor, he was awarded a flag letter of commendation, further affirming his exceptional performance throughout the training process.
“When the award was announced in my compartment, everyone in my division cheered and clapped for me, and I was in complete shock
“I just froze and didn’t know what to do. I felt such gratitude to all the recruits I’ve been training with and everyone back home who helped me,” he said.
Prior to enlisting in the Navy, he embarked on a career in acting, appearing in various international television series and films, including notable works such as Crime and Justice, Nairobi Half-Life and Sense 8.
His choice to join the U.S. Navy stemmed from a strong commitment to serve and contribute to his adopted country.
“Serving others is important to me, and something I believe strongly in. When I moved here, I was so thankful for all the new opportunities I’d been given, and so I thought it was right to devote myself to service as I started my life in this country,” he said.
During the demanding 10-week training program at RTC, Ogola encountered various challenges, especially in adjusting to a diverse cohort of recruits with varying backgrounds and experiences.
He attributed his achievements to the guidance of his Recruit Division Commanders (RDCs), Chief Culinary Specialist Daniel Schneider, Quartermaster 1st Class Curtis Russell and Yeoman 2nd Class Jesus Gonzalez.
“All of my RDCs did a great job setting the expectations for us. As a recruit, I understood that I signed up to learn how to become a sailor and all the things that go along with that,” he explained.