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.

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Navy Gold Star Tributes

CPO

Brent Doire

13 Aug 2023

Life with Brent was never ordinary, it was rich with love, laughter, and memories. I’ll never forget the day he told his debate teacher he wanted to be a lobbyist! Instead, the love for his country became his vision, and what a vision it was—he climbed the advancement ladder like it was no one’s business. He especially loved his time attached to NSWG-2. The stories he shared are told by his family and shipmates, and in traditions kept. He changed our world and although his time here was brief, the impact was infinite Brent will forever be in our hearts, always in our thoughts, ever in our memories. He was a beloved son, husband, father, brother, shipmate, and faithful friend.

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PO1

Ernest Henderson

01 Aug 2018

Ernest was born and raised in western North Carolina. He joined the Navy late in life and earned his place as an FMF Corpsman. He loved his Marines. He had a deep love for his family and friends. He was always the smile and laughter anytime there was a gathering. He enjoyed fishing and riding 4 wheelers and just being outdoors be it in the woods, on the water, or somewhere in between. He was dearly loved and is greatly missed.

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Fire Controlman AEGIS 2nd Class

Adam D. Pecaut

27 Apr 2020

Adam Pecaut was more than a service member, he was a husband to Isabella Lena, a son to Doug and Donna Pecaut, a brother to Christina Pecaut, a loyal friend to many, and a daddy to a sweet Golden Retriever named Daisy. Between his desire to travel and golf, there was never a boring weekend when he was home. His time was not long, but nothing short of impactful. He loved Jesus and talking about Him with others, he loved his wife and flipping a new home they bought the year prior to his passing. He was encouraging and supportive to all dreams, big and wide. I have no doubt he’s playing fetch up in Heaven with Daisy and looking down with a smile on his face.

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SO1

Matthew Leathers

19 Feb 2013

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CDR

Christopher Kalafut

24 Oct 2014

Christopher Kalafut was born in Akron, OH, but considered Oceanside, CA, his hometown. He grew up in California with his parents and four brothers and attended El Camino High School prior to attending college at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, NY. In 1987, after college, Christopher joined the Navy and became an E2 pilot. "He always wanted to be a pilot when he grew up," said his wife, Mary. During his Navy career, Mary and Christopher welcomed five children, Marrion, Meaghan, Christopher, Keegan and Michael. During his free time, he enjoyed cycling and swimming as well as the family’s two Labrador retrievers, Kiki and Lala. Chris’s family remembers him as “Chris…God’s great gift to many!”

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PO3

Marcus Woods

27 Feb 2017

Marcus was born in Kansas City, MO to Tommy and Cindy Woods. His family always made sure to find time for laughter and fun and would go on several day trips or longer vacations when school was not in session. Marcus was a cub scout and boy scout and was an Eagle Scout out of Troop 395 in Missouri.
He joined the US Navy out of high school and became a radioman with the USS Missouri SSN-780. He is remembered by his family as a problem solver who put this to use while serving on board the Mighty MO. For example, when cleaning the head for inspection he came up with the idea to zip tie plastic around the metal areas so that when it was time for inspection they only needed to cut the ties off and the metal would still be shiny and ready to pass inspection. One of our favorite memories was the story of when the Missouri was in port off the coast of France. Marcus wanted to show off some dance moves with his buddies so he got on top of a rickety table, one about to fall apart, and began twisting away. The table held up as everyone clapped for him and this feat. We love our Squibby so much and miss him every day.
Tommy, Cindy, and Chris Woods

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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

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

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.