The Navy League of the United States’ Everett Council recognized the Sailors of the year from Naval Station Everett and its tenant commands during a prominent ceremony in The Commons’ Grand Vista room May18.

The century-old Navy League is a civilian organization dedicated to educating the public on the importance of maintaining sea power and supporting the men and women of the sea services and their families.

The Everett Council boasts over 250 members and supports both Naval Station Everett and USCGC Henry Blake (WLM-563).

“We wanted to honor all of the Sailors who’ve achieved this amazing award because it’s an enormous job they do,” said Kathy Gambill, Navy League vice president and ultra-active supporter of the station. “They put a lot of heart and soul into this and they need to be recognized for the great job that they do.”

In order to honor the most outstanding Sailors from the base and its tenant commands, the Navy League spent months planning the event and gathering donations from local businesses including Scuttlebutt’s, Outback Steakhouse, and The Flying Pig. 

Movie tickets, restaurant gift certificates and free car washes were among some of the accolades showered upon the unsuspecting Sailors.

“It was definitely an honor and a surprise,” said Yeoman 1st Class Juan Piper, NAVSTA Everett’s REDCOM Northwest, of the ceremony and gifts. “I didn’t even know that they did anything like this. This says a lot about how people look at us as Sailors.”

The Everett Navy League was first chartered Dec. 18, 1969 and has 250 members. Many of the league’s members have Navy experience; however, service in the military is not a qualification for becoming a Navy leaguer. Several have joined just to show their support for America’s maritime fighting forces. Willard Bethel Jr. came with his wife Della for just that reason.

“We wanted to show our appreciation to the military, the Navy and especially Naval Station Everett for the sacrifices they make to protect our country,” said Willard, who himself, has never served in the armed forces. “I just wanted to give something back, so I volunteered my time.

Gambill may have put it best while explaining the importance of the league’s recognition of Sailor excellence.

“What they do every day, so many people are taking for granted,” she stressed. “We do this because freedom isn’t free.”