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

PO1

Joseph W. Richardson

18 May 2009

Joseph Wayne Richardson was born on December 26, 1974 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He was raised in Lehigh, IA until he graduated from Southeast Webster High School in 1993. He then worked in Webster City until his enlistment into the United States Navy in 1995. Once Joe enlisted in the Navy, he found his niche in the world. He began a career as an Aviation Structural Mechanic (AM) which he excelled above any expectations. Starting at the bottom of Navy ranks, Joe achieved and accomplished excellence as well as earning the admiration and respect of his entire squadron and everyone who crossed his path in life. Joe was known for his love of family, friends, and his Navy Career. He loved spending time with his daughter and with his family in Iowa when he would return home on leave. He had many interests such as cars, camping, and four wheeling with his jeep and 4-wheeler in the hills and mountains of California. Joe always had a smile on his face and a personality that put everyone at ease. He always had a comment that made you smile.

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HM3

Nigel C. Kennedy

11 Oct 2009

ICO HM3 Nigel C. Kennedy enlisted in the Navy in 2006. Born in Trinidad, Third Class Kennedy served in the Navy until his passing, October 11, 2009. He loved being a Sailor, serving his country, the brotherhood and meeting new people all over the world. His awards include the Good Conduct Medal, the National Service Defense Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with 1 star and Eagle Globe and Anchor, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 1 star, the Over Sears Service Ribbon, the Marksman Rifle Ribbon and the Sharpshooter Pistol Ribbon.

He was the eldest of three children born September 6th,1980 to parents Carol Williams Elder and Roy Elder. He had a passion for service and had plans of furthering his studies in the medical field with hopes of doing more. He is remembered for the wonderful life he lived. As a son, brother, uncle, grandson and nephew we as a family mourn his loss everyday. We celebrate the great memories we had with him daily and we will continue to share his legacy with the future generation. We are thankful we get to honor him during the May Gold Star Awareness month.

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Tyon Hickerson

15 Jul 2024

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, he was an energetic, happy, and loving son, brother, nephew, grandson, and friend. Known for his loud voice and big smile that could light up any room, Tyon touched many lives with his caring nature, love and joy. From age six, Tyon loved playing basketball, the color red, and running track. After graduating from Pickerington North High School, he fulfilled a long-held dream and joined the US Navy. Tyon reported to Great Lakes for boot camp in July 2023, quickly becoming a leader in his barracks. His shipmates admired him for his hard work and dedication. He was so excited about his future, including plans to start school and continue his leadership journey in the Navy. He was always eager to help others and had a generous spirit. Our beloved son gained his wings at age 19 from a brain aneurysm; today, his legacy lives on through the many accomplishments he achieved in such a short time.

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Patrick Stellitano

22 Feb 2020

Aviation Machinist Mate Airman Apprentice Patrick Stellitano was a month shy of his 22nd birthday and three days short of his one-year anniversary with the US Navy. In his not-quite-22-life, he had a profound impact on many people. He was a devoted son, grandson, cousin, nephew, brother, and friend. He loved all things mechanical, particularly cars. He joined the Navy intent on learning skills that would enable him to pursue his love of restoring automobiles. But his legacy will not be his mechanical prowess. It will be the love he showed everyone and which he engendered in people. His intrepid nature allowed him to sidestep shyness creating an almost startling, easy friendliness. This friendliness was not limited to his peers. His superiors also remarked on his courtesy, respect, and natural friendliness. He was a good and kind young man, and he will be sorely missed, not just by his family, but by the many friends and comrades whose lives he touched.

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TM1

James Blessing

07 Apr 1944

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PO2

Henry Price

29 Sep 2015

Henry Sinclair Price chose to join the US Navy upon graduation from High School, with Honors. He chose the nuclear program, was selected, but due to color-blindness, and security regs, had to choose a new rate. He chose Machinist Mate. Henry was recognized as a leader in boot camp, and upon graduation there, proudly served on he USS Bonhomme Richard. Fireman Price quickly made PO, and just prior to his death was going to A school, with hopes of making 1st. MM2 Price died in Sasebo Japan, proudly serving his country in a Navy uniform. His beloved family misses him dearly, over two years later, and will forever. God Bless all those who have lost loved ones serving the USA.

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Navy Gold Star Testimonials

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 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.

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

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.'

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

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 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.