Navy Gold Star Coordinator Support

From the moment he opened his eyes each morning, Lance Cpl. Eric Levi Ward surged with vivacious life and energy.  Even in combat, those who loved him spoke of the life and joy in which he brought to every situation.  Eric died February 21, 2010 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan at the age of 19.

Born in Fairfax, VA on August 17^th, 1990.  Those who knew him cherished his genuine ability to make you laugh, even through the most difficult of times.

Eric lived a full life in a short 19 years.  He traveled the world, and experienced great successes in friendships and family.  He was a natural athletic leader and lived a life full of adventure and experience. 

Eric entered the United States Marines Corps immediately after high school, continuing on a 4^th generation legacy in his family. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. He captured the hearts of his fellow troops and served beside them without hesitation, and when it came to giving up the thing that mattered most, he gave his life. Eric Levi Ward is a hero. He will be loved and missed dearly, but never forgotten.

SO1 US NAVY SEAL KIA: 11-24-12, Afghanistan

Kevin took on everything he did with quiet confidence, a positive outlook, and intense interest in even the most mundane details. He was a professional soldier of the highest caliber, calculating, tough and dedicated. He was a steadying influence to those under his command and inspired confidence in his commanders. Kevin was also a trustworthy, reliable and genuinefriend. All who knew him will attest to his strength of character, his discipline and his resolute determination. His teammates described him as “A gentle soul who was tough as nails.”On his second deployment with SEAL Team 4, Kevin’s team came under fire, pinned down and sure to suffer severe casualties. Without regard to his own safety, Kevin removed himself from cover to radio for support. By doing so he saved all of his teammates and was the only loss of life when a sniper hit him from a vantage point above.Kevin was one of the best medics in the Teams. He received two Bronze Stars with Valor for his life saving actions during both deployments. At the time of his death, he had just received approval for an early discharge. He had been accepted at ODU in VA where he planned to complete his education to become a doctor.All who knew Kevin have attested to the positive impact he had on their lives. Survived by his family, friends, and teammates, he is missed dearly.

Randy Kirk Johnson Jr. was a devoted husband, father, and service member. Joining the Navy in January 1999, he quickly excelled—making Chief early in his career before transitioning to the officer ranks. Dedicated and ambitious, he was the one people relied on, always leading with wisdom and kindness. Beyond his service, Randy’s greatest love was his family. He adored our daughter, who was his strength and motivation through life’s challenges. Loving, caring, and full of life, his easygoing nature made him a friend to all. His legacy lives on in the love he gave, the memories he left behind, and the family who will always cherish him.

SGT Brandon G McCoy was born and raised in Northwest Washington, DC. He is survived by his loving wife, Alicia, and his children; step-son Jerry (28) and daughters, Carson (20) and Natalie (16). He was a big hulking man with an extremely deep bass voice and he loved to laugh loud, and long. Most of the time he was really serious, but had a huge playful side. He often let his daughters’ paint his fingernails and they would play tea party with the “pinkies up”. He loved music, movies, hunting and fishing. He was an accomplished swimmer, who competed in many open water events in his youth and was lifeguard certified from the age of 14 forward.

Throughout his military career, he served in two branches. First as an underwater welder and HT in the Navy from 1999-2007; and then as an Allied Trade Specialist in the Army from 2007-2012. Brandon, “Big Mac” to all his co-workers, liked the Navy, but LOVED the US Army. While there, he was stationed at Fort Campbell, KY, 101^st Airborne Division, working w/units in Field Artillery, Special Forces, and more. He was an amazing soldier, a respected SGT, a hard worker, and good friend to all who knew him. Brandon never said no when he was needed somewhere, and always invited single service members to our home during the holidays because he wanted them to never feel alone. He is loved and missed beyond compare by his family and friends.

Written by his loving wife,

Alicia D McCoy,

Installation Navy Gold Star Program Coordinator

Keon Askew graduated from Nuclear Sub School in Groton, Connecticut. He became a Fire Control Technician on nuclear missiles. His submarine is the USS San Francisco 711. As a Christian he like to feed and fellowship with his shipmates. He had a good heart. He is dearly missed.