The essence and impact of human beings are easier felt and often better understood after passing. The state of mind experienced when they are no longer in our midst renders life unintelligible and creates long term conflict with our emotions and, ultimately, in the lasting mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing of us, the families we raise and nurture as well as in the manner we enjoy our present way of life as we aim to protect existing and future generations at all costs. Why? Because the sacrifice made is worth it!!
For his absence to be bearable and available to our next generation, we must consciously continue training and growing leaders with integrity and substance. Leaders who possess unwavering empathy for others in respectful and fair ways. Leaders with unconventional resourcefulness and collective vision to serve others. And above all, leaders with uncompromising conviction and courage to accomplish a mission regardless of its complexity, magnitude and overall difficulty.
Our son Stephen “Rod” had these qualities and so much more. He was such a leader and more. May his soul and that of his military service brothers and sisters rest in peace and forever be in the grace of God, Amen.
Bartos joined the German Air Force right after his 18th birthday, and soon deployed to Holloman AFB, NM. Never did we think he´d be stationed in the USA, nor that he'd remain there. After leaving the GAF, he served in the US Navy, and made America his adopted country. He was an exceptional person in so many aspects; a beloved son of whom his parents are incredibly proud, my little brother whom i dearly love and to whom i always looked up, a father who loved his little boy beyond imagination, a valued friend, always there when needed, and he was a dedicated military member who served with steadfast pride, and deep care for his Navy family. He was the funniest person to be around, but he would always speak his mind and have the backs of those he loved. Fair winds and following seas, Sailor – You´re missed by many!
CPO Rice dedicated his life to serving his country in the United States Navy. He served on the USS Philadelphia, USS Louisiana, and the USS Hampton during his 19 years of service. CPO Rice loved his job and was respected by many. His service to our country will never be forgotten.
DARRYL LAMOTT HALEY BORN ON SEPTEMBER 4, 1986. HE LOVED TO PLAY BASKETBALL AND HE WAS A GAMER. WHEN WAS YOUNG HE LIKED TO READ ALSO. HE HAD ONLY ONE CHILD, HIS NAME IS ZYBIR HALEY. HE LOVED HIM DEARLY. GOING INTO THE NAVY WAS SOMETHING HE ALWAYS WANT TO DO. I’M SO GLAD THAT HE WAS ABLE TO DO WHAT HE DREAMED OF. THE DAY I RECEIVED HIS NAVY PHOTOS, THE SMILE ON MY SON FACE TOLD IT ALL I KNEW HE WAS HAPPY. I MISS HIM EVERYDAY NOT BEING ABLE TO TALK TO HIM. HE WAS MY GO TO, HE KNEW THINGS I DIDN’T WANT ANYBODY ELSE TO KNOW, NOT HAVE THAT HURTS M HEART. I’LL DEAL WITH IT DAY BY DAY. HE IS TRULY MISSED BY HIS BROTHERS AND SISTERS(NAKIA,CHANTA,JALEEL,SHAQULLE) I WEAR YOU AROUND MY NECK EVERYDAY AND TO MY SURSPISE I MET A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT KNEW YOU AND STILL MEETING PEOPLE TO THIS DAY. MOMMY JUST WANTS YOU TO KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU A LOT, SO PROUD OF YOU
RITA DILLARD-HALEYSusanna, 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
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.
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
'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.'
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
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
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.
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.
