EPISODE · May 29, 2026 · 1H 14M
Tugboats, Service & Sacrifice: Navy Veteran Norm Manly Helped Make Manson a Purple Heart Community
from Small Towns: Unscripted · host Small Towns Unscripted
Norm Manly has spent a lifetime serving others—first on the water, then in the community.Born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, Norm's love for the maritime industry began as a young boy riding tugboats with his father, Harry Manly, a tugboat captain. After graduating from Wilson High School in 1961, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a Quartermaster aboard a minesweeper during the early years of the Vietnam era.Following his military service, Norm embarked on a remarkable 42-year career with Foss Maritime, working his way from tugboats to leadership roles within one of the Pacific Northwest's most respected maritime companies. Along the way, he became a champion for maritime education, founding the Youth Maritime Training Association and helping thousands of young people discover careers on the water. His contributions earned him recognition as Maritime Man of the Year in 2004.After retiring, Norm and his wife Susan settled in Manson, Washington, where retirement quickly turned into a new chapter of service. From launching student mock interviews and job-shadow programs to revitalizing the Manson Grange, supporting local veterans through the American Legion, serving at North Shore Bible Church, and helping establish Manson as an official Purple Heart Community, Norm has become one of the driving forces behind countless community initiatives.In this episode of Small Towns Unscripted, hosts Russ McClellan and Nicole Turner sit down with Norm to discuss his journey from Tacoma tugboats to Lake Chelan community leadership, the importance of mentorship, service above self, building opportunities for young people, and what it truly means to leave a lasting impact on the place you call home.This conversation is filled with history, wisdom, humor, and a powerful reminder that one person's commitment to serving others can shape an entire community.Authenticity is the new currency.#SmallTownsUnscripted #NormManly #MansonWashington #LakeChelan #FossMaritime #MaritimeIndustry #Veterans #CommunityLeadership #PurpleHeartCommunity #AmericanLegion #YMTA #Mentorship #PacificNorthwest
Embed this episode
What this episode covers
Norm Manly has spent a lifetime serving others—first on the water, then in the community. Born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, Norm's love for the maritime industry began as a young boy riding tugboats with his father, Harry Manly, a tugboat captain. After graduating from Wilson High School in 1961, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a Quartermaster aboard a minesweeper during the early years of the Vietnam era. Following his military service, Norm embarked on a remarkable 42-year career ...
Ready to play
Tugboats, Service & Sacrifice: Navy Veteran Norm Manly Helped Make Manson a Purple Heart Community
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.