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Navy Gold Star Program Information & Resource Site

Navy Gold Star is the Navy’s official program for providing long-term support to surviving families of Sailors who pass while on Active Duty. If you are visiting this page because you are a surviving family member of a deceased service member, please accept our most heartfelt sympathy and gratitude for your loved one’s service and sacrifice in defending our nation . . .

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Navy Gold Star Coordinator Support

Navy Gold Star Coordinators provide support to families around the world. Find a coordinator near you.

Navy Gold Star Tributes


U.S. Navy
Lieutenant Junior Grade
Francis L. Toner, IV
27 Mar 2009

Civil Engineer Corps, USN

United States Merchant Marine Academy

26 SEP 1982 - 27 MAR 2009

It was a privilege for Frankie to serve his country. Frankie was the heartbeat of our family. We all inspire to honor him with our daily actions and words that demonstrate the integrity and courage he showed with his actions.

Survived By: Brooke Toner, Frank Toner III, Rebecca Toner and family

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U.S. Navy
LCDR
Michael Alexander Rutherford
13 Apr 2022
Lieutenant Commander Michael Alexander Rutherford, who served on both an active duty and reserve status in the US Navy was a loving father, son and friend. He passed away in his home on Wednesday, 13 April 2022 at the age of 40. Mike was born at Fort Sill Army Base, Lawton, Oklahoma on 19 November 1981. After graduating from Rex Putnam High School, Mike enlisted in the Navy on 15 January 1999 and was later commissioned as an officer on 17 June 2006. He subsequently became a Naval Aviator, flying P3s across multiple deployments and shore tours. After his flying career concluded, Mike continued to serve with distinction in intelligence and special operations roles. His most recent deployment was to Afghanistan from January thru November 2020 for RESOLUTE SUPPORT, Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan. Mike held a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University, an MBA from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Master’s degree from the National Intelligence University. He was known for his quick wit, constant jokes, infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit. Mike is survived by his son, Mason Rutherford, mother, Cherriie Rutherford; father, Michael Banda; two half-brothers, Michael and David Banda, maternal grandmother Gloria Dupuis; paternal grandparents Saul and Mary Banda, Aunts Debbie Dupuis, Ellen Rutherford
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U.S. Marine Corps
PFC
Donald “Wayne” Vincent
26 Jul 2009

Wayne was born in Slidell, LA on April 17, 1983. He lived in Gainesville, Florida for all but seven years of his life.

Wayne entered into the Delayed Entry Program of the Marine Corps on October 24, 2007 and was sworn into the Marine Corps on January 22, 2008 by his father, Captain Lee Vincent, USN Retired.  He was 24.

He was a member of 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, Fox Company, Weapons Platoon, also known as “America’s Battalion”.

On May 18, 2009, Wayne departed Camp Lejeune en route to Afghanistan.  He was killed in an ambush on July 25, 2009 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. 

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U.S. Navy
MASN
Jacob Hazel
18 Dec 2019

Jacob (Jake) had a giving heart and helping spirit. He loved our Lord, his family, friends and serving our country. We cherish every moment and were blessed to have him in our lives. Forever in our hearts. Semper Fortis.

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U.S. Navy
PO1
Keith Tariq Simmons
12 Feb 2026

Keith grew up in the Philadelphia and Cheltenham areas of Pennsylvania.  Keith was an avid Xbox gamer, he also played volleyball, ran track and cross-country. He married Sidra in 2011 and they resided in Ewa Beach, Oahu, Hawaii. Keith's Navy career began in 2009. He received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal, five Navy achievement medals,  and Navy Unit Commendations. Keith was a quiet,  gentle soul who loved his family, friends also his canine family Keiko and Chichi. We thank God for the short and precious years he allowed you to be with us. We will miss Keith, but you remain in our hearts.

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U.S. Navy
ABH3
Donald Hart
14 Aug 2020
This is my brother Donny. We lost him unexpectedly on August 14, 2020. Donny loved to have fun and was always ready to go wherever life took him. He was stationed in Norfolk, aboard the USS George H.W Bush. He loved being on the flight deck and always said there was no feeling quite like it. Our family misses him dearly, but we are so proud of Sailor he became. ABH3 HART
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Navy Gold Star Testimonials