Broken Chain
We little knew that evening that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
By: Ron Tranmer
As we sit here today, remembering our son, Todd Ethington, gone from us to his Heavenly Home so many years ago, it seems only yesterday that we received our last phone call from him. He always ended his calls with I Love you, tell Dad the same. Todd was always such a old soul, starting his first job throwing papers, at the age of Eleven, and continued his work ethics, through high school, playing varsity basketball. He joined the Navy, serving on the P3 aircraft, quickly raising to the rank of Senior Chief. He was born on October 12, 1968, and passed away on October 10th, 2007. He loved the Navy, and during his passing Harold and I understood, after meeting with his crew, why he loved serving with them. God Bless all our military for their unwavering protection and sacrifice, Harold and Joan Ethington.
The Citadel Class of 2009
Born in Wichita Falls, TX, Steven joined the Navy as an Ensign and served aboard the USS Ramage, USS Normandy, COMOPTEVFOR, and the USS Stethem. He enjoyed his deployments and visiting foreign ports, but loved his family. He was a proud father of 2 boys and loved taking them to the park and on walks. He enjoyed every breath he took and always had a smile on his face. Steven enjoyed his time in the Navy, exploring foreign ports on deployments, and excelling at his many jobs. He could make his sons, Alex and Nathan laugh better than anyone.
Survived By:
Spouse: Patty Hopkins
Children: Alex 7 and Nathan 5
Hopkins Parents: Laura and Lyle Hopkins
Pets: Golden Retrivers, Milo 11 and Rascal 9
Charlie was born to run. Top miler and ran for Indiana University. When he broke the 4-minute mile, “Mom, I’m in the best shape of my life….I’m going to BUDs to be a Navy SEAL”. Charlie was a member of SEAL Team 3 and SEAL Team 1 when he died fighting hundreds of ISIS terrorists. Charlie will always be remembered as a fun loving, funny, athletic, adventurous man who loved our country. He is missed everyday.
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.
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
'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.'
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
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
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.
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.
