Dad of son 5 years old. Graduated at Peace University New York. Join Usa Navy in May 2018.
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 Tributes
Logan never met a stranger. He was always willing and ready to help anyone. He was loved by everyone.
Noely Makenda Nlandu,Your family mourns you with immense pride. Your disappearance has turned their lives upside down, especially that of your mother, marked forever by your courage, commitment and as a legacy of honor. Dynamic, smiling and always full of life, you brought light even in the darkest moments. Your strength, generosity and fighting spirit have touched everyone who crossed your path. You have been a true role model for the young people and hope. Leaving by fulfilling your duty, you leave behind a dignified and bright memory. Your memory will continue to live in our hearts, like a flame that never goes out. Thank you, my girl, forever. Robert Dawkins
With great sadness, we commemorate the life of SN Sergio A. Barrios Castellanos, who tragically passed away at the age of 30 in a motorcycle accident on October 10, 2022. He was the cherished spouse of Paola A. Baldomar Beltran. At the time of his untimely passing, Sergio left behind his nearly two-month-old daughter, Esmi A.
Barrios. Sergio immigrated from Guatemala City, Guatemala, arriving in the United States at the age of 12.
Serving his nation with honor, Sergio dedicated himself as a Logistics Specialist in the US Navy. He found immense pleasure in exploring new destinations, sampling diverse cuisines, engaging in soccer matches, maintaining his fitness at the gym, indulging in runs, and relishing family strolls. Sergio's gentle nature, infectious laughter, and quick wit are profoundly missed by his loved ones. The void left by his absence is immense, and our hearts ache with the overwhelming love and longing we feel for him.
James ……”Jimmy” to us, was the third of our four children and our youngest son. He was the most laid back, easy going baby we had ever seen, never complaining always happy; in short a “joy”. As he grew up he became exceptionally talented in almost every sport but especially baseball. That talent would eventually lead to a college scholarship. His life long dream was to play baseball professionally But Jimmy had a serious and creative side writing poetry and even getting into rap. He would fill notebooks full of his poetry and drawings. And he had a heart of gold and a deep sense of fairness always taking the side of the disadvantaged. And from what we heard from his friends, he was quite the leader. He brought us so much joy in his short time with us and not a day goes by that we don’t shed a tear and at the same time remember a moment with our Jimmy. We miss and love him. He was a good person and we wish we had had more time to get to know him. But, one day we will all be together again.
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Lieutenant Commander Erik M. Sweet enlisted in the Navy when he was only 17 and served 12 years as a nuclear trained Electrician’s Mate, achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
He then commissioned via the Limited Duty Officer program, where he served for more than 14 years as an officer. With only two shore duty assignments in his 26+ year career, he was a proud, sea-going nuclear operator, Mustang mentor and friend to everyone with whom he met.
He served his sea time onboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) for two tours – as a Petty Officer Second Class and a Chief Petty Officer. Onboard USS EMORY S. LAND (AS 39) as an Ensign where he earned his Surface Warfare qualification, and onboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) for three tours – as a plankowner First Class Petty Officer, as her Auxiliaries Technical Assistant and Electrical Officer, and, lastly, as the Ship’s Maintenance Officer.
His retirement ceremony was held aboard the STENNIS in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard on 6 March 2015. Erik’s retirement ceremony was attended by several hundred people, showing how much he was beloved by his friends, family, Shipmates, and the nuclear maintenance community.
I was the Commanding Officer of USS HALSEY (DDG 97), homeported in Pearl Harbor, HI in April of 2015. Erik and I were competing in a run/swim biathlon in Kailua, Hawaii. Four days prior to his official retirement date, on April 26th, 2015, at the age of 44, Erik drowned while competing in that biathlon.
All who knew or had even met Erik saw that he lived each and every day to the fullest, and he had the knack for making everyone whom he was with feel special and loved. Losing his mother to breast cancer when she was 47 (he was 30) profoundly impacted how intensely and sensitively he approached life and personal interactions. He’d often say, “I’m not here for a long time, I’m here for a good time!” A few days before he died, he told me, “I could die tomorrow and be the happiest man ever. I’m done with the Navy … my kids are taken care of and I am finally with you, the Love of my life. The only reason why I wouldn’t want to die is that I don’t want to make you sad.”
Erik Sweet was and is a gift to be cherished and his indomitable spirit lives on in the land of Aloha and in the hearts of everyone whom he loved.
-CAPT (ret.) Linda Seymour-Sweet, Gold Star Spouse
Navy Gold Star Testimonials
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.'
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.
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.
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
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