Ken MacDonald

Niko Venuti, a devoted Navy serviceman, devoted husband, cherished son, loyal friend, and beloved brother, left this world after a valiant battle with cancer. Despite his departure in 2020, his memory remains a cherished beacon in the hearts of all who knew him. Niko's life was a testament to love, laughter, and unwavering loyalty. His devotion to his family was unparalleled, evident in the warmth of his embrace and the twinkle in his eye when surrounded by loved ones. A true romantic at heart, he showered his wife with affection, ensuring every moment was filled with joy and tenderness. Beyond his family, Niko's passions were as diverse as they were captivating. He found entertainment in European soccer, the thrill of dueling in Yu-Gi-Oh battles, the serenity of nature, and the immersive worlds of video games. His enthusiasm for life was infectious, his laughter a constant sound that resonated in every hallway of the house. In the Navy, "Doc" Niko served with honor and distinction, embodying the values of courage, commitment, and camaraderie. His brothers remember him as a steadfast friend, always ready with a joke to lift spirits and a shoulder to lean on during tough times. Though Niko's physical presence may be gone, his spirit lives on in the cherished memories he leaves behind. He will forever be remembered for the light he brought to our lives, the laughter he shared, and the love that bound us together. Rest in peace, Niko, your legacy will endure for eternity.

PRC Stacey Robinson was a husband, father of three and career Navy man whose distinguished service epitomized the virtues of bravery and unwavering commitment to his country. On 7 Oct 2003, he lost his short battle with a service-connected illness. His everyday acts of kindness, courage and unwavering resolve in the face of adversity and quiet assurance reminds us that hope can endure even in the most challenging times. Thru his words and his deeds, Stacey showed his family, friends, and shipmates that the spirit of service transcends the boundaries of time and space, forever echoing in the hearts of everyone that knew him. He is gone but never forgotten.

Tyler, born prematurely in Charleston, SC, from the very beginning, had to be a fighter. As a middle child of seven siblings, he grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and kindness. In 2010, Tyler graduated from Beacon Academy of Colchester, CT, showcasing his academic achievements and dedication. His dream of joining the military led him to enlist in the Air Force in 2012. His initial duty station was RAF Lakenheath in England, followed by Korea and ultimately, Seymour Johnson AFB in NC. During his six-year tenure in the Air Force, Tyler demonstrated exceptional service and bravery, deploying four times, including his final deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. July 12, 2018, Tyler passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love and admiration for all who knew him. His final resting place is in Waterford, CT, where he was laid to rest with full military honors. 

Connor was a longtime resident of New Lenox, IL and graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago, IL in 2010. He attended the University of Illinois where he played on the Rugby team. Connor was proud of his almost nine years of service in the Navy. Connor was a Master at Arms Second Class. He was posthumously promoted to PO1. Connor was a friend to all and worked tirelessly to help the underdog. He is dearly missed by his family and friends.

My son CPO Edward A Lomongo Jr was born in Nov. 6, 1985. When he was 10 years old he became a 2nd Place of YoYo tournament in Hawaii. Also a good soccer players of little league AYSO. Also he participated in Navy Sea Cadet program. In high school he became MVP players in Tennis Tournaments. After high school he worked at PHNSY as a mail clerk and then he enlisted in the Navy. He really worked hard while in the Navy, he deployed so many places with different carriers during Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, Hongkong, and Middle East. My son is loving husband and his children. For us parents we missed him everyday. I thanked the Navy Gold Star Program for the support to survivors families and guidance.

Our son was an remarkable sailor. He was a loving husband and a wonderful father to his children. For us parents, we miss him all the time and will be in our hearts forever.

Doug was, from the moment of his birth, such a joy-he was always smiling. He was intelligent, inquisitive, caring, funny and happy. It’s been over 11 years since he died and while the wound is not as raw, the large piece of my heart and soul that I lost when I lost him can never be filled. There are no words to ex-press how much I miss him.

At his Funeral one of his shipmates spoke and said “Doug could walk into a room of 40 miserable men and within 30 seconds they would all be laughing at something he said or did. “That is just one of the many ways that he has remembered by the people in his life. He was dedicated to his job in the Navy as a Turbine Engineer and also as a Search and Rescue Swimmer (SAR), a position in which he trained rigorously and consistently as he had to be in top physical shape for this selfless and dangerous job. That was just a little of who he was, caring and always thinking of others before himself. He was Doug Beichner, my son, my joy, one of my three miracles God has given me, and no mother could be prouder.

Parents-Deborah Schurman, Edward Beichner, Sister-Alison Beichner, Brother-Daniel Beichner. Beloved Dog-Chopper

Corpsman Dustin Burnett, born August 17th, 1988, in Riverside, CA, was a remarkable young man whose compassion and empathy touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. Growing up in Fort Mohave, AZ, Dustin became a steadfast defender of the underdog, always putting others before himself. Known affectionately as TEX by his friends and teammates, Dustin played football all four years at Mohave High School, leaving a lasting impression both on and off the field. Thanksgiving was Dustin's favorite holiday—a time for food, laughter, and cherished moments with family, which he treasured deeply. At just 19 years old, Dustin gave his life as a Navy Corpsman, courageously serving in Afghanistan and making the ultimate sacrifice on June 20th, 2008. His bravery and selflessness will never be forgotten. Dustin is missed beyond words, but his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who loved him and in the legacy he left.

Pat, who amidst obstacles and adversities, served selflessly with a purpose other than his own. He was the ninja warrior and night watchman who had your back and ensured the safety of everyone else first before himself. He is a guardian angel who continues to protect and guard his family members, bears the shining light to guide them and makes it known to them that he is safe and at peace. His family and friends remember the warrior, the sailor, the son, the brother and the friend. Pat is forever etched in their hearts!

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.

Benjamin Alan Brunner proudly served as an Engineman on the USS Pearl Harbor LSD 52 in San Diego, CA.  He automatically advanced to Engineman third class in A-School for his superb work ethic.  He checked in aboard the Pearl on August 1, 2018.  In a little over 6 months Ben quickly qualified in Cold Iron Watch, Repair Parts Petty Officer, Electronic Shift Operations, Management Systems Operator and Advanced Damage Control.  He was also an active participant in the community relations project with Door of Hope Women's Shelter in San Diego.  

Ben was never happier than when he had grease under his fingernails working on an engine of some sort. He spent much time and a few choice words working on trucks, cars and  motorcycles.  His beautiful smile will forever be remembered and missed.  Fair Winds and Following Seas until we meet again on Heaven's Shores Son.

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

Lieutenant Joshua Drablos, USN, of Forest, VA was killed in a plane crash in Hawaii on June 21, 2019.  Josh was born in Montgomery, Alabama on December 28, 1991.  He attended high school in Forest, VA where he was a state champion pole vaulter.  Josh graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2015 and was a member of the Men’s Track and Field team.  Josh commissioned an Ensign, selecting NFO, later transferring as an Information Professional.

LT Drablos reported November 2018 and began contributing to Fleet Cyber Command's mission in support of U.S. INDOPACOM, helping to align defensive lines of effort to theater priorities. A plank owner, LT Drablos held several roles within Fleet Cyber Command's Task Force – Pacific while the new organization defined itself as the coordinator and synchronizing element for all Cyber operations within the INDOPACOM AOR.  He assumed the role of Future Operations Officer for Defensive Cyber Operations, conducting planning of operations for over 700 cyber warriors in one of the Department of Defense's largest theaters of operations. 

Fearless, Josh loved adventure.  When he wasn’t working on or riding his jet ski, he was in the water on his boat or kite board, hiking, sky diving, or building furniture out of pallets.  Josh didn’t have an “off” button and was in constant motion, full of ideas and making plans for the next adventure.

He is survived by his parent’s, Dave and Gaynor Drablos and siblings Captain Jonathan Drablos, USMC, Katherine Anderson (Spencer) and Anne Marie Drablos (Paul).

Louis started his career on April 1, 1983, as an enlisted sailor, selected Officer in 1998, plank owner of the USS Theodore Roosevelt (2 tours), loved the Navy and so proud to serve (30 years, and passed 5 days later.  He was an Officer and Gentleman in all ways. Everyone wanted to be like him. Loved and missed by everyone!

Lennin was born September 19, 1993, in Santa Barbara, California. From the moment he was born he was a loving and kind person. He was my best friend and only son.

After graduating high school, Lennin found the passion to serve this great country and joined the US Navy in November 2013. He worked as an Aircraft Mechanic stationed at Edwards Air Force Base and later Naval Air Station Lemoore.

We were devastated with the sad news in June 2020 when Lenin called from a hospital in Lemoore to tell me he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Sarcoma. He was relieved from his duties and moved home to Washington State to begin treatment. Throughout chemotherapy and surgeries, he never complained of “why him” and why of this terminal illness. He remained positive about the treatment process until the end. He ultimately succumbed to his illness on October 11, 2021.

I was present when he came out of his mother's womb and took his very first breath, and I was also there by his bedside when he took his last one.  He was buried at Tahoma National Cemetery with military honors.

 “Until We Meet Again My Beloved Son.”

Written by:  Javier Parra (father)

Michael Joseph Phipps was born on July 7th, 1967 in Carbondale, IL and grew up in Steubenville, OH. Michael was the eldest of five, having one sister and three brothers. After graduation from Ohio State University, the Ohio State Medical School, and passing his medical boards, Dr. Phipps worked as a Flight Surgeon with USMC squadron VMAQ-3 at NCAS in Cherry Point, NC. During this time, VMAQ-3 deployed to Aviano, Italy during the Bosnian conflict. In 1997, LCDR Michael J. Phipps, M.D. married Andrea L. Phipps (nee Granger), moving to Silver Spring, MD shortly thereafter to begin a 4-year residency in Orthopedic Surgery at what was once known as the National Naval Medical Center, now Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD). After graduating from residency, Dr. Phipps completed a 1-year Spinal Reconstructive fellowship at the Twin Cities Spine Center, in Minnesota. In 2001, LCDR Michael J. Phipps, M.D. returned to WRNMMC as an Orthopaedic trained Spinal Surgeon. Michael’s tragic death on October 16, 2004 was sudden and unexpected. LCDR Michael J. Phipps was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Section 66.

Michael; a proud father of two daughters, Kara Lyn (97) and Meghan Kay (00), whom he adored. Over the years, Kara and Meghan have honored their Daddy through acts of service and participation with organizations such as the Travis Manion Foundation, Gold Star Teen Adventures and Wings for Val Foundation. Kara and Meghan are Sacred Heart alumni, graduating high school at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, MD. Kara is a 2020 Special Education graduate of High Point University, in North Carolina. Meghan is a junior attending High Point University with graduation in 2021. Andrea is an avid volunteer with Wings for Val Foundation, Two Top Mountain Adaptive Sports Foundation and Warrior Canine Connection as the breeder caretaker of WCC's Donna.

Maurice Busey, was more than a sailor and U.S. Navy Gas Turbine Engineer, he was a father, husband, brother, son and grandson. He was a friend and confidant who took those roles seriously whenever or however he could someone he would not matter how big or how small and no matter if it were day or night. Just like he was on call for his job he was on call for his family and friends and that gave him a sense of pride and purpose. He loved his family, his daughter was his world he absolutely adored her and it meant the world to him to be able to make her proud of him and he spent every moment possible leaving behind for her a positive legacy of love and humanitarianism.

There aren’t enough words in the English language or dictionary to adequately describe the kind of man and person Maurice was. The only words that would be suffice are loyal, trustworthy, compassionate, intelligent, and inspiring just to state a few.  Maurice was the kind of man who led my example and would not ask someone to do something that he would not do himself, he was the kind of guy you meet once in a lifetime truly a treasure and a blessing to all he came into contact with. Being able to share time and space with him was something out of fairytale book or movie, it was so amazing I was so honored to not only be his wife but his friend. Even though his journey has ended the jewels of knowledge he left behind and our very own precious jewel (our daughter) will forever be a reminder of this great man and his legacy of love, laughter, and hope.

The following tribute is to Ronald Lee Zempel, my brother, my hero who I should always cherish in my heart. He was born December 7, 1944, and enlisted into the USN in 1964.  I remember receiving pictures in the mail of his travels from all over the world and oh how I dreamed of one day (myself) visiting those places.  I recall anxiously awaiting the mailman to deliver those letters describing his experiences and gazing at those old black and white photos for hours.  He would send gift souvenirs that reminded me of his kindness and love characteristic of this honorable young man. But one day at the age of 12 coming home from school anticipating another letter instead I watched the uniformed Navy officials leaving the yard. My heart sank knowing something was wrong confirmed when I entered my house seeing my mother crying so much, she could hardly breathe.  I think those tears, I shall never forget as they rolled down my precious mother’s face.  “Ronnie” was gone.  

Airman PRAN E-3 Ronald Lee Zempel was most likely killed in a helicopter crash off of the decks of the USS Bon Homme Richard MIA February 27, 1967.  

Be Bold. Be Brief. Be Gone.   

A daughter. A sister. A friend. A Marine.  With a resolute spirit at an early age, Megan embodied her mantra to Be Bold.  With the decision in high school to attend the USNA (Class of 1995), Megan dedicated herself in word, work, and spirit to the goal.  

In her dedication to lifelong learning, Megan achieved a Bachelor of Science degree in General Science from the U.S. Naval Academy and completed her Masters in Criminal Justice through Boston University (awarded posthumously).  

Megan maintained a dedication to her goal of fitness and to helping others achieve their goal becoming the organizing the first Marine Corps Marathon Forward and establishing the Paul the Penguin Award, which is still given out each year during the Marine Corp Marathon to continue Megan’s efforts to celebrate others achieving their goals.

As a USMC Officer, Megan followed a professional path as a Public Affairs Officer ultimately serving as PAO for the USMC 1MEF and the Army’s 1st Brigade.  Major McClung’s awards include the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.

From her life we find inspiration to always Be Bold.

Brendan was born in Silver Spring, Md., and raised in Owings, Md., where he attended DeMatha Catholic High School and excelled as a football and baseball player.

Brendan was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy (USNA) where he was an All-American lacrosse player. In his senior year at USNA, Brendan took the field alongside his brothers Stephen and Billy, something he described as a "once in lifetime chance." That same year, he led his team to the NCAA National Championship game.

Brendan was commissioned as an intelligence officer and assigned with Commander Naval Forces Korea. He received orders to Naval Special Warfare Group TWO, after which he reported to Basic Underwater Demolition/ SEAL training (BUD/S). Brendan was selected as "Honorman" of Class 265, where his name will be forever engraved in Naval Special Warfare history as the best that Class 265 had to offer. Upon graduation from BUD/S, Brendan reported to SEAL Team THREE and shortly after married his girlfriend of five years.

Three days after his wedding, Brendan was deployed to Iraq. Upon redeployment and follow-on training, he deployed as the Alpha Platoon Assistant Officer in Charge to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Brendan was killed on his 59th mission while conducting combat operations in the Zabul province of Afghanistan.

Brendan was survived by his wife, Amy, his parents, Kevin and Maureen, and his five siblings, Steve, Billy, Bridget, Erin and Kellie. As a SEAL, Brendan was described as a skilled operator who led and motivated the people around him. As a husband, he upheld his commitment to be faithful, honest and loyal to his wife whom he loved unconditionally. As a son, he honored his parents in every aspect of his life, remaining humble in victory and gracious in defeat. As a brother, Brendan was protective, crushing any opponent who dared go after his brothers on the lacrosse field and making sure to phone his younger sisters before each school dance. As a friend, Brendan was often referred to as the "the best," always willing to lend a hand when needed and never expecting anything in return. USNA Superintendent Vice Admiral Michael Miller said, "Brendan serves as a reminder to us all of the commitment we make to our country as leaders in the Naval Service."