Navy Gold Star Coordinator Support

Joey was born in January 3, 2006 in Phoenix, Arizona. Graduated from Boulders Creek high school in 2024. After graduation, he spoke often with a family friend who was a retired Navy Chief, which inspired him to pursue a path of service. Joey enlisted in the Navy and left for boot camp in March 2025. After successfully completing training, he attended A school to become an Aviation Structural Mechanic (AM). He was later stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, with the HSM-74 helicopter squadron. Sadly, less than a month after arriving, Joey was tragically killed in a vehicular accident. He is deeply loved and missed every day. We hold onto our faith and look forward to the day we will see him again in heaven.

Nick joined the Navy July 7, 2008. He attended Catholic school from kindergarten through high school. He was an honor student. In high school he was in ROTC. Nick wanted to be in the military since the age of six. He was a Life Eagle in the Boy Scouts. Nick was a very loud child. He loved to talk. He was a jokester, prankster and all around pain in the butt. He was a leader among his friends. He would lead them every where- up trees in caves around corners and into trouble. He would never leave them if they needed help or if they were being picked on. His friends were friends for life. To this day they still miss him terribly and are close to his Mother and Brother. Life with Nick was never boring. He was a daredevil. He tried everything and almost always hurt himself ,but never gave up. He was so proud and happy with himself being in the military and so was his Brother and Mother.

Survived By:

Mother, Karen Burns & Brother: TJ Barrett

Ethan Garrett Goolsby, 20, entered into eternal rest while serving at sea with the United States Navy aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. He was born in San Antonio, Texas, and resided here until his departure to the Navy on November 18th of 2019.Ethan grew up as a strikingly beautiful green-eyed boy beaming with laughter and charm, kicking the soccer ball in the goal, shooting the basketball in the hoop, and debating about politics and worldly issues with his parents at home. He showed unconditional positive regard for strangers, gave undivided attention to children, played guitar like a great rock star, and loved cuddling with his dog “Snickers”, cheering for the San Antonio Spurs at games, and practicing Taekwondo for mental and physical discipline. Ethan had the heart of a traveler and an eagerness to see the world. He traveled with a camera around his neck and never tired of documenting his adventures in photos. When Ethan’s persona began to take shape he became passionate about serving his community. His first love of service was found as a Cub Scout. He interned with The City of San Antonio after his Sophomore year, and devoted time to volunteering with The San Antonio Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, amongst other non-profits in the community. He made frequent visits with generous donations to the San Antonio Humane Society. He had a love of animals and often said his dream job would be running an animal rescue for Huskies, his favorite breed of dog. Ethan had a precocious moral vision, utter authenticity of emotion, and a beauty of expression. A constant throughout his life was a giant smile that lit up his entire face and that of others. He had a genuine desire to make everyone he encountered feel good about themselves. He couldn’t stand to see sadness in people and did all he could to help prevent that, especially for the less fortunate. Ethan was not just willing to give someone the last dollar in his pocket if they were in need, he often did just that. If he did encounter someone who needed cheering up, Ethan loved nothing more than making people laugh. He was always ready with a joke, a funny face, or a silly dance to make those around him laugh with him. Ethan joined the United States Navy on November 18th, 2019. He completed his training on January 17th, 2020 at the Navy Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, and his A-School at Naval Station Pensacola that April. He went on to San Diego, California in June to join the crew of the USS Roosevelt as an Aviation Ordnanceman. Ethan was incredibly proud of his service to our country and was eager to continue his adventures as part of the U.S. Navy. He was looking forward to seeing as much of the world as possible while fulfilling his desire to serve. Ethan left friends wherever he went and made the world a better place in his

Gregg grew up in Montana, and after High school he attended college for one year then decided to join the navy.  He had a patriotic spirit and proudly served his country.  

Sergeant Charles Strong was born on November 24, 1985. During his military career he trained as a Motor Transportation Operator, Military Police, and as an Instructor at the Officer Candidates School, Quantico.

Sgt. Strong was deployed to Al Quim, Iraq with 3^rd Battalion 2^nd Marine and participated in Operation Matador and Quick Strike; to Habbaniyah, Iraq as the only Vehicle Recovery Operator for the battalion during Operation Rubicon and Mars; and to Sangin, Afghanistan as a team leader and navigator for all logistical mounted patrols. On April 27, 2011, Sergeant Strong suffered a non-combat related amputation, which cut his deployment short.

While Sergeant Strong was recovering from his injuries, he prepared and applied for Marine Special Operations Command (MARCOC) Assessment and Selection. After selection on April 2, 2013, he attended Individual Training Course 2-13 and graduated as a Critical Skills Operator on December 6, 2013.  In December 2013 Sergeant Strong was assigned to Marine Special Operations Company Fox, 2D MSOB where he served as an Element Member for Marine Special Operations Team #8214.

Sergeant Strong was killed in action September 15, 2014 in a “Green on Blue” incident while supporting partnered operations in Herat Province, Afghanistan. 

 

Dakota Rigsby was born September 12, 1997, in Fort Polk, Louisiana. He attended Fluvanna County Public Schools, graduating in 2015 from Fluvanna County High School. Dakota loved playing sports, all things Pokémon, listening to a variety of music, playing videogames and spending time with friends and family. He was a kind, caring and funny individual who had an infectious laugh and smile. Dakota had a tremendous love for his family and friends and was someone who never met a stranger. Dakota entered the delayed entry program for the U.S. Navy in July 2015. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on February 17, 2016 at Fort Lee, Virginia, leaving for Great Lakes RTC boot camp. He graduated from boot camp on April 15, 2016 and remained at Great Lakes for A School. Dakota graduated from Gunner’s Mate A School on October 7, 2016. Dakota was assigned to the USS Fitzgerald DDG 62 in November 2016 where he was stationed until his passing on June 17, 2017. Dakota, we miss you, we love you and we have always been so proud of you! You are FOREVER LOVED, NEVER FORGOTTEN!