Navy Gold Star Coordinator Support

Chris entered the Navy on August 13, 2009. Prior to that he was a Navy Midshipman at Iowa State University (ISU) where he attended on a NROTC Scholarship. At ISU he studied engineering and exercise science.  At the end of his junior year, he relinquished his Scholarship and enlisted in the Navy. Eventually he received orders to the USS THACH where he served as an Operations Specialist, and member of the VBSS team (visit, board, search, and seizure) which specializes in counter drug operations and anti-piracy missions. Chris loved the US Navy, and all the people he was fortunate to work with in the Navy. On January 7, 2013 Chris passed away in an accident in San Diego, CA. Of Chris it was said he was “a common man with an uncommon desire to succeed”. Chris helped anyone in need, and was dedicated to his friends, family and his country.

A native of California, Brandon A. Ward began his Naval Service on April 26, 2007. After completion of Basic Training Brandon attended Hospital Corpsman “A” school.

After graduation In November 2007, Brandon transferred to Naval Hospital, Bremerton, Washington. While there he advanced to Petty Officer 3^rd Class.

In March 2010, Brandon reported to Camp Pendleton, California.  While stationed there he achieved the Navy Enlisted Classification of “Fleet Marine Force Corpsman.”

During his tour at Pendleton, Brandon “DOC” successfully completed the necessary rigorous requirements to earn his “Enlisted Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist” designation, as well as advancing to 2^nd Class Petty Officer.

Brandon died December 22, 2017 in Jacksonville, North Carolina while he was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 2^nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Brandon was posthumously promoted to the rank of Petty Officer 1^st Class, as of December 24, 2017.

Max was smart, kind, adventurous, and so loving and devoted to his family. He was the best son a mom could ever ask for: My Love & My Light. He played goalie in ice hockey and was team captain. He was a drummer and musician, a painter and sculptor. Max loved working with his hands. He earned a BFA and then worked in the movie industry in L.A., creating 3-D monsters and creatures for sci-fi movies. He certainly found his niche in the Navy—working with materials (and his hands here too!)— as an airplane mechanic. Max was usually the first one to go into his squadron to set up tools and equipment for the rest of his group. Because of his supreme commitment and dedication to his work, Max was nominated for Sailor of the Year, after just a year-and-a-half in the Navy. HIs light is truly missed but shines on. 

Darren always knew he wanted to serve his county, especially in the Navy. To follow the path as his grandfather & Stepdad. The true dream was to always fly jets, but honestly, he just wanted to serve to help people, to make a difference. He would always say, "but Mom, everyone loves a guy in uniform". Such a goofball, always looking to make you smile. Darren enlisted in the 2019 as an IT Specialist, served on the USS Carl Vinson with a Pacific deployment in 2021.
We love you son, we miss you more & more each day, as your memory continues to make a difference. From friends here at home, family & shipmates, we will continue to feel your presence in everything we do.
"See you in a minute", Love Mom.