Navy Gold Star Coordinator Support

Keon Askew graduated from Nuclear Sub School in Groton, Connecticut. He became a Fire Control Technician on nuclear missiles. His submarine is the USS San Francisco 711. As a Christian he like to feed and fellowship with his shipmates. He had a good heart. He is dearly missed.   

When Ben was little, he said he wanted to grow up and have 100 kids - name 5 after his siblings and parents and name the other 95 Ben. Luckily, he changed his plans to finishing his undergraduate degree while on active duty and to go to law school when he retired. He always said his main Navy goal was to out rank his Dad a Chief, and Mom a Senior Chief Petty Officer before he was through. His ultimate goal was to be the first Navy Nuke on the Federal Bench. 

Randy Kirk Johnson Jr. was a devoted husband, father, and service member. Joining the Navy in January 1999, he quickly excelled—making Chief early in his career before transitioning to the officer ranks. Dedicated and ambitious, he was the one people relied on, always leading with wisdom and kindness. Beyond his service, Randy’s greatest love was his family. He adored our daughter, who was his strength and motivation through life’s challenges. Loving, caring, and full of life, his easygoing nature made him a friend to all. His legacy lives on in the love he gave, the memories he left behind, and the family who will always cherish him.

SGT Brandon G McCoy was born and raised in Northwest Washington, DC. He is survived by his loving wife, Alicia, and his children; step-son Jerry (28) and daughters, Carson (20) and Natalie (16). He was a big hulking man with an extremely deep bass voice and he loved to laugh loud, and long. Most of the time he was really serious, but had a huge playful side. He often let his daughters’ paint his fingernails and they would play tea party with the “pinkies up”. He loved music, movies, hunting and fishing. He was an accomplished swimmer, who competed in many open water events in his youth and was lifeguard certified from the age of 14 forward.

Throughout his military career, he served in two branches. First as an underwater welder and HT in the Navy from 1999-2007; and then as an Allied Trade Specialist in the Army from 2007-2012. Brandon, “Big Mac” to all his co-workers, liked the Navy, but LOVED the US Army. While there, he was stationed at Fort Campbell, KY, 101^st Airborne Division, working w/units in Field Artillery, Special Forces, and more. He was an amazing soldier, a respected SGT, a hard worker, and good friend to all who knew him. Brandon never said no when he was needed somewhere, and always invited single service members to our home during the holidays because he wanted them to never feel alone. He is loved and missed beyond compare by his family and friends.

Written by his loving wife,

Alicia D McCoy,

Installation Navy Gold Star Program Coordinator

SO1 US NAVY SEAL KIA: 11-24-12, Afghanistan

Kevin took on everything he did with quiet confidence, a positive outlook, and intense interest in even the most mundane details. He was a professional soldier of the highest caliber, calculating, tough and dedicated. He was a steadying influence to those under his command and inspired confidence in his commanders. Kevin was also a trustworthy, reliable and genuinefriend. All who knew him will attest to his strength of character, his discipline and his resolute determination. His teammates described him as “A gentle soul who was tough as nails.”On his second deployment with SEAL Team 4, Kevin’s team came under fire, pinned down and sure to suffer severe casualties. Without regard to his own safety, Kevin removed himself from cover to radio for support. By doing so he saved all of his teammates and was the only loss of life when a sniper hit him from a vantage point above.Kevin was one of the best medics in the Teams. He received two Bronze Stars with Valor for his life saving actions during both deployments. At the time of his death, he had just received approval for an early discharge. He had been accepted at ODU in VA where he planned to complete his education to become a doctor.All who knew Kevin have attested to the positive impact he had on their lives. Survived by his family, friends, and teammates, he is missed dearly.

My grandfather, AE1 Melvin Carl Thompson served 14 years in the US Navy from 1953-1968. He was born on May 24th, 1935 in Colquitt, Miller County, Georgia.  He was stationed at NAS Jacksonville, Pensacola and Brunswick, ME during his marriage to my grandmother. They had 4 children during his time. He was killed during his final flight on Feb 6, 1968 doing recon work over the Gulf of Siam. He was onboard the USS Taluga AO-62 and the USS Burton Island AGB-1 (Blue Nose Arctic Circle). At the tragic age of 32 he was flying when the P3 (BUNO 153440) crashed into the ocean, killing all crew-members, during a Market Time Patrol over the Gulf of Siam. He left a widow and four children and his parents, sisters, brothers and grandkids. Gone but never forgotten. Fair winds and following seas for all those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.