Navy Gold Star Coordinator Support

Peyton joined the navy out of high school in December of 2011.  After boot camp at Great Lakes, he reported to VR-54 in Belle Chase, La.,  where for the next 4 years he was a loadmaster on a C-130. In that position he flew around the world several times, lost track of how many times he was in Hawaii and visited over 50 countries. He then changed jobs and became an airframe mechanic for the next 2 years. Peyton re-joined for 4 more years in February 2018, reporting to VFA-122 in Lemoore, Ca.  to work on FA18E/F Super Hornets.  While Peyton was there, he was chosen to represent VFA-122 as part of the West Coast Rhino Tactical Demonstration Team. In December of 2021 Peyton re-joined for 6 more years to get back to where he had started at VR-54 Louisiana. Sadly on 2/28/2022 he was struck by a car and killed.

Jose Luis (Joey) Resendez was born in Austin, Texas and grew up in El Paso, Texas. Joey graduated with distinction from Cathedral High School in 2014 and received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He graduated in 2019. At the time of his death, he was assigned to the U.S.S. Leyte Gulf (CG-55). His first ship was the U.S.S. Truxtun (DDG-103). Joey was always the life of the party, the “ride or die” and the standout in all he did. Joey lived a life of purpose and adventure. He never denied himself a challenge or an experience and that zeal for life was contagious to anyone lucky enough to be in his presence. He had an amazing sense of humor, a quick and enviable intelligence, and a gentleness and kindness rarely found. He had a beautiful and genuine smile, a huge heart, and a generous nature. RIP

USS Port Royal (CG 73)

Cade Edward Butler was born June 11, 1989. He went to Heaven August 8, 2011.

He was the youngest of three. Cade’s sister, Kaonii King and brother, Michael Horton.

Cade was a highly intelligent young man; he grew up way too fast! Cade was very social, he accepted everyone. When Cade was 15 yrs. He traveled to Guatemala with a mission’s group to help build the Guatemalans a church. Cade had lots of great stories of his trip. He had ordered himself a Pepsi one day, and the guy behind the counter asked him if he wanted a bottle (which cost more) or if he wanted it in a plastic bag with a straw. Cade thought this was hilarious.

Cade said he felt a calling of joining the Navy and enlisted in 2007. He was very responsible and was able to move up ranks quickly. He wanted to go from a Seaman to an Admiral. Cade was a Fire Controlman 2^nd Class. Cade explained to his mother that was not a “Fireman”, his job was to shoot down missiles that were aimed at his ship.

Cade will always be remembered for his big heart and smile. He will be forever missed.

Michael Pleasants was born in the Bronx, New York and moved to Teaneck, New Jersey. He excelled academically receiving an academic scholarship to Hampton University. In 2015 Michael enlisted in the United States Navy, continuing his family legacy of military service. He achieved the rank of Petty Officer Second Class, assigned as a Yeoman 2. He was twice selected as Navy Sailor of the Quarter and distinguished as Navy Sailor of the Year.  He was decorated with many medals and commendations. During Michael’s military service he earned two college degrees. He graduated with an Associate of Science degree from Bergen Community College and in 2021 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University. Michael was involved in entrepreneurial endeavors, creating variants of a software application that was designed to bring people together. He also had passions that included an in depth understanding of business and finance.