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

LCpl

Eugene C. Mills III

22 Jun 2012

Lance Corporal Eugene C. Mills, III called Gene by family and Gino by most of his military friends, grew up in Laurel, Maryland. He was born on November 19, 1990 to Theresa and Gene Mills. Gene loved his country as much as his family and decided when the twin towers fell on September 11, 2001 that he would join the military and its mission to defend our Country against terrorism. At the age of 17, he went to boot camp at Parris Island, SC to become a United States Marine. After graduating boot camp, he went to SOI and Security Forces training and ultimately was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, NC. His first deployment was with Charlie Company in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. His second and final deployment was with 1/8, Bravo Company where he became a squad leader. On June 22, 2012 during combat operations and with less than one month remaining of their deployment, 1/8 Bravo Co. encountered enemy forces in Sangin Valley, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. LCpl Mills was killed by enemy small fire. His final resting place is in Section 60, Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. Gene's decorations include: Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Iraq/Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the National Defense Service Ribbon A portion of I-95 is dedicated to Lance Corporal Mills and his sign is located between Routes 198 and 216 in Laurel, Maryland.

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PO1

Travis Sims

16 Jul 2009

Travis grew up in Austin Texas. He has an older brother. He played a lot of sports growing up. He graduated from Westlake High School in Austin. He still loved the outdoors as an adult and loved to go mountain bike riding and snowboarding.
Travis went to college in Portland Oregon but didn't finish, instead he decided to enlist in the Navy. He loved the Navy, his first assignment was at Coronado Island air base in San Diego. He was an aviation structural mechanic and later was part of a squadron from Whidbey air base where he was stationed and was deployed twice on the USS Enterprise to Iraq during the Global War on Terrorism. He had served for seven years at the time of his death. The last year of his life, he served as a recruiter in Gresham, Oregon.
Travis was survived by his wife and three sons and his parents and brother. He served honorably and faithfully in the Navy. We have a lot of good memories to hold in our hearts and we miss him.
Travis' mom, Carolyn Swinnea

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GM1

Matthew John Austin

30 Jun 2019

Beloved husband, son, father and brother.
(submitted by his loving mother, Angie)

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PO1

Brian Gibson "Gibby"

16 Jul 2003

Brian "Gibby" Gibson served in the United States Navy for 12 years. He was stationed at the Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily, Italy. He was an aviation structural mechanic for the US Navy Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Four (HC-4) Black Stallions. He attained qualifications as a MH-53E helicopter crew chief, quality assurance inspector, assistant NATOPS instructor and functional check flight crew chief. He received his bachelor's degree in professional aeronautics from Embry Riddell University. He leaves behind his parents, brother and sister-in-law, a sister, three nephews, one niece and one great niece along with his Black Stallion brothers and sisters. Brian "Gibby" is gone but not forgotten.

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Captain

James B. Blackmon, Jr.

17 Feb 2002

In the early hours of September 11, 2001 I was jolted by a vivid vision of a lone body lying atop a stark white gurney at the end of a long dark corridor. An eerie approach toward the person revealed it was my son, JB. An awful fear shot to my core as I toiled emotionally and spiritually to reject any merit in this dream. Later that morning, I witnessed on the news the deaths of thousands of people in the World Trade Center.

Within five months following the attack on the WTC, my son, Captain James B. Blackmon, Jr., USMC was dead; my pregnant daughter-in-law widowed and my unborn grandson left fatherless. My life was abruptly changed, just as thousands of other families’ lives have been changed forever.

We must always remember the fallen. Acknowledge and salute those who willingly placed themselves in harm’s way to guard and secure the freedom and liberties we so often take for granted. Know that life could be quite different if it were not for their unselfish sacrifices for our rights to life, liberty and our pursuit of happiness. Recognize and support the families of these courageous men and women who have served in all branches of the military.

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CM3

Evan Hunter Lederer

18 Nov 2014

An open letter,

To my first born and only son, Evan Hunter Lederer, CM3, it is so hard to believe you have been gone from this earth for 7 years. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you, you were such a bright light in this world, your goodness and compassion were evident in so many things that you did from volunteering at various local schools to mission trips in the U.S and abroad. Your capacity to show love and assist people who needed help never ceased to amaze me.

The TBI you suffered changed the course of your life and ultimately lead to you taking yours, your suicide is never easy to talk about, but I want the person reading this who may feel lost, angry, or hopeless to hear me - Your life is important and matters, people love you!

When things seem at their worst always remember that another day will come, and it can be filled with promise and good moments.

Seek the help you need, don’t be ashamed – Reach Out people care.

If there’s one last thing I can say as a mom it’s this, I would give anything to have one more incredible hug from my son –

Evan, until we meet again, All My Love – Mom

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Navy Gold Star Testimonials

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

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.

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

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 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.

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 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.'