Bells Across America: A Nationwide Tribute to Our Fallen Heroes

Born in New Zealand, raised in Hawaii and KIA Panama “Operation Just Cause”

In the early morning hours of 20 December 1989, Chris Tilghman was killed in action leading his fellow SEALS in combat.

BM1 Chris Tilghman was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star with Distinguishing Device for valor.

Chris was an animal lover, he once owned 10 cats. He also loved surfing, skiing, bowling and collecting old piggy banks.

NCTS Guam

Dear Commander Douglas "Dorothy" Morea, For almost 24 years, you successfully and humbly served your country as an officer in the US Navy.  You were often called on to put your life on the line to keep all of us free and safe.  We are proud to say that you did so without second thoughts or regrets.  You are an inspiration to all the men and women who served with you as well as for those who will follow.  The ride you took us on was awe inspiring and we are grateful to have been a part of it.  Rest in peace, you will always be in our thoughts.  Love, The Morea Family

Jaden was a singer, a dancer, musician, and an all-around goofball. Jaden enjoyed a variety of activities, both independently and with others, helping form his identity, as well as lifelong bonds and memories. He loved ping-pong, bowling, board games, etc. When it came to sports, Jaden did not discriminate, playing soccer, baseball, basketball, and football. He departed for boot camp followed by training in his chosen specialty of Master-At-Arms, while stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, he garnered recognition and respect as a result of his sense of dedication and service. Of all his accomplishments, though, I have no doubt, Jaden took the most pride in his marriage to Jo’Niyah, and the birth of their daughter Lay’Lani. Jaden was a lover, not a fighter, despite his shenanigans physical in nature. From a young age, he expressed a desire for the world to be better. Jaden was good.

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.

Marcus was born in Kansas City, MO to Tommy and Cindy Woods.  His family always made sure to find time for laughter and fun and would go on several day trips or longer vacations when school was not in session. Marcus was a cub scout and boy scout and was an Eagle Scout out of Troop 395 in Missouri.  
He joined the US Navy out of high school and became a radioman with the USS Missouri SSN-780.  He is remembered by his family as a problem solver who put this to use while serving on board the Mighty MO. For example, when cleaning the head for inspection he came up with the idea to zip tie plastic around the metal areas so that when it was time for inspection they only needed to cut the ties off and the metal would still be shiny and ready to pass inspection.   One of our favorite memories was the story of when the Missouri was in port off the coast of France.  Marcus wanted to show off some dance moves with his buddies so he got on top of a rickety table, one about to fall apart, and began twisting away.  The table held up as everyone clapped for him and this feat.                                                                          We love our Squibby so much and miss him every day.
Tommy, Cindy, and Chris Woods

Adam Pecaut was more than a service member, he was a husband to Isabella Lena, a son to Doug and Donna Pecaut, a brother to Christina Pecaut, a loyal friend to many, and a daddy to a sweet Golden Retriever named Daisy. Between his desire to travel and golf, there was never a boring weekend when he was home. His time was not long, but nothing short of impactful. He loved Jesus and talking about Him with others, he loved his wife and flipping a new home they bought the year prior to his passing. He was encouraging and supportive to all dreams, big and wide. I have no doubt he’s playing fetch up in Heaven with Daisy and looking down with a smile on his face.

Life with Brent was never ordinary, it was rich with love, laughter, and memories. I’ll never forget the day he told his debate teacher he wanted to be a lobbyist! Instead, the love for his country became his vision, and what a vision it was—he climbed the advancement ladder like it was no one’s business.  He especially loved his time attached to NSWG-2. The stories he shared are told by his family and shipmates, and in traditions kept. He changed our world and although his time here was brief, the impact was infinite Brent will forever be in our hearts, always in our thoughts, ever in our memories. He was a beloved son, husband, father, brother, shipmate, and faithful friend.

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.

John Thomas Larimer was born in the early morning hours of February 16, 1985.  He grew up with his four older siblings in Crystal Lake, IL.  John graduated with honors from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.  John became fourth-generation Navy when he enlisted and went to Great Lakes in February, 2011.  Next was CTR-A school and then stationed at Buckley AFB in Aurora, CO. 

We last saw John in early July, 2012 and he told us he was being encouraged to go to OCS and become an officer.  After John’s death, we learned that they had started a mentoring award in his name because he had been mentoring other military personnel on and off the job.   We also learned that he was doing extremely well with his assigned job.

John didn’t die because of his Navy service.  He died in a mass shooting at a movie theater on July 20, 2012

Vincent Lee Ingellis, 42, was born October 24, 1977, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and passed away peacefully at home near Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, on March 20, 2020. A proud U.S. Navy First Class Petty Officer, Vincent honorably served for 20 years, including deployments in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. He dreamed of retiring, starting a new chapter, and one day returning to the mountains of Puerto Rico to start a farm. Though his plans were tragically cut short, those who knew him were forever touched by his love, laughter, and generosity. Vincent was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He could often be found grilling, working on cars, lending a helping hand, or dreaming big about the future—especially for his daughter. His vibrant personality and infectious sense of humor will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who loved him.

Michael David Saldana Jr. was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1996, and tragically passed away at the age of 26 on May 6, 2022. He served in the Navy, holding the rank of second-class petty officer. Michael shared a close bond with his brother, who was 10 years younger, and loved him deeply. He enjoyed playful moments, such as posing with bunny ears in pictures. Michael had a passion for reading books, playing video games, and taking drives along the California coast in his beloved 2-door Mercedes, a car he proudly purchased on his own. He was known for his caring, generous nature, always willing to help others and give selflessly, even offering the shirt off his back. Michael’s free-spirited personality and kind heart left a lasting impact on all who knew him, and while he is deeply missed, he will forever be cherished in their hearts.

Tom served twenty-nine years of honorable and dedicated Active Duty and Reserve service as a U.S. Navy SEAL Officer serving on SEAL teams based on both the East Coast (Little Creek) and West Coast (Coronado). His service to our Nation includes deployments to Operation Desert Storm, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Djibouti, Fallujah, Mongolia, Yemen, the Philippines, and other regions of conflict, making a tremendous impact on all those who served with him. His medals and commendations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Marine-Corps Commendation medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and numerous unit and campaign awards. Tom was interred with full military honors at Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery. Tom is greatly missed by his family, his military family, and his friends.

Danielle was a beautiful, compassionate, cynical, intelligent and an inspiring young woman - she was one of a kind. Danielle was always eager to put herself and everything around her to the test. 

Danielle loved to sketch, journal, debate, and she also enjoyed writing short science fiction stories. She was a voracious reader and a lover of different genres of music and movies.  Danielle sketched a “Tree of Life”, with rainbow roots which later became her first tattoo. It was incredibly special to her since it represented her coming out to the world as a bisexual woman.

Danielle had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a passion for mentoring others.  She loved to travel, and she embraced all cultures. She enjoyed sharing these new experiences with others.   

Danielle was always looking out for the underdog.  She had an amazing sense of compassion and patience for others. She often withheld passing judgement and was very loyal to her friends and family.  Danielle understood that words were not always necessary and just spending time together was enough.  Her smile and laughter were very contagious.  Danielle went out of her way to talk to you when you needed it most, regardless of what she was going through. She was a beacon of light to everyone around her.  

LCDR Kenneth Buell was born in Louisville, Ky., on Aug. 24, 1939, as the only child of Louis and Libby Buell of Xenia, Ohio. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and married Mary in June 1963.

While assigned to VA-35 at NAS Oceana, Va., he deployed to Vietnam in the summer of 1972 embarked on the USS AMERICA (CVA 66). On Sept. 17, 1972, CDR Verne G. Donnelly, pilot and Skipper of VA-35, and Kenneth launched from USS AMERICA (CVA 66) on a combat mission over the vicinity of Hai Duong, North Vietnam. As their aircraft was about 8 miles west of the city, heavy AAA fire followed by a large fireball were reported along their flight path and it was assumed that they were shot down and both declared Missing in Action. He remains listed as MIA after 42 years.

Mary never remarried and resides in Gig Harbor, Wash., along with Susan, their daughter, who has two children Aidan and Trinity. Their son, Richard, has served in the Navy for 23 years as a Supply Corps Officer. He is assigned to NAVAIR in Patuxent River, Md., working as a Business Financial Manager for the Air ASW Systems Program Office (PMA-264). He and his wife, Kimberly, of Powhatan Point, Ohio, have two children Alexis and Evan.

USS Barbel SS-580

Lost at Sea. Eternal Patrol 5-1-1989

Jaxon was/is larger than life. From the time he was born until the day he was born into eternal life he was full of energy, enthusiasm, compassion, humor, and a lot of love. He was a friend to all who knew him. Jaxon was incredibly intelligent. Scoring a 98 on his ASVAB! He was a mama's boy at heart and sure knew how to have a good time. One of his favorite things to do was spend time with "his buds" or his family. He is deeply missed and the world will never be the same for many of us that love him.

Master at Arms Petty Officer 3rd Class Duffy was born on March 30, 2001 to Lori and Andrew Duffy of Wareham Massachusetts. Kyle was the youngest of five and the brother to Amy, Juanita, Merissa and Zachary. Kyle was stationed at Naval Base Guam and died unexpectedly while on duty on August 12, 2024. Kyle was the person when you talked about great people who cared about others and would listen to everyone's life story and show he really cared for others. He loved fishing and literally has a fishing rod store at home in Wareham. Our family is truly heartbroken and we will never forget his kind heart. He is buried at the National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts a very peaceful place. WE LOVE YOU  KYLE

CM1 Stephen M Kuhry was born on 5/7/88 and was my oldest son.  He was very smart and never dull. He passed on 6/24/2017, three weeks before his youngest son was born. He was loved by many and made me a very proud momma and a proud grandma.  I will love him forever.

Nathaniel, loss of a son, brother, and friend that God must have needed more.  He was a terrific friend, husband, sailor, uncle, brother and son.  Nathaniel was a giver by nature and loved helping others. He loved his family, cherished his friends and was an extremely talented artist with various mediums, paper, pencil, wood, etc…  Those who knew him, knew how much he wanted to be a father, and even though he never got to be one, I’m sure he is playing guardian angel to the children that were in his life.  Of course, smiling, he was always smiling even on his bad days, he smiled.  Thou his body is gone, I have no doubts he is happy and working hard to help others, all while smiling next to our Father’s side in heaven. Nathaniel was always a hard worker, proud of the Navy, through and through. Though White House Communication Agency is normally a peak in any airman, soldier, sailor or coast-guard’s career, he wanted to go to JCU, Joint Communications Unit. So, he worked hard to get accepted into JCU. He endured surgery to go to jump school and was so thrilled when he was accepted.  He survived Afghanistan and thou tragic, he died doing what he does best…helping another in need. Rest in peace dear son, rest in peace until we meet again. Love, Dad and Mom.