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.

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Navy Gold Star Tributes

Jefrey Jatniel Rosario Rodriguez

27 Nov 2024

Jefrey Jatniel Rosario Rodriguez was a young man who loved God and his family. He always helped others and possessed a tender heart. He was a wonderful son, brother, and friend. Upon his passing, we were able to see just how many lives he had touched with his joy, love, and testimony. Today, we honor your life by remembering every moment we shared embracing, laughing, and weeping together. We will love you always, and you will live on in our hearts.

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PO2

Brian Adam Lane

30 Sep 2006

PO2 Brian Adam Lane was born July 21, 1980. He served as a Nuclear Electronic Technician, 2^nd Class on the USS Lincoln, stationed at Whidbey Island, Washington. Brian died on September 30, 2006. Brian was a valedictorian at Prague High School, Prague Oklahoma. Brian went on to study Chemical Engineering at the University of Oklahoma when he decided to join the United States Navy. Brian left behind a wife: Julie and a daughter: Kailey. He now has a granddaughter: Breely and soon to have a grandson: Kamdyn.

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PO2

Benjamin Norman

31 Dec 2018

Benjamin "Ben" Norman was born in Manchester, CT, and graduated from Coventry High School. After high school, he completed one year of college before enlisting in the Navy in 2017. Ben was in the final stage of training to become a Machinist Mate (Nuclear Propulsion Engineer) at the time of his death. Growing up, Ben always wanted to become a Naval Officer and then transition to politics. He had two dogs (Cloudy and Ripple) and loved playing all kinds of games (electronic, board, virtual). He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and met his fiancé Asia, while in Poland with his Scout troop. “Ben had a real joy of life and surrounded himself with a group of friends and family whom he truly loved,” said his mother. Ben is lovingly remembered by his parents Sam and Teri, his sister, Rebecca, his brother, Daniel, and his fiancé, Asia.

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CPO

Kevin Houston

06 Aug 2011

Kevin A. Houston was born in Atlanta, GA, and grew up in Hyannis, MA, where he attended Barnstable High School. Since he was nine years old, Kevin aspired to become a SEAL. He was a member of the Sea Cadet Corps from age 10-16, and joined the navy in 1995. After completing BUDs training with class 221, he joined SEAL Team 4. In January 2008, he had successfully completed the necessary training to become a member of SEAL Team 6. He was KIA in Afghanistan in 2011. “He grew up to become a defender of the ‘little guy,’” says his mother, Janette. “He was highly respected both in high school and at his command. He was an excellent SEAL who was admired and loved by his brothers-in-arms and he felt the same way about them.” He is remembered by his wife, Meiling, his children, Jaina and Ethan, his stepson, Michael McElroy, his younger brother, Craig, and his mother and father, Janette and Arthur. Kevin’s sister, Miranda, predeceased him in 2005.

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PO3

Matthew O'Bryant

20 Sep 2008

Matthew grew up participating in Royal Rangers at church and earned Ranger of the Year several times. He was also in several Christmas plays, even having the lead role in one. As a teen he helped in the puppet ministry and especially liked being a human blacklight puppet. At high school Matthew was a member of JROTC. In his senior year he served as his school's Battalion Commander. After high school Matthew went to an art school in Atlanta, intending to become a famous movie producer. While in Atlanta he married his high school sweetheart. Realizing he needed a stable source of income, Matthew signed up with the Navy (following his brother and two cousins). Falling back on computer skills he had learned in high school, after boot camp, Matthew went to an A-school in Pensacola. Hearing that the top graduate could earn a rank, Matthew made that his goal. Upon graduating at the top of his class, his official title ranking was CTM3. Matthew was then stationed at Fort Meade and while there, he was deployed on a special assignment. He was to be gone for four months, but couldn't tell us where he would be. He was able to call home several times during the first two weeks. However, his last call to his wife one Saturday morning turned out to be his last call home. He hadn't even been gone one whole month when we learned he was one of two Americans killed in Islamabad, Pakistan.

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HM2

Anthony Mark Fejeran Carbullido

08 Aug 2008

Our son was 18 years old when he joined the U.S. Navy. He was our eldest, leaving behind 2 siblings. He was full of life! He enjoyed helping people, especially, elders. He was an avid runner, enjoyed scuba diving and fishing. What I, missed the most was his great sense of humor. And love for his family.

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Navy Gold Star Testimonials

Delrio Family

Thank you very much for everything Erick it was a pleasure to meet you in person, I hope that we are able to maintain communication with the Navy Gold Star program that represents so much satisfaction and happiness for us to unite with other families. Hugs

Carol & Andrea

Mrs. Jackson, you're such a blessing. We don't feel forgotten after our loss anymore. We greatly appreciate the moral support you provided to us. Thank you very much for all you do. Carol & Andrea

Gold Star Dad

Thanks Sabrina for your greatful assistance in obtaining gold star pins for me and my family. We do appreciate your hard work in making this possible.

Judi and Pat, Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.

We were very happy to see Gold Star Navy in the Resource Room at the Snowball Express in Dallas Texas. Rufus and Stephanie provided valuable information and also helped in the event. Thank you for being there for us.

Gold Star Spouse, California

As a survivor of a military serviceman, I'm so pleased for all of you in supporting and caring for those who have lost their love ones like mine. Your kindness and cooperation is being appreciated.

Gold Star Family

Susanna, thanks for all you do for the Gold Star Families. . .encouraging Dolores to submit a tribute for our son Rene was just another example of how you are always reaching out to care for and encourage family members to remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.Thank you! Bill & Dolores

Gold Star Family

'This was a great experience for me. I am so glad I did it. I appreciate all of the work and coordination from everyone involved. Thanks for your program. It meant a lot to me and my husband. We were taken on a tour of the hanger, meet some of the men now in the squadron, and had a very nice time. Thank you very much Sandra.'

KRIS ROMEO BISHUNDAT'S FAMILY

Patricia you are perfect for the job you do with the Gold Star Families. Talking to you over the phone felt like I have known you before and meeting you in person validate my feelings. After almost 14 years it means something special to meet other parents and families who have walked our path and the others who are now on that long painful journey our prayers are with all to find comfort.Gold Star Mom and Dad, Maryland