Ty's big, warm, charismatic smile will live on through all who love him.
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
We are Larry and Lupi and are the parents of LCDR Todd Coursey.
Never Forgotten. Always Remembered.
Philip was the youngest of three and while he had many friends, his brothers were his best friends!! He loved God, family and his Country in that order. He lived life to the fullest!! He went to Honduras and New Orleans on a mission trip before joining the Navy. He volunteered his time for suicide prevention with Active Heroes, a charity organization. He loved zip lining, horseback riding, go kart racing, playing golf and driving the boats in Norfolk just to name a few. He was always there to support his family and friends! He is so deeply missed by all that knew him! He touched so many lives with his kindness and his smile! Love you Son, from Heaven to my Heart!
Ray “Boats” had many impressive accomplishments during his service. Winning the Admiral Zumwalt Award, twice, serving aboard the USS Curtis Wilbur, USS Spruance, being a part of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami relief efforts just to name a few. Ray was energy, he could light up any room. Those who love him are reminded of his impact in the songs we hear, the smiles of those we love and friends we have yet to meet, in Sailors who have yet to join the service. Ray was so many things to so many people, above all he was laughter, a helping hand and a friend to anyone. How do you harness something like the moon and all the stars? If you had the pleasure of meeting him, you know Ray was the moon and stars wrapped up in one. When a life such as this touches you, you are forever changed.?
John Garcia had an extraordinary life. He was a loving, hard-working, hilarious person and made a positive impact on so many people’s lives. John was devoted to his family, the San Francisco 49ers and the Navy. For 20 years, he served his country proudly and loved what he did. He was also a great father to his princess Julianna and his Best Buddy Gavin. There is nothing he would not have done for his two babies. The love he had for me, as his wife, was endless. Through happiness and complete sadness, he stood by my side and was my rock. Lastly, if you knew John you knew he was a Niners fan, he made sure of that and was proud of it. Whatever he loved, he loved full heartedly.
John, thank you for lighting up all of our lives with your endless humor, dedication and love. We ALL miss you & pray we are making you proud!!!
Christopher “Chris” Troche grew up in Metuchen, NJ, where he graduated with honors from St. Joseph Catholic High School. He was Junior and Senior Class president and was in the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. Chris excelled in academia, earning Magna Cum Laude, with a 4.5 GPA. A gifted athlete, Chris also excelled in track and field. He was a three-time Meet of Champion participant, placing 9th in the State in High Hurdles. One of Chris’ dreams was to fly and he would eventually fly for the Marines. He joined the Naval Sea Cadet Corps at the age of 10 and became one of the youngest Chief Petty Officers at the age of 15. He was awarded two Teddy Roosevelt Navy League Medals for being named League Cadet of the Year and Sea Cadet of the Year. He was recruited by the US Naval Academy as a track athlete and graduated from the Academy in 2015 before joining the Marines. “He was a quiet and happy individual who would smile and light up the room,” said his father. He is remembered by his father, Edgar “Ed” Troche and his sister, Kelly.
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Navy Gold Star Testimonials
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.
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.
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
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.'
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 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 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