The Everett Council of the Navy League of the United States recently recognized Sailors of the Year (SoY) assigned to Naval Station Everett and its tenant commands. The Sailors were presented certificates at the annual awards dinner held in the Grand Vista Ballroom.
Niles Fowler, Everett Council president, said each year the Navy League sponsors the SoY Awards dinner to recognize the Navy’s best.
“It’s extremely important for the community to show support to our service members because they do so much for our country,” said Fowler. “This dinner is one way we can single out the best of the best.”
The ceremony brought Sailors of the year together from commands across NAVSTA to highlight their accomplishments. Rear Adm. Scott Swift, commander, Carrier Strike Group 9, talked about how important these young people are to the Navy.
“No matter how great our ships, aircraft and other equipment might be, itís the people who make our Navy great,”said Swift. “It’s a tremendous benefit to have these Sailors represent the Navy and signify the best in the United States.”
For Naval Operations Support Center (NOSC) Blue Jacket Sailor of the Year Storekeeper 2nd Class Juwairiya Yusuf, support from his command was instrumental in his accomplishments. 
“Being selected makes me proud of the work I’ve done and of course makes me feel nervous also because of the higher standard of expectation I took on,” said Yusuf.  “I had tremendous support from my command.”
“This is a distinct honor,” said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Roger Mundy, Naval Station Everett Sailor of the Year. “I take my job in anti-terrorism very seriously and itís nice to be recognized. But I’m only one among many people who make our Navy effective.”
“As far as the Everett Navy League is concerned, it’s all about the Sailors and what they do,” said Fowler.
“While we continually work to keep our communities informed about the importance of the sea services, we keep the support of the Sailors a top priority.”
The Navy League of the United States was founded in 1902 – with the support of President Theodore Roosevelt. By the early twentieth century it was obvious that the United States was not only a maritime nation, but a maritime power with global significance, hence the need for a powerful voice advocating a stronger sea service to Congress and the American people. 
While the national-level Navy League exists to educate the nation and its political leaders on the vital importance to the country of comprehensive and fully-prepared sea services, the local-level Navy League, working through its councils, provides support for active duty sea services personnel and their families.
Several councils exist in the Puget Sound region, and the organization at Everett is one of the most active. The Sailor of the Year awards program is one of their more visible activities of the year, but is only one. 
Holidays can often be a difficult time financially for young military families with children. Everett Council Navy League purchases gifts for selected families, the gifts going to parents to give to their children. Navy League involvement here is transparent to the kids, but Sailors are very appreciative of this support. 
Each Thanksgiving the council raises money and accepts donations of food for their Thanksgiving Program. Last year they provided dinner for more than 265 Navy families from ship and shore commands. Navy League is at every ship homecoming and provides American flags for everyone on the pier who desires one to welcome home our deserving troops. They also outfit ships with movies, books, workout equipment, popcorn machines, personal DVD players, and the like, to help make their deployments a little more comfortable.
“The Everett Navy League works for our Sailors like no other. They are there to help out everyone, but especially those most in need of help,” said Capt. Tom Mascolo, Naval Station Everett commanding officer. “They provide Thanksgiving food baskets and Christmas gifts during the holiday season, they put on numerous homecoming and other parties throughout the year, and they also raise funds for our Navy Ball and many other worthy causes. Without them, I don’t know how we could do as many things as we do for our local heroes.”