Everett Council honors 2007 top Sailors at NAS Everett...

By MC2 Maebel Tinoko, Fleet PACEN NW
Friday, February 22, 2008

More than 150 Sailors and their family and friends attended a Sailor of the Year (SoY) ceremonial dinner at the Commons Grand Vista Ballroom, Naval Station (NAVSTA) Everett, Feb. 13.

Kathy Gambill, Everett Council of Navy League president and event coordinator (pictured at right presenting an award to CS2 (AW) Richard Ashcraft), said each year, the Navy League sponsors the SoY dinner to recognize the Navy’s best.

“It’s imperative for the community to show their support to our service members because they do so much for our country, and this is one way we show our appreciation,” said Gambill. “We host a dinner each year to recognize these stellar Sailors and highlight their individual achievements.”

Before the event began, the Everett Sea Cadet Corps presented colors as Sam Samano sang the national anthem.

The ceremony brought Sailors of the Year together from installations across NAVSTA Everett to recognize their accomplishments. Capt. Patrick Hall, commanding officer of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), gave a brief speech of what qualities it takes to be selected as a SOY.

“These Sailors here today have shown great initiative and drive not only in their jobs, but to the community,” said Hall. “It’s a tremendous benefit to have these Sailors represent the Navy and signify the best in the United States.”

After his remarks, Hall presented each Sailor with a gift certificate and an award plaque.
For Damage Controlman 1st Class (SW) Ernest Thomas, of Pacific Northwest Afloat Training Group (ATG), his selection as SoY was a milestone for his career.

“This is my first time making Sailor of the Year and it’s a great achievement,” said Thomas. “I’ve made Sailor of the Quarter at my other commands but this is something else and it feels good to be selected by my command.”

Throughout the evening the Moonlight Swing Orchestra provided live entertainment, as children from Oly’s dance studio performed a variety of dance routines for spectators.

“It’s outstanding to be here tonight and this is my second time achieving this,” said Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW) Dan Feil, of NAVSTA Port Operations. “It shows hard work really does payoff in the end. The Navy league has supported us in so many ways and I feel appreciated by them, especially at events like these.”

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