Administrative Benefits for Survivors

Jacob was a young man passionate for life, but seemed to know that the Marine Corps was the right place for him. Shortly after graduating from Gahanna Christian Academy near Columbus, Ohio in 2007, he joined the USMC. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. 

At only 21, Jacob was a loving husband and father to a newborn son that unfortunately, he never got meet. He heroically gave his life while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, earning many metals. He left behind a loving wife, son, parents, and siblings. Jacob’s brother Joshua has stated that he was the class clown, and yet a bad ass, beloved by all who knew him. He was determined to protect those who couldn’t protect themselves. He had an infectious smile and he will be missed always.

Submitted by his brother Joshua Hermiz.

Leslie was born and lived in San Bernardino, CA, where she went to Cajon High School and graduated with Honors.
She loved sports of every kind, especially playing AAA league Fast Pitch Softball. Her other hobbies were raising exotic birds, volunteering at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, and working in her rose garden.
We joined the U. S. Navy together, driving cross-country to attend Basic Training at the Navy Training Center in Orlando for 8 weeks before transferring to the Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC) in Pensacola to become Cryptologists. While she was studying for her new-found career, Leslie earned her Amateur Radio License (KB4GWE) and was the most popular operator on the base. She worked as a Military Affiliated Radio System (M.A.R.S) operator and handled over 2,500 messages and radio communications for Sailors and ships at sea.
She graduated from her specialty training and earned the rating of Cryptologic Technician Operations (CTO).  After graduating, we were transferred to the Naval Communications Station, San Diego, where Leslie worked in the Communications Center handling message traffic.  She loved working in her position and was a valuable asset to her department.
Leslie was my best friend and the love of my life, and my love for her is everlasting! 

Phil Slaughter

René William Zook, was born May 16,1985 to William M. Zook & Dolores D. Zook of Pasadena, Texas. René graduated in 2004 from Clear Brook High in Friendswood, Texas. He loved sports and played football in junior high and high school and was competitive in track & field.

During the summer he went on camping trips with his mom, brother Jonathan and his stepfather Bill Wilkes, who raised him from the age of twelve.

 He played basketball with the neighborhood kids and he made sure his room was always clean, when alone he wrote about anything and everything.

 He attended St. Bernadette Catholic Church teen Mass in Clear Lake. He attended San Jacinto Junior College, then join the military.

 SA René W. Zook graduated from the Great Lakes Naval Training Recruit Center in Chicago. His family was filled with joy on that day of August 18,2005. The three joined hands, carefully stepping over each bleacher at the stadium awaiting to embrace him.

He was going to work as a Navy Missile Technician, but before he could reach this assignment, he had to finish the Naval Submarine School. On Nov. 18, 2005 SA (SU) René William Zook had successfully completed the Naval Submarine School in the Naval Submarine Base, New London, Groton, Connecticut.

Mason was not just a son and brother but a beacon of light within our family.  His smile was infectious, his kindness, boundless and his love for his family and friends immeasurable.  He had an innate ability to bring joy to any gathering, his presence filling the room with warmth and positivity.  His passion for weightlifting was typical of his unwavering determination and commitment to excellence.  He pursued his goals, while inspiring others with his dedication and steadfast drive.  Yet, at the same time in pursuit of his own personal success, Mason never hesitated to uplift and support those around him who shared similar aspirations.  His legacy of love, kindness and perseverance will always remain etched in our hearts.  We will forever cherish the memories we shared with Mason and carry his love with us always.

Upon graduating boot camp Jacob attended NNPTC where he would spend time training as an Electricians Mate Nuclear. Once Jacob graduated from NNPTC he was assigned to his first duty station in San Diego, California aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN71), deploying through the South China Sea. Jacob completed his first and last deployment during 2021-2022. Jacob's life sadly ended while his ship was in DPIA and dry docked at Kitsap Naval Base in Bremerton, WA on 12/05/2022. Jacob enjoyed various video games and spent his Friday nights while in high school playing Dungeons and Dragons, and Magic the Gathering with his best buddies. Jacob had a beautiful gentle soul, willing to help anyone when needed. We love you, we miss you, and we think about you everyday. Love you Bud. Jacob Elliott Slocum, Forever 23 

Duke was a 2018 graduate of the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island, who entered the USNA class of 2022 and was a 4.0 student as a Quantitative Economics major. It was Saturday afternoon, February 8, 2020, when Duke collapsed during the 1.5 mile run portion of the Physical Readiness Test that is run by all midshipmen every six months at the USNA. The lives of so many were changed in that moment forever. Duke is survived by his parents, Jennifer and Gerald Carrillo and by his twin brother, Dylan Carrillo, and his younger brother, Jake Carrillo. Both brothers are in the classes of 2022 and 2023 respectively. Duke was the kind of man many strive to be. He was humble, accomplished, hard-working, and always knew how to make people laugh. He devoted himself to academics, sports, his family and friends. The Duke Carrillo Foundation is a legacy to Duke’s life and honors him by providing college scholarships to dependents of military families, funding the Duke Carrillo Scholars Fund at the United States Naval Academy as well as scholarships for individuals pursuing a professional career in aviation. 

Brian "Gibby" Gibson served in the United States Navy for 12 years. He was stationed at the Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily, Italy.  He was an aviation structural mechanic for the US Navy Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Four (HC-4) Black Stallions.  He attained qualifications as a MH-53E helicopter crew chief, quality assurance inspector, assistant NATOPS instructor and functional check flight crew chief. He received his bachelor's degree in professional aeronautics from Embry Riddell University. He leaves behind his parents, brother and sister-in-law, a sister, three nephews, one niece and one great niece along with his Black Stallion brothers and sisters. Brian "Gibby" is gone but not forgotten.

Born in Olney, Maryland, Dustin took his oath to join the US Navy on March 15, 2015. He found his niche serving as an Electronics Technician aboard the USS JOHN S MCCAIN. His athletic abilities along with his love for the sea catapulted him to succeed in being a certified Search and Rescue Swimmer [SARS] for the Navy, serving in missions while deployed. Dustin had a way of speaking to both young and old with an energetic passion and gentleness-but his gift was in listening, and always being with those in need. Dustin was and adventurist, living life to the fullest and documenting every aspect of his journey; he was an avid runner signing up for every race, he bought a bike in Japan just to see the sights, and when he couldn’t ride to the top of the highest mountain, he hiked it. He loved every sport known to man. He valued friendships without judgement; loved his family, God, both which strengthens a home. He will be remembered for his peaceful-gentle soul.

Survived By: Parents: Brian Doyon & Karen Doyon  Sister: Annette Doyon

An open letter,

To my first born and only son, Evan Hunter Lederer, CM3, it is so hard to believe you have been gone from this earth for 7 years.  Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you, you were such a bright light in this world, your goodness and compassion were evident in so many things that you did from volunteering at various local schools to mission trips in the U.S and abroad.  Your capacity to show love and assist people who needed help never ceased to amaze me.

The TBI you suffered changed the course of your life and ultimately lead to you taking yours, your suicide is never easy to talk about, but I want the person reading this who may feel lost, angry, or hopeless to hear me - Your life is important and matters, people love you!

When things seem at their worst always remember that another day will come, and it can be filled with promise and good moments. 

Seek the help you need, don’t be ashamed – Reach Out people care. 

If there’s one last thing I can say as a mom it’s this, I would give anything to have one more incredible hug from my son –

Evan, until we meet again, All My Love – Mom

In the early hours of September 11, 2001 I was jolted by a vivid vision of a lone body lying atop a stark white gurney at the end of a long dark corridor.  An eerie approach toward the person revealed it was my son, JB.  An awful fear shot to my core as I toiled emotionally and spiritually to reject any merit in this dream.  Later that morning, I witnessed on the news the deaths of thousands of people in the World Trade Center. 

Within five months following the attack on the WTC, my son, Captain James B. Blackmon, Jr., USMC was dead; my pregnant daughter-in-law widowed and my unborn grandson left fatherless.  My life was abruptly changed, just as thousands of other families’ lives have been changed forever.  

USS Barbel SS-580

Lost at Sea. Eternal Patrol 5-1-1989

My son was an amazing son, brother and Uncle! He was always trying to help everyone. He was also a great friend!My son was an amazing son, brother and Uncle! He was always trying to help everyone. He was also a great friend!

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Navy Brat and devoted Sailor. 

Darica would attend grade school in Brownsburg, Indiana and Millington, TN. She was a member of the band, choir and would take up piano and tennis as hobbies. She graduated from Kadena High School in Okinawa, Japan in 2021; where she was a National Honor Society Member. She also played high school golf, worked part-time at Chilis and completed college courses on base with UMGC. 

Darica, joined the military just 2 days after her 18th birthday. Darica, would go on to receive high marks during training making her a candidate for early advancement. Her, first and only duty station was NAS Sigonella, Italy before untimely death in September 2021. 

Darica leaves behind a loving mother, father, grandmother and siblings who miss her dearly! 

Xavier was born in Arecibo PR, he joined the Navy in 2018. He was last stationed in San Diego, CA as a fire control man. He enjoyed his time in the Navy and enjoyed all the adventures and time learning new things. Xavier was very independent and smart. He was also loving, caring, a great friend and a family person. He loved playing video games and reading books.

He is survived by his mom, Irene Perez Soto, sister, Xarielis (19) and Nicolle (15), his nephew, Angelo (8 months) and many friends.  

Benjamen Farrell Worked on being a better person through his Catholic Faith and was  “into” scouting, becoming an Eagle Scout. He was loyal to his family and friends, to a fault and enjoyed participating in choir, musicals, football, and track.  Benjamen was generous with his time and talents, he helped build the grade school Christmas program manger, helped friends fix their cars, he would stop to assist stranded motorists, etc.  He was resilient and made the most of the situations he was in, especially family situations where he was typically the only boy.  He was protective of his younger sisters from the grade school playground to their adult boyfriends. He procrastinated to the point of making a task impossible to complete, but usually managed to complete the task when all others gave up hope. He wanted to make something of his life and chose the Navy to do that and he was building his life through the Navy. He enjoyed serving his country and he liked being in the Navy.  He Liked being the spoiled only grandson and took advantage of it.  He was a Star Wars and a video game junkie and had a passion for reading, especially The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, which he read 3 or 4 times.  He always had the ability to make the people around him laugh, either with some goofy comment or using one of his many quotable sources. He loved his job and excelled at it. He enjoyed new experiences and was always up to trying anything.  He had a beautiful smile, don’t forget the dimples.

Philip was the youngest of three and while he had many friends, his brothers were his best friends!! He loved God, family and his Country in that order.  He lived life to the fullest!! He went to Honduras and New Orleans on a mission trip before joining the Navy.  He volunteered his time for suicide prevention with Active Heroes, a charity organization.  He loved zip lining, horseback riding, go kart racing, playing golf and driving the boats in Norfolk just to name a few.  He was always there to support his family and friends!  He is so deeply missed by all that knew him!  He touched so many lives with his kindness and his smile! Love you Son, from Heaven to my Heart!

We are Larry and Lupi and are the parents of LCDR Todd Coursey.

Never Forgotten. Always Remembered.

Ty's big, warm, charismatic smile will live on through all who love him.

John Garcia had an extraordinary life. He was a loving, hard-working, hilarious person and made a positive impact on so many people’s lives. John was devoted to his family, the San Francisco 49ers and the Navy. For 20 years, he served his country proudly and loved what he did. He was also a great father to his princess Julianna and his Best Buddy Gavin. There is nothing he would not have done for his two babies. The love he had for me, as his wife, was endless. Through happiness and complete sadness, he stood by my side and was my rock. Lastly, if you knew John you knew he was a Niners fan, he made sure of that and was proud of it. Whatever he loved, he loved full heartedly.

John, thank you for lighting up all of our lives with your endless humor, dedication and love. We ALL miss you & pray we are making you proud!!!

Ray “Boats” had many impressive accomplishments during his service. Winning the Admiral Zumwalt Award, twice, serving aboard the USS Curtis Wilbur, USS Spruance, being a part of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami relief efforts just to name a few. Ray was energy, he could light up any room. Those who love him are reminded of his impact in the songs we hear, the smiles of those we love and friends we have yet to meet, in Sailors who have yet to join the service. Ray was so many things to so many people, above all he was laughter, a helping hand and a friend to anyone. How do you harness something like the moon and all the stars? If you had the pleasure of meeting him, you know Ray was the moon and stars wrapped up in one. When a life such as this touches you, you are forever changed.?