Navy Gold Star Coordinator Support

Our son Chris was a very studious boy who from an early age showed an interest in flying.  His love of flying increased as he grew older and the Navy F14 Tomcat was his love.  He applied to the USNA and was so thrilled to be accepted.  It was a tough four years but he achieved his goal and was accepted to flight school.  He was stationed at NAS Kingsville where he earned his wings and became a Navy pilot flying the F-18 Hornet.  Another dream he had was to become a Test Pilot which he also achieved.  He loved flying but unfortunately his life was cut short in April 2002 due to a training accident while testing an aerobatic plane at Pax River.  Chris died doing what he loved. We will never forget him.

Billy was an outgoing energetic man with an infectious smile and laugh who always went out of his way to help anybody, especially the “underdog”. Billy always went above and beyond to help those in need of learning, and pushed them to reach their goal working right along with them, never giving up on them, or anybody throughout his life. He loved sports, a natural born athlete. A definite competitor and would not give up on his game or anyone. Billy joined the USN proudly in 2003 receiving many awards and medals and had planned on retirement. He worked hard and achieved every goal he set for himself ( which were many) and wouldn’t stop!! Billy lost three of his four children along with him.

His children Jojo, Kaylee, Jacob, and Brooke were his world and while on shore duty they were with him every given moment. Billy left behind his wife Jonielle, a son Jacob, and mom Edith Spillers.

Forever my hero

Ronald Shousky, Second Class Master of Arms, was born on March 4th, 1997. Ron was a hardworking man who had a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and served in the Navy. He was stationed in Sasebo, Japan and lived with his wife, Brooke Lyons, when he passed away on September 18th, 2024. Every day Ron brainstormed ways on how he could be the best version of himself and how he could leave this world a better place. He spread positivity, love, wisdom, acceptance, encouragement, kindness, and knowledge to everyone around him. He was the voice of reason to his parents and younger siblings. In the words of Ron, "Don't just talk about, be about it." Ron was named “One of One” by his command, CFAS.

Mario Francisco Espino, a Navy Aircrewman, avid waterman, and proud local of Kailua, Hawaii, was born October 1st, 1987, in El Paso, Texas. He passed September 30th, 2020, the day before his 33rd birthday. Mario served as full-time support for VR-51 Windjammers at Kaneohe Marine Corps Base, which not only allowed him the opportunity to explore the world but provided him with an extended Navy family that he deeply cherished. 

Mario lived a vibrant and active life, embracing every moment to its fullest. He enjoyed traveling the world while at the same time pursuing his passions for surfing and photography. He exemplified the “Spirit of Aloha” through his profound love for the island, its people, and his devotion to his wife, family, God, and friends. Mario’s love of the ocean was only surpassed by the love and aloha he spread with everyone fortunate enough to have met him.