Navy Gold Star Coordinator Support

John Thomas Larimer was born in the early morning hours of February 16, 1985.  He grew up with his four older siblings in Crystal Lake, IL.  John graduated with honors from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.  John became fourth-generation Navy when he enlisted and went to Great Lakes in February, 2011.  Next was CTR-A school and then stationed at Buckley AFB in Aurora, CO. 

We last saw John in early July, 2012 and he told us he was being encouraged to go to OCS and become an officer.  After John’s death, we learned that they had started a mentoring award in his name because he had been mentoring other military personnel on and off the job.   We also learned that he was doing extremely well with his assigned job.

John didn’t die because of his Navy service.  He died in a mass shooting at a movie theater on July 20, 2012

Vincent Lee Ingellis, 42, was born October 24, 1977, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and passed away peacefully at home near Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, on March 20, 2020. A proud U.S. Navy First Class Petty Officer, Vincent honorably served for 20 years, including deployments in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. He dreamed of retiring, starting a new chapter, and one day returning to the mountains of Puerto Rico to start a farm. Though his plans were tragically cut short, those who knew him were forever touched by his love, laughter, and generosity. Vincent was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He could often be found grilling, working on cars, lending a helping hand, or dreaming big about the future—especially for his daughter. His vibrant personality and infectious sense of humor will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who loved him.

Danielle was a beautiful, compassionate, cynical, intelligent and an inspiring young woman - she was one of a kind. Danielle was always eager to put herself and everything around her to the test. 

Danielle loved to sketch, journal, debate, and she also enjoyed writing short science fiction stories. She was a voracious reader and a lover of different genres of music and movies.  Danielle sketched a “Tree of Life”, with rainbow roots which later became her first tattoo. It was incredibly special to her since it represented her coming out to the world as a bisexual woman.

Danielle had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a passion for mentoring others.  She loved to travel, and she embraced all cultures. She enjoyed sharing these new experiences with others.   

Danielle was always looking out for the underdog.  She had an amazing sense of compassion and patience for others. She often withheld passing judgement and was very loyal to her friends and family.  Danielle understood that words were not always necessary and just spending time together was enough.  Her smile and laughter were very contagious.  Danielle went out of her way to talk to you when you needed it most, regardless of what she was going through. She was a beacon of light to everyone around her.  

LCDR Kenneth Buell was born in Louisville, Ky., on Aug. 24, 1939, as the only child of Louis and Libby Buell of Xenia, Ohio. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and married Mary in June 1963.

While assigned to VA-35 at NAS Oceana, Va., he deployed to Vietnam in the summer of 1972 embarked on the USS AMERICA (CVA 66). On Sept. 17, 1972, CDR Verne G. Donnelly, pilot and Skipper of VA-35, and Kenneth launched from USS AMERICA (CVA 66) on a combat mission over the vicinity of Hai Duong, North Vietnam. As their aircraft was about 8 miles west of the city, heavy AAA fire followed by a large fireball were reported along their flight path and it was assumed that they were shot down and both declared Missing in Action. He remains listed as MIA after 42 years.

Mary never remarried and resides in Gig Harbor, Wash., along with Susan, their daughter, who has two children Aidan and Trinity. Their son, Richard, has served in the Navy for 23 years as a Supply Corps Officer. He is assigned to NAVAIR in Patuxent River, Md., working as a Business Financial Manager for the Air ASW Systems Program Office (PMA-264). He and his wife, Kimberly, of Powhatan Point, Ohio, have two children Alexis and Evan.

USS Barbel SS-580

Lost at Sea. Eternal Patrol 5-1-1989