Naval station says thanks to community supporters

Published 10:27 pm Thursday, May 6, 2010

EVERETT — The Navy knows how to treat its friends right.

Naval Station Everett hosted a party for 30 people who went above and beyond to support the Navy, sailors and their families.

The “Friends of the Navy” event Thursday recognized people from across the Northwest. The list of Snohomish County award-winners included:

Vern Little, the mayor of Lake Stevens, who advocated for improvements that paved the way for more military housing in his city;

Bob Drewel, executive director of the Puget Sound Regional Council, who supports military spouse employment;

DeAnna Emborski, publisher of the Marysville Globe and Arlington Times, who found new ways to raise money for volunteer causes on base;

Tony Fattahi, owner of Chopstix restaurant in Everett, who helped pay for the annual base picnic;

Kathy Gambill, a volunteer who organized holiday baskets for 300 Navy families;

Terry Ryan, a Mill Creek city councilman, who helped make that city’s first Memorial Day parade happen;

And Michael Nanney, a manager for a public-private housing group, who led volunteer projects to help improve playgrounds in neighborhoods where Navy families live.

Debra Smith: 425-339-3197, dsmith@heraldnet.com.