Navy Gold Star Coordinator Support

Michael David Saldana Jr. was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1996, and tragically passed away at the age of 26 on May 6, 2022. He served in the Navy, holding the rank of second-class petty officer. Michael shared a close bond with his brother, who was 10 years younger, and loved him deeply. He enjoyed playful moments, such as posing with bunny ears in pictures. Michael had a passion for reading books, playing video games, and taking drives along the California coast in his beloved 2-door Mercedes, a car he proudly purchased on his own. He was known for his caring, generous nature, always willing to help others and give selflessly, even offering the shirt off his back. Michael’s free-spirited personality and kind heart left a lasting impact on all who knew him, and while he is deeply missed, he will forever be cherished in their hearts.

Tom served twenty-nine years of honorable and dedicated Active Duty and Reserve service as a U.S. Navy SEAL Officer serving on SEAL teams based on both the East Coast (Little Creek) and West Coast (Coronado). His service to our Nation includes deployments to Operation Desert Storm, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Djibouti, Fallujah, Mongolia, Yemen, the Philippines, and other regions of conflict, making a tremendous impact on all those who served with him. His medals and commendations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Marine-Corps Commendation medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and numerous unit and campaign awards. Tom was interred with full military honors at Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery. Tom is greatly missed by his family, his military family, and his friends.

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

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.  

Master at Arms Petty Officer 3rd Class Duffy was born on March 30, 2001 to Lori and Andrew Duffy of Wareham Massachusetts. Kyle was the youngest of five and the brother to Amy, Juanita, Merissa and Zachary. Kyle was stationed at Naval Base Guam and died unexpectedly while on duty on August 12, 2024. Kyle was the person when you talked about great people who cared about others and would listen to everyone's life story and show he really cared for others. He loved fishing and literally has a fishing rod store at home in Wareham. Our family is truly heartbroken and we will never forget his kind heart. He is buried at the National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts a very peaceful place. WE LOVE YOU  KYLE