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Navy Gold Star Tributes
LTJG Coker was a stellar performer Salem High School ROTC becoming the ROTC Commander his senior year. He went on and graduated from Virginia Military Institute, Class of 2013 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering with concentration in Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering. He had huge Pride in the American Flag and always participated in the Color Guard activities. He was selected for the USN Flight School and went on to be selected to fly the SH-60R Helicopter. His Navy Call Sign was ‘Brainiac’. Had a passion for his 1993 Nissan 300Z with the hope of one day racing it.
Michael Kaske grew up in Chisago City, Minnesota and graduated from Chisago Lakes High School in 2005. During school he was a member of the golf team. He was also active in Boy Scouts, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating Michael enlisted in the Navy and began his service in August of 2005.
Three tours of duty had Michael deployed to Iraq, the Persian Gulf, and the Western Pacific. He was assigned to the USS Higgins DDG76 (a guided missile destroyer) home port was in San Diego, California. Michael achieved the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class E-5. His Primary duties were as an Engineman. In addition, he was part of a 15-man VBSS (Visitor Boarding Search and Seizure) team that is designed to capture enemy vessels, combat terrorism, piracy and smuggling.
Michael’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, golf, snowboarding, cars, motorcycles, bodysurfing, and most of all spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed working with animals at a local veterinary clinic. He was also a bit of a prankster...his friends and coworkers could attest to that. He always had a smile on his face.
Unfortunately, just days before his 22nd birthday Michael died from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident while homeported in San Diego, California. He had planned to reenlist and go to Navy Diver School. We honor him for his service to our country, his three deployments to foreign lands, and the energetic life that he lived.
Allan Hampton Taylor affectionately known as A.T. was born in Valdosta, Georgia to Alma Hampton McCoy. He loved the Lord and was very instrumental on the keyboard and drums. Allan was a motivational speaker. In grade school Allan received honor roll with distinction, Georgia Power award and perfect attendance. He had a diverse athletic background. He played basketball, football, golf and was on the wresting and track team. After graduating from high school, he attended Georgia Southern University then he realized he wanted to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Navy. Allan was stationed at the Navy Base in Virginia Beach. He sailed the seas on the USS John F. Kennedy. Places he toured included Greece, France, Portugal, England, Paris, and Duqm. He is Remember by his wife Shana, son Dominic, parents Willie and Alma McCoy, Antonio and Kathy Harrington, two brothers Robert and Antonio Jr. (Felicia), and three sisters Keandra, Latasha (James) and Jasmine (Aden).
Isaiah was the youngest of his 5 brothers . He loved his family and God . He was a very talented artist, loved making paintings for all his friends, always cooking and loved making his special beef jerky for everyone. Isaiah was so happy and honored to become a Sailor, he dreamed of that for a long time, and we were so proud of him becoming a chef of submarines. His smile and giving nature is missed beyond measure.