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 Coordinator Support

Navy Gold Star Coordinators provide support to families around the world. Find a coordinator near you.

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Navy Gold Star Tributes

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Shawn Michael Wise

28 Apr 1983

My son, my first born, how do I write a few words about you? You were my little boy that turned into a handsome man. You always were kind, caring, and would go out of your way to help people. If anyone needed help, you were there. I remember when the lady down the street came to my door to say “Shawn saw me struggling to climb the steps and he stopped and carried me up the stairs into my house.”He loved his sisters and always watched where they went and who they were with. I could go on more and more as mother’s’ do.The last time I saw him was in CT. for his first deployment. He was closing the hatch on the USS Boston with a big smile on his face looking towards his family.-Written with love by his mother, Adele.

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CDR

Milton Brandon "Cletus" McCauley

11 Jan 2018

Brandon or "Cletus" was known in the P-3 and Navy community as a wonderful and caring Officer. He was a selfless and kind man. He was a P-3 NFO and Mission Commander for many years in the Navy. He also served on the USS Abraham Lincoln as a "Shooter." It was one of his favorite jobs. Brandon was always willing to go the extra mile for his enlisted sailors and was proud to serve along side everyone. He is survived by his wife and two beautiful children. He is missed but not forgotten. He lives on in our memories and we are forever grateful for his 22 years of service and sacrifice for our country.

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Xavier Rochon

12 May 2025

Xavier Rochon loved music, all music. He played the Viola throughout school; he taught himself to play the piano and composed his first song in middle school. Anything to do with music he wanted to be part of. He decided to join the Navy out of high school and served his country proudly on the Dwight D. Eisenhower as an ET; and while serving he still manage to find music. He was known for always finding the perfect “tunes” for whatever moment was happening onboard the ship at that time. He loved and was loved by his family; his brother and sister, mom and dad; a multitude of cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. He loved Star Wars, Legos and Transformers, and enjoyed working with kids. He was looking into becoming a teacher after the Navy, a music teacher of course.

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Matthew A. Sloan

16 Feb 2021

He was a very inspired man and a born leader according to The Navy - USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75).

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LT Amanda De Armond

18 Sep 2023

Amanda was an MH-60S (Sierra) Pilot and served as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander (HAC). She served with honor from May 2014 until her passing on September 18, 2023, following a battle with colon cancer.

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Charles Otto "Otter" Sare

23 Oct 2006

This marks year 20 for us. Otter was 23. As I write this, tears come quickly to my eyes as I consider the day I was told; the last moments I saw my son, had the last hug and my last touch, wrapping my arms around the wool blanket which held his remains. So many wonderful people have continued to remember and honor him through these years in their own ways, which warms my heart but also shows what an incredible man he was to so many. I always thought it was because he loved me that he was so kind and thoughtful. I see through those people’s eyes how remarkable he truly was in his kindness, friendship and love for others. Otter was always caring, smiling, trying to make those around him laugh. He was willing to get up and go to enjoy life and experiences with anyone who asked. Otter was adventurous, fun living and had that quirky smile which always made those around him smile right back. Even though some days are still really rough 20 years later, still trying to figure out this new path of life, I am lucky, grateful and honored to be called Otter’s mom. Forever and a day, Love you, Otter.

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Navy Gold Star Testimonials

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

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

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

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

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.

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.