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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.

Navy Gold Star Tributes


U.S. Navy
PO2
Ronald Shousky
18 Sep 2024

Ronald Shousky, Second Class Master of Arms, was born on March 4th, 1997. Ron was a hardworking man who had a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and served in the Navy. He was stationed in Sasebo, Japan and lived with his wife, Brooke Lyons, when he passed away on September 18th, 2024. Every day Ron brainstormed ways on how he could be the best version of himself and how he could leave this world a better place. He spread positivity, love, wisdom, acceptance, encouragement, kindness, and knowledge to everyone around him. He was the voice of reason to his parents and younger siblings. In the words of Ron, "Don't just talk about, be about it." Ron was named “One of One” by his command, CFAS.

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U.S. Navy
LCDR
Christopher Tragna
02 Apr 2002

Our son Chris was a very studious boy who from an early age showed an interest in flying.  His love of flying increased as he grew older and the Navy F14 Tomcat was his love.  He applied to the USNA and was so thrilled to be accepted.  It was a tough four years but he achieved his goal and was accepted to flight school.  He was stationed at NAS Kingsville where he earned his wings and became a Navy pilot flying the F-18 Hornet.  Another dream he had was to become a Test Pilot which he also achieved.  He loved flying but unfortunately his life was cut short in April 2002 due to a training accident while testing an aerobatic plane at Pax River.  Chris died doing what he loved. We will never forget him.

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U.S. Navy
Chief
Billy L Spillers
22 Mar 2014

Billy was an outgoing energetic man with an infectious smile and laugh who always went out of his way to help anybody, especially the “underdog”. Billy always went above and beyond to help those in need of learning, and pushed them to reach their goal working right along with them, never giving up on them, or anybody throughout his life. He loved sports, a natural born athlete. A definite competitor and would not give up on his game or anyone. Billy joined the USN proudly in 2003 receiving many awards and medals and had planned on retirement. He worked hard and achieved every goal he set for himself ( which were many) and wouldn’t stop!! Billy lost three of his four children along with him.

His children Jojo, Kaylee, Jacob, and Brooke were his world and while on shore duty they were with him every given moment. Billy left behind his wife Jonielle, a son Jacob, and mom Edith Spillers.

Forever my hero

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U.S. Navy
PO2
Gregory Ellis
02 Feb 2025

Gregory Ellis's dedication to service lead him to the United States Navy, where he embraced the call of duty with honor and commitment. He carried with him the values of integrity, strength, and loyalty traits that defined both his military service and his personal life. Greg always made time for his family and friends. With his trademark sense of humor, infectious laugh, and big smile, he knew how to make even the most serious situations light-hearted and fun. He will be remembered as someone with a giving heart, gentle spirit, and friend to all.

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U.S. Navy
CPO
Robert McAbee
03 Jun 2013
Rick was a Navy Chief. He loved his family and the Navy. My favorite memories are all the time we had together while he was growing up.
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U.S. Navy
Warrant Officer
Eugene S. Tinnin
20 Aug 1968

Warrant Officer W-1, U.S. Navy

Veteran of:

U.S. Navy 1946-1948, 1949-1954, 1955-1968
Cold War 1946-1968
Korean War 1950-1951
Vietnam War 1967-1968 (KIA)

Gene Tinnin was born April 11, 1929, in Houston, Texas. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on April 11, 1946. He was a mess cook at Reception Station Treasure Island, California, then as a guard at Fleet Activity Yokosuka, Japan. He served aboard the heavy cruiser USS Chicago (CA-136) and the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga (CV-14).

Petty Officer Tinnin reenlisted in the Navy on April 5, 1949, and then served as an electronics technician (ET) aboard the heavy cruiser USS Macon (CA-132). He was an ET aboard the battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) including Korea.

Petty Officer Tinnin attended Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) training with Class 009 at NAB Little Creek, Virginia, from July to October 1952, and then served with UDT-4 until he left active duty on April 9, 1954.

He reenlisted in the Navy on December 7, 1955, and served as an ET aboard the USS Vandivier.

Petty Officer Tinnin again attended UDT training with Class 017 at NAB Little Creek followed by service with UDT-21 at Little Creek. His next assignment was with SEAL Team TWO at NAB Little Creek, followed by Officer Candidate School for Warrant Officer training.

He was appointed a Warrant Officer in the U.S. Navy and served with SEAL Team ONE at NAB Coronado, California. He deployed to South Vietnamuntil he was killed in action on August 20, 1968.

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Navy Gold Star Testimonials