Navy Gold Star Coordinator Support

LCDR Charles "JTACz" Z Walker was an amazing and dedicated pilot (TopGun graduate), loyal friend, and perfect partner. Born in Santa Clara, CA, he grew up in Fairfax, VA with two loving parents, who are retired Naval Officers themselves. He had one of the most epic mustaches in the fighter pilot game. Charles put more thought into things he did and said than most, to the extent that he exemplified being a very composed, put together, super determined and hard working man. He was extremely thoughtful, very sweet, silly funny, dependable, hyper-intelligent, and too humble about it all. More than anything else, he loved his family. We will miss him every day for the rest of our lives.

A million times we've needed you A million times we've cried If love alone could have saved you never would you have died In life we loved you dearly In death we love you still In our hearts you hold a place No one else will ever fill It broke our hearts to lose you but you did not go alone Part of us went with you the day God took you home

He enlisted in the Navy in 1994 as an Intelligence Specialist, and was later awarded a commission as Ensign through Officer Candi-date School, March 8, 1996. John was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade, March 8, 1998 and Lieutenant, April 1, 2000. Lieu-tenant Skop was first assigned as the Air Intelligence Officer at Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-5 located in San Diego, CA from January 1997 to October 1998. He served on the USS NIM-ITZ CVN 68 for a 6-month deployment and participated in OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH in early 1998 with the CVW-9 Intelligence Team. His next assignment brought him to the Special Warfare community to SEAL Team ONE as the Intelli-gence Officer from October 1998 to January 2001. Lieutenant Skop reported to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training on January 10, 2001. During his naval career, Lieutenant Skop was decorated with numerous awards, He par-ticipated in basketball, soccer, volleyball, football, track and Tae Kwon Do during his high school years. He continued to run and weight train in subsequent years and participated in races that included triathlons and mudruns. He owned a motorcycle which he rode with his parents on road trips when they visited him in San Diego. His career decisions were based on wanting to make a difference in this world.

Father - John A. Skop, Sr. Mother - Carol L. Skop Sister - Rachel R. Skop

Lt. Cory J. Ridge was born and raised in Maple Valley, Washington. While attending Tahoma High School, he demonstrated his ability as an outstanding student and talented athlete, and he was a dedicated volunteer who served on mission trips to Mexico. After graduation, he applied and was selected to attend the United States Naval Academy, where he received his degree in Astronautical Engineering and officer commission in the Spring of 2009.  He was selected for the Voluntary Graduate Education Program, and he subsequently earned his Master of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland.  Cory later earned his Wings of Gold in 2011 returned to his home state to join VP-1 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. 

Cory was extremely popular in the squadron amongst peers, subordinates, and officers with whom he worked on deployment. While at VP-1 he was a model Aviator and Officer, a leader among his peers, and one of the finest young talents in his field. He was highly regarded for his professionalism and robust tactical and aeronautical knowledge—as well as for being a great leader and a bright, fun-loving friend.