Stewart McGurk served his country as an EOD soldier during Operations Iraqi Freedom. He also courageously served in Operations Enduring Freedom.
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 Tributes
This letter is in remembrance and honoring Lt. Commander Michael D. Edwards born October 13, 1970 who passed away in November of 2011. I’m thankful for this courageous husband and father, who spent most of his life serving our country. He has left behind to great young men Michael Jr. 23, who has now graduated college and is a computer programmer and Jordan 19 who is attending Sacramental State as a Business Major. They have surely stepped into their fathers shoes, with education in mind. We now stand and honor him since his loss by opening a Non Profit in 2012 named after his son’s MNJ Foundation. This nonprofit serves the Modesto California community by helping veterans, homeless, incarcerated and the less fortunate trying to get back to life in general. By providing job training skills, business skills and community resources to support the underserved residents. He inspired me with his giving heart to help others and always joking spirit when someone needed uplifting. Lt. Commander Michael D Edwards will always be honored as long his family is blessed to keep his legacy going.
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Vaughn is my second child and the only child his father and I planned. We knew we wanted a boy and by the grace of God we got one. Vaughn was a great child even though he was slow to speak and walk and once he started speaking it was gibberish and no one understood him except me. Which is how life would play out, I would become his best friend. He shared a lot with me, especially his treatment in the Navy. He was stationed in Coronado and according to my son it was not the best experience. When my son died, he said mom,” I am finally happy” he was able to live out his passion and for that I am thankful to God. To God be the glory for the good things He has done. I will forever love you, Son. Isaiah 57: 1-2
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BU1 Michael Nordquest proudly served his country for 17.5 years as a dedicated Navy Seabee, embodying strength, honor, and unwavering commitment. He was not only a skilled builder in uniform, but also the foundation of his family—a loving husband and devoted father. Michael’s greatest pride and joy were his two children, Adelynn and Jaccson, who were the light of his life. He loved his family deeply and wholeheartedly, always putting them first and creating a life filled with love, laughter, and security. His sacrifice is immeasurable, and his absence is deeply felt every day. Yet his legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the service he gave, and the love he leaves behind. BU1 Nordquest will forever be remembered as a hero, a protector, and a man whose love continues to guide his family forward.
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Scott was loved by everyone who knew him, and at his memorial it was standing room only totally overwhelming. In both elementary and high school he played baseball, football and was an award winning wrestler. He wanted to serve his country and chose the US Navy for many reasons but mostly because his dad served for four years. We lost Scotty 35 years ago, miss him every day and wonder what it would be like if he was here. He was the best in every way and we are thankful to have had him with us for those nineteen short years. We have a rich military family history serving the country we love back to the revolutionary War and Scott proudly joined the ranks of those past and future.
Navy Gold Star Testimonials
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
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
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
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.
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