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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
QM2 (SW/AW)
Stephen L. Rodriguez
22 Jul 2010

The essence and impact of human beings are easier felt and often better understood after passing. The state of mind experienced when they are no longer in our midst renders life unintelligible and creates long term conflict with our emotions and, ultimately, in the lasting mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing of us, the families we raise and nurture as well as in the manner we enjoy our present way of life as we aim to protect existing and future generations at all costs. Why? Because the sacrifice made is worth it!! 

For his absence to be bearable and available to our next generation, we must consciously continue training and growing leaders with integrity and substance. Leaders who possess unwavering empathy for others in respectful and fair ways. Leaders with unconventional resourcefulness and collective vision to serve others. And above all, leaders with uncompromising conviction and courage to accomplish a mission regardless of its complexity, magnitude and overall difficulty.

Our son Stephen “Rod” had these qualities and so much more. He was such a leader and more. May his soul and that of his military service brothers and sisters rest in peace and forever be in the grace of God, Amen.

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U.S. Navy
AD2
Nicholas E. Smith
18 Oct 2009
Nick was the kindest, loving, helpful and most generous man. He would do anything for anyone. He just wanted to be accepted and loved. Nick’s family loved him beyond words. Everyone loved Nick. Always & forever! 
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U.S. Navy
HM3
Jordan W. Way
16 Dec 2017
HM3 Jordan William Way was born August 29, 1994 and raised in Mount Airy, Maryland. Jordan was very involved in the community volunteering in Civil Air Patrol, mentoring during middle school and high school, lifeguarding at the community pool, but he truly loved playing sports especially football. After graduating South Carroll High school Jordan turned down scholarships to serve his country. Jordan enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a corpsman after completing his training Jordan was selected to be a pharmaceutical technician. Jordan was assigned to the naval hospital at Twenty-Nine Palms, California.While assigned to the hospital Jordan quickly established himself as a leader and team player. Jordan took on the role of trainer for newly assigned personnel to the hospital emergency department along with being one of the leaders of the physical training program for naval personnel, all while attending classes to attain his degree. December 12, 2017 Jordan underwent surgery to repair an injured shoulder, Jordan passed away on December 16, 2017 he was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. Jordan loved the adventure of life living by the moto, “what we do in life echos in eternity.” He truly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and is greatly missed!
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U.S. Navy
CPO
Christopher R. Rice
11 Aug 2009

CPO Rice dedicated his life to serving his country in the United States Navy. He served on the USS Philadelphia, USS Louisiana, and the USS Hampton during his 19 years of service. CPO Rice loved his job and was respected by many. His service to our country will never be forgotten.

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U.S. Navy
SN
Darryl Lamott Haley
09 May 2012

DARRYL LAMOTT HALEY BORN ON SEPTEMBER 4, 1986. HE LOVED TO PLAY BASKETBALL AND HE WAS A GAMER. WHEN WAS YOUNG HE LIKED TO READ ALSO. HE HAD ONLY ONE CHILD, HIS NAME IS ZYBIR HALEY. HE LOVED HIM DEARLY. GOING INTO THE NAVY WAS SOMETHING HE ALWAYS WANT TO DO. I’M SO GLAD THAT HE WAS ABLE TO DO WHAT HE DREAMED OF. THE DAY I RECEIVED HIS NAVY PHOTOS, THE SMILE ON MY SON FACE TOLD IT ALL I KNEW HE WAS HAPPY. I MISS HIM EVERYDAY NOT BEING ABLE TO TALK TO HIM. HE WAS MY GO TO, HE KNEW THINGS I DIDN’T WANT ANYBODY ELSE TO KNOW, NOT HAVE THAT HURTS M HEART. I’LL DEAL WITH IT DAY BY DAY. HE IS TRULY MISSED BY HIS BROTHERS AND SISTERS(NAKIA,CHANTA,JALEEL,SHAQULLE) I WEAR YOU AROUND MY NECK EVERYDAY AND TO MY SURSPISE I MET A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT KNEW YOU AND STILL MEETING PEOPLE TO THIS DAY. MOMMY JUST WANTS YOU TO KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU A LOT, SO PROUD OF YOU

RITA DILLARD-HALEY
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U.S. Navy
LCDR
Dwayne Eugene Barnett
07 May 2014

Commander-Select in the United States Navy

Dwayne was a kind and gentle soul who loved bicycling and underground music. He had the temperament and intelligence to bring calm to chaos, which made him very good in his line of work as a Surface Warfare Officer. Dwayne's 19-year career in the U.S. Navy ended with him just three months shy of being promoted to full commander.  He enrolled in the U.S. Naval Academy at 17, graduating in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in English. His career in the Navy took him all over the world with the USS Peleliu (2000-2002), Commander, Amphibious Squadron Three (2002-2004), Naval Air Station Sigonella (2004-2006), USS Lassen (2007), Commander, Naval Surface Force U.S. Pacific Fleet (2007-2009), USS Mobile Bay (2009-2011), USS Boxer (2011-2013), and the USS Essex (2013-2014). 

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Navy Gold Star Testimonials