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 . . .
Contact Us
Navy Gold Star Tributes
Seth was an amazing young man who saw good in everyone and everything. He was a loving dad to his beautiful daughter, Naomi, as well as a loving brother and son. Seth had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. He loved what he did and chose to make the Navy his career. A health issue sidelined his career as a submariner but he rebounded and joined the EDO Community and excelled there. He excelled at anything he put his mind to. Seth's passing blindsided us and we are still reeling from it. It's something you never get used to but we will forever be grateful for our time with him.
John Ellsworth Hasselbrink died while stationed at Pearl Harbor Naval Base and serving aboard the fast attack submarine USS Illinois (SSN 786). John E had served in the US Navy for over 21 years, the majority of time aboard fast-attack submarines, and was approaching retirement as Chief.
He was on the swim team in high school and won several medals during inter-high school competitions. He had also competed in the Hawaiian Marathon several times. He was awarded the Navy & Marine Corp Commendation Medal by the Navy, among other citations.
Other commands that he had served on were;
USS Topeka (SSN 754) deployed to the International Date Line at the millennium,
USS Columbus (SSN 762) Order of Shellbacks
USS Santa Fe (SSN 763)
COMSUBRON ONE
Wyatt Austin Cypert, age 30 passed away August 31, 2024, in Chania, Greece while on deployment with the U.S. Navy’s Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN NINE serving as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate Third Class. He was stationed at Naval Station Rota, since May 2022. Prior to that he was stationed at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California. Wyatt was a 2013 graduate of Har-Ber High School in Springdale, Arkansas where he competed on the track and swim teams. Wyatt had a big heart and a deep love for his family and friends, and he loved to make people happy, and he loved to make them laugh. He enjoyed traveling, running, biking, and had become an accomplished scuba diver while being stationed and living on the beach in Rota, Spain. We cannot forget his moustache, impeccable, A1 grade, meticulously groomed, and kept to the highest of Naval Sailor moustache standards!
Honoring Evan’s Military Life. We honor Evan for his courage, dedication, and selfless service. He answered the call with strength and integrity, serving something greater than himself. His legacy lives on in the freedom he helped protect and in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will never be forgotten.
Veteran of:U. S. Navy 1998-2008War on Terrorism 2001-2008Kosovo 2001-2002Afghanistan 2001-2008 (Multiple Deployments)Iraq 2003-2008 (Multiple Deployments, KIA)Michael completed basic training at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois in September 1998 and then completed Operations Specialist Training at Fleet Combat Training Center, Atlanta, at Dam Neck, Virginia from September to December 1998. He attended Basic Underwater Demolition/Seal training at NAB Coronado California from January to August 1999, followed by Basic Airborne training at Fort Benning Georgia in September and October 1999. His first assignment was with Seal Team Eight at NAB Little Creek, Virginia from October 1999 to October 2001, and then the Naval Special Warfare Unit Two and Ten from 2001 through 2004, followed by service with Navel Special Warfare Development Group at Dam Neck, VA from April 2004 until he was killed in action in Iraq on February 4, 2008. On February 4, 2008, the U.S. Navy Seals decided to pay a particular group of terrorists a house call. The area was under heavy fire from both sides. Small mini bombs were dropped to limit destruction and minimize collateral damage. The building the terrorist were in was slightly damaged and helicopters hovered and spun covering the area as the assault team prepared to make entry. Automatic weapons fire was heard from all directions. A canine, trained to detect humans in hiding was sent inside. He showed a negative response. Intelligence indicated there were still suspects inside and the canine was dispatched again. The explosions mixed with the swirling air from the rotor blades never allowed for the air to settle and once more he returned with a negative response. Entry was made to clear the building. The first man through the door was killed with a precision shot to the head by a terrorist in hiding. The constant air movement and heavy odors from explosions had been too much for the dog’s sensitive scent. The second man through the door was shot twice and died quickly from his wounds. The assault team fought their way in and recovered their brothers, stepped back and called in a round of precision bombing. Within minutes the building was leveled, no survivors, no prisoners. The first man through the door was Michael Koch the second was his partner and friend Nate Hardy. They were Seals, part of a very special brotherhood. They were men with families, brothers and sisters, Fathers and …Mothers. Michael earned various Medals throughout his career to include two Bronze Star Medals w/Valor. Michael was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
VIEW TRIBUTE
Navy Gold Star Testimonials
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
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
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
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.
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