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Daniel Sander

Branch: United States Navy
Date of Birth: 30 Jun 1999
Deceased: 02 Apr 2023

Daniel Austin Sander was raised in Butler, KY; he came into the world full of energy and quickly became the brightest light in every room he entered, with the most infectious smile and contagious laugh. He enjoyed anything outdoors, loved to play baseball and football. He played softball with the Navy for the FRCNW A Team in Oak Harbor.

When he was a senior in high school, he enlisted to serve our country. He was stationed in Oak Harbor, WA where he met his wife, Maribel. They transferred to Bremerton, WA and welcomed their son, Dallas, in March of 2020.

Daniel was deployed on the U.S.S. Nimitz from April 2020 to March 2021. After deployment transferred back to Oak Harbor. In July of 2022 they welcomed another son, Theo.

Daniel valued time spent with friends and his family. He is deeply loved and dearly missed by all who knew him.

Navy Gold Star Tributes


U.S. Navy
SN
Michael Halpert
01 Jul 2009
Michael Halpert grew up in Verona, NJ, where he dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player or an equestrian. He joined the military in 2008 after receiving a Bachlor of Arts from Montclair State. He was smart, inquisitive and “always wanted to know why,” said his mother, Maxine Gilson. Michael had a “contagious” laugh, she said, and was most comfortable behind a camera taking videos of his shipmates horsing around. “His younger shipmates looked up to him as a mentor.” Michael, who made friends very easily due to his laid back nature, kept his friends due to his loyalty and passion for connection. “His smile was the one that lit up my life,” said Maxine. “He was my pride and joy. Michael was and will forever be my beautiful boy who grew up to be the most honorable and courageous person I have ever known.” Maxine said she still receives messages from many of the individuals he touched. Michael is missed and loved eternally by his mother, Maxine and his stepfather, Paul.
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U.S. Navy
IT2
Timothy Eckels
21 Aug 2017
IT2 Timothy “Timmy” Eckels”, died while serving on the USS John McCain August 21, 2017. Timmy was such a compassionate soul; who loved, respected and inspired everyone he encountered. Also, he was so passionate about a healthy lifestyle for himself, which included physical fitness and holistic cooking and would encourage his friends and colleagues to improve their overall wellbeing as well. Taking proud in his workout regiment, Timmy would create YouTube videos emphasizing the correct form for a specific area on the body (eg: Leg Day, Shoulder Day and or Abs Day.). Not only was he creating videos while on base at Ft. Meade, he was motivating his peers to increase their PT records during the yearly check-in, he was assigned to. In addition, Timmy would prepare meal plans and exercise shakes and would discussed with others at the gym. Making certain the things he was consuming was only organic and without harmful by products. His peers often look forward to what new ideas he would come up with. Timmy you are loved and missed.
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U.S. Navy
CDR
Aaron Eugene Kottas
17 Sep 2010

Aaron loved serving his country and he also very much loved his wife Jennifer and his daughter Olivia Jane. She turned six years old and three weeks later her daddy was gone, as Aaron ended up taking his life. Olivia is tall, blonde and has her daddy’s crystal blue eyes. Aaron loved to restore old cars and on the back window of each one he had the saying “Character Still Counts”. He loved the outdoors, the beach, live concerts, Japanese food and fishing. He loved spending time with his girls and making them special videos with some of his favorite music. He also mentored many Junior Officers wanting them to do better and to succeed. He was a man of integrity, had deep faith and trusted God.

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U.S. Navy
PO2
Dwight Rogers, Jr.
13 Oct 2021

PO2 Dwight F. Rogers, Jr. was the son of Dwight F. Rogers, Sr., and the late Tina L. Rogers. He was also the son of Karen L. Meadows-Rogers. Growing up, Dwight played sports with his siblings Arin and Alexis, whether football or track. He sang in the chorus with his brother and had a lovely singing voice. Dwight was known for his witty personality. Academically, he was in the Gifted and Talented program all through school and enrolled in honors and AP classes. His love for engineering began in middle school when he participated in a robotics camp and later in PMECS (Partners for Minorities in Engineering and Computer Science) at the University of South Carolina – Columbia Campus. He decided that he wanted to be a Mechanical Engineer. As a student at Spartanburg High School, he enrolled in engineering classes at Daniel Morgan Technology Center. Dwight graduated in the top thirty percent of his graduating class and received academic honors. After graduating from high school, he continued his education on a full scholarship at South Carolina State University for Mechanical Engineering and Track and Field. Dwight was a Triathlete and was very good at the triple jump. After two years in college, he decided to serve his country and joined the Navy. He graduated top of his class in boot camp out of 699 recruits!

Dwight was the life of the party, and we miss him every day. There’s not one day we do not think about him.  He was a son, a brother, a father of three, a husband, a nephew, and a friend. May his legacy live forever in the hearts of those who knew him.

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U.S. Navy
AO3
Tevin LeMar Spencer
07 Sep 2023

Tevin LeMar Spencer was 26 years old when he passed. He was a warrior from the Navajo Nation. His clans were Red Bottom, Bitter Water, Many Goats, and Towering House Peoples. He excelled in sports and academics in high school, he was offered a full ride scholarship to Brown University but wanted to see the world. He enjoyed endurance races, fishing, and being with his children. He loved coming home to the Navajo reservation to be with family, eat traditional foods, and enjoy the outdoors. He was married at a young age to his high school sweetheart, Kaylee Hatathle, and they have three children:  Maia, Myla, and Tevin, Jr. (TJ).  He was an Aviation Ordinance man who served at the Naval Air Station-Oceana base in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is survived by his parents, Olivia Lansing and Anthony Spencer. His sister, Nizhoni Spencer and niece, Kyrie Hinojos Garcia and his family. 

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U.S. Navy
CPO
Christopher Andrew Huse
13 Apr 2025

Chief Petty Officer Huse, was a Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsman. He joined the Navy at 21 in 2006 and served as a Corpsman for 9 or 10 years before joining Special Forces.  He served a total of 19 years and went on 8 combat deployments before he passed.  He was very intense, loyal and brave, yet selfless beyond measure. He was born and raised in California and served at 29 Palms and Camp Pendleton.  In 2020 he transferred to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. He had always wanted to have a family of his own and in his final years he was a loving son, husband, son-in-law and father to 2 beautiful girls and was in search of his Norwegian roots. He is sorely missed on a daily basis and never will be replaced. 

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U.S. Navy
MA2
Mark Mayo
24 Mar 2014

MA2 Mark Mayo was a amazing son, brother and friend. Being a single mother, I didn't have a Valentine's date, my son MA2 MARK MAYO told me that I looked pretty and that he was going to take me out, he was such a gentleman opening and closing the door, and played the song How Sweet it is to be loved by you, We had gone to Red Lobster.

MA2 Mark Mayo was born on September 7, 1989, in Washington DC to the proud parents of Sharon Blair and Decondi Mayo. Mark was the baby of the family and a "momma's boy". Mark had 6 bothers and 1 sister. He graduated from Williamsport High School in June of 2007. He reported to the masters-at arms "A" school located at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonia, TX in 2008.

His first tour of duty was a Naval Security Force Bahrain where he served from February 2008 to March 2009. Completing that tour, he remained overseas taking orders to Naval Station Rota, Spain. There he was promoted to Petty Officer Third Class, thus becoming a non-commissioned officer. In May of 2011, Mark was transferred to Naval Station Norfolk where he served as the chief of the guard with the waterside security division of Naval Station Norfolk's security department. In November of 2011, he was promoted to PO2.

Marks's personal decorations include the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, Navy Expert Pistol Military Medal, Navy and Navy Sharpshooter Riffle Ribbon.

Mark was loving and kind and respected by all.

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U.S. Navy
LT
John Eugene Grider
03 Jul 2020

LT. John Eugene Grider was born on January 21st, 1987, and became the oldest of five children. John was patriotic and became an Eagle Scout. John was accepted into the United States Naval Academy and earned an Ocean Engineering degree and the Russian language. He moved on to Nuclear School and served as a Chief engineer qualified Nuclear Submarine officer aboard the USS Louisville. He enjoyed those years stationed in Hawaii. He embarked on some “Secret Missions” even as a very young man. He was promoted to Lt. John Grider then made a career decision to become a Medical Doctor. He entered Medical School at the Uniformed Services University at Bethesda.  In his fourth year, John unfortunately passed in a tragic accident on July 3rd, 2020. John loved his military family and is sincerely missed by them, his family and his many friends. He will always be loved and remembered.

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U.S. Navy
PSSN
Frank Almonte
29 Jul 2013
Frank Almonte was born in Bronx, NY on November 10, 1988; a talented soul who always managed to live a happy life. He loved his family, traveling, and will be remembered as a joyful soul, great musician, a dedicated baseball fan, and a player of the game. After his completion of personnel Specialist "A" school at Naval Training center, Meridian, MS, He reported aboard Personnel Support Detachment Rota, Spain, and became an absolute customer service provider. He passed away on July 29, 2013. Always in our hearts ??
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U.S. Navy
CAPT
Suzanne Ruth Meyer
16 Dec 2024

CAPT Suzanne Ruth Meyer (56, Lorton VA / Monroeville PA) passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Dec 14, 2024. Suzanne was a brilliant, curious, caring person; a bookworm who traveled the world, got her pilot’s license, and was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was dedicated to her loving husband Jim Phillips & his children; her adoring parents David & Mary Lou Serene Meyer, her sister Rebecca Meyer Gottlieb (husband EJ Gottlieb), and beloved nieces Emily, Vanessa, and Audrey Gottlieb. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh (Political Science, Russian language), M.A. International Affairs; and was in Delta Phi Epsilon sorority. CAPT “Oscar” Meyer was a Naval officer for 28 years with three carrier deployments (USS EISENHOWER, ROOSEVELT, & NIMITZ), many shore deployments including the U.S. Mission to the United Nations (NYC), with her last position as Dep N3 Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI).

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U.S. Navy
PO2
William Spencer Houseworth
06 Aug 2011

William enlisted in the Navy in 2004, and the Navy Reserves in 2010.

He was from Jackson, MS.  He graduated from Forest Hill High School in 2003, and attended Jackson State University.  His freshman year he made the academic Dean's List, and finished one semester of his sophomore year.  In February 2010, he was accepted and entered Ex'Pression College for Digital Arts in Emeryville, California.  He had been working on a Bachelor's Degree in Sound Arts. William was sent to Hawaii for training in July 2011 where he drowned in August 2011. He was 26 years young.

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U.S. Navy
Captain
Edmund B. Taylor Jr.
08 May 1972

Captain Edmund B. Taylor Jr was assigned as a chief of staff of Flotilla 11, Commander Cruiser Destroyer Group 7th Fleet. On May 8, 1972, he was a passenger aboard a helicopter attempting to make a night landing on the fantail of the USS Providence (clg-6). The helicopter crashed and fell overboard. 

Captain Taylor,Admiral Robinson and LCDR Leaver were lost in the crash and their remains were never located. They are listed with honor among the missing in action because no remains were found.

 

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U.S. Navy
PO2
Ryan Daniel Burris
21 May 2015

He was born on June 8, 1991 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, IL, Ryan grew up in Lisle, IL and graduated High School in 2009. In HS he was a 3 sport athlete: Football, Wrestling and Throws for Track and Field. He enjoyed wresting best and was part of their winning team 2009. He was active with Boy Scouts. His favorite memories were made while participating with the 1776 Venture Crew. With them, he reenacted as a Loyalist for the Queen’s Royal Army. He would jokingly say, “Well someone has to do it!” He enjoyed reenacting very much and looked forward to continue once he returned home.

As a child, Ryan always wanted to join the service. In 2012 his dream came true when he was accepted in the US Navy where he proudly served as an Electronics Technician for Seal Team 7 in San Diego, CA. He was called to his first deployment and left home April of 2015 where he joined Operation Inherent Resolve. He was temporarily assigned to the Crisis Response Element of Joint Special Operations Task Force-Arabian Peninsula, Special Operations Command Central, US Central Command. There he died on May 21, 2015. He was posthumously promoted to PO2.

He is dearly missed by his parents Daniel and Karen; sister and brother in law, Tamara and Brett Rotelli; sister, Audrey Burris; niece and nephew, Guiliana and Nello Rotelli.

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U.S. Navy
AO3
Deavon C. Frazier
30 May 2022

AO3 Naval Petty Officer Deavon Christopher Frazier was an outstanding service man, son and father who gave his life in a  drowning to save a child who was drowning while on a canoe . He was a gentle soul a thespian who loved acting dancing and most of all he loved family and people. Mommy will always cherish and love you. I am so proud of you. You gave so we could live. I, your siblings, family and friends will always love you.

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U.S. Navy
AO3
Dominic "Dom" Deross
26 Dec 2022

As a kid Dominic had always talked about joining the military and in 2020, he made that happen. He was excited to see the world and serve his country. He was stationed in Lemoore, CA as an AO3 (posthumously) and attached to the USS Abraham Lincoln San Diego. He deployed in January 2022 to August 2022. 
Dom loved life and lived it to the fullest. He had a smile that lit up a room and loved to make people laugh. Somehow, he was able to make people feel included and welcome. It may be the protective instinct he had. He had many interest especially hiking, fishing, golfing, bonfires, kayaking and playing ice hockey. He is very loved and will be missed and never forgotten.
“See you in Valhalla" 

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U.S. Navy
PO3
Terrence “TJ” Salat II
07 Nov 2020

Kind, sensitive & funny; proud Navy brother to many; proud sibling to his 3 brothers; proud husband; gone too soon and missed immensely every day by his broken-hearted Mom… "Love you so much my T”

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U.S. Navy
LSC(EXW)
Raquel Patrice Pingeton
10 Sep 2023

Chief Pingeton was born on January 1, 1974 in Fort Payne, AL. On August 2003 she snuck off and enlisted in the US Navy Reserves with her friend Crystal while living in Chesapeake, VA.  Chief Pingeton met her husband, retired MAC Jason Pingeton in VA in 1998, they were married for 16 years. They have 6 children together Jordan, Shania, Sean, Cyaira, Justin and Jasel. She enjoyed spending time with the family, baking, watching Alabama football games and always had time to lend her ear to her junior Sailors and peers alike. Chief Pingeton came into the Navy as a Yeoman and her first duty assignment was with Seabee detachment 22 out of Richmond, VA. She switched rates to a Storekeeper when she went from USNR to FTS. Her previous assignments include SWRMC San Diego, NAVSUP San Diego, CRG -1, LCSRON-1 and NAVSUP New Orleans. She transferred to NOSC Tampa in November 2021 and immediately made an impact on her Sailors. The CMC hand selected her to take over Admin and be the SEL during his time away from command while still operating as the Supply Chief.  After a long and hard battle with cancer Chief Pingeton passed away surrounded by family and friends on September 10, 2023. Her legacy will live on to those that knew her throughout the Navy and the community.

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U.S. Navy
S01
Nathan Gage Ingram
12 Jan 2024
Navy Seal Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Nathan Gage Ingram was a beloved husband, son, brother, and friend who was lost at sea while on a night mission off the coast of Somalia. A team of Navy SEALs boarded a ship smuggling Iranian missile components bound for the Houthi militants in Yemen. During the mission, a SEAL teammate fell into the water at which time Gage quickly jumped in, in an attempt to rescue him. After an exhausting 10-day search, both SEALs were considered missing and deceased as of January 12, 2024. Gage was 27 years old.  Gage enlisted in the Navy in September 2019, and graduated from boot camp in November 2019. He graduated Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training Class 346 in December 2021 and reported to his first operational tour as SEAL Team THREE. Gage was an amazing man, and the world has truly lost a hero.
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U.S. Navy
MCPO
Andrew Kaloz
09 Feb 2010
Andrew “Andy” Kaloz was born and raised in Lansing, MI, where he graduated from Waverly High School. He joined the navy in 1987 and became an aviation mechanic, specializing in the E2C Hawkeye. In his spare time, Andy loved to golf and fish. Always “a good guy,” Andy looked out for others all the time, said his mother, Claudia. He was hard on himself and wanted to do the best he could at all times. He was tall from the get go - growing to a 6'5" man and carried himself proudly, she said. “Andy has been gone for 10 years and we all miss him as if it were yesterday.” Andy is remembered by his wife, Jeanne, two daughters, Lindsay and Samantha, grandsons, Jason and AJ, his brother Michael Kaloz and his family, and his sisters Barbara Olszewski and Nicole McGrath and their families, and his mother and father, Claudia and William.
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U.S. Navy
MM2 (SEAL)
Shane Patton
28 Jun 2005
Shane, we miss you everyday. While I do mourn for your death, we all take comfort in knowing that you died the only way you would've wanted, defending your brothers. Rest easy Shane, have fun protecting the gates of Heaven.
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U.S. Navy
LT
Zachary McKain
16 Jan 2024

In Honor of Zachary Douglas McKain Zachary Douglas McKain, born May 7, 1987, served with honor and distinction as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy. Known for his leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his fellow sailors, Zachary embodied the core values of duty, courage, and service above self. His time in the Navy reflected a deep sense of responsibility and pride in protecting his country. Zachary possessed a deep understanding of the human mind and had a way of connecting with others on a profound level. On January 16, 2024, we lost a remarkable individual whose legacy of service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Zachary’s impact lives on in the hearts of those who knew him and, in the freedoms, he helped defend. He will be remembered with gratitude, respect, and enduring honor.

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U.S. Navy
EOD1
Ian Dane Zimmerman
09 Aug 2016
Ian Dane Zimmerman was a Bright Star and Angel on Earth and now an even Brighter Star and Angel in the Heavens!  Ian Dane Zimmerman, your Family and Friends miss your Intelligence, Wit, Love, Light and Laughter; your very SOUL & SPIRIT that exuded LIGHT and LOVE! 
 “Sweet Roses are among Us
In their Splendor and their Form
The Light of God is upon Us
Because we’ve been tested in the Storm
The Love of God will direct Us
In the Light upon our Path
We need not overly Worry
Because the Angels have our Backs.”
We Love you Ian Dane Zimmerman!  You are our ANGEL!
Angela Boone, Ian’s Mother
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U.S. Navy
CPO
Kevin Williams
10 Mar 2026

Kevin was a proud graduate of Chancellor High School. At the age of 19, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. During his distinguished 18-year career, Kevin rose to the respected rank of Chief Petty Officer. Kevin was known as a natural leader whose presence left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Many described him as the kind of person who felt like an old friend the moment you met him. His comrades and fellow sailors admired and respected him deeply. Kevin took pride in mentoring others and celebrating their successes, especially when they earned promotions or achieved new ranks. He encouraged those around him to keep pushing forward and to never give up on their goals. Throughout his service, he earned numerous degrees and professional accomplishments, always striving to grow both personally and professionally. He was approaching retirement after nearly two decades of dedicated service to his nation.

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U.S. Navy
AO1
Ruby Perez
07 Dec 2016

Served in the US Navy, mother of her daughter Cici. Loved the outdoors, hanging with her friends, being a mom and music. Never Forgotten.

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U.S. Navy
PO3
Austin Stevenson
30 Apr 2014

Loving Husband, Son, Brother, Friend and Dog Dad. Always the light in the

darkest of times. Greatly missed and forever loved.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Hospital Corpsman

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U.S. Navy
ITSN
Collin William Bowen
18 Apr 2023

ITSN Collin William Bowen passed away suddenly and unexpectedly as the result of complications from a seizure while underway on the USS Wasp on April 18th, 2023, two months shy of his 24th Birthday. Born June 18, 1999, Collin was a 2017 graduate of Anchor Bay High School and enlisted in the US Navy immediately following high school graduation. An avid gamer, Collin has friends from all over the world, and it fueled his career as an Information Systems Technician in the Navy.

Collin is survived by his wife, Alysia, his loving parents: Andrea (Randall) Mink, Gavin Bowen (Jeanette Gilbert), his siblings Kathryn Crosby, Jeremiah Mink, Michael (Amelia) Crosby, Cameron Crosby, Clayton Gilbert and Max Gilbert; his grandparents Douglas Maitrott, Janice Burgess, and Howard (Catherine) Wilcox; as well as an amazing network of extended family, friends and shipmates.?

He was so loved and is so very missed.

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U.S. Navy
AMCS
William Christopher Davis
10 Sep 2023
Born on January 26, 1985, Chris, also affectionately known as Chris, Willie, Senior Chief Davis, or Dizzle, passed peacefully surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer on September 10, 2023. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and friend. His life was a testament to strength, kindness, and unwavering love. Throughout his life, Chris was known for his dedication and service to our nation. He proudly served as a Senior Chief in the United States Navy for 20 years, demonstrating exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to his fellow sailors and country. Chris was a family man through and through. He cherished every moment spent with his loved ones, and his greatest joy was being a husband and father. He will be remembered for his infectious smile, music turned up loud, and being a family man. Chris loved to be outdoors and could be found either in his garage or by the grill cooking up something delicious. Most importantly he will be remembered for the unconditional love he showed to all.
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Navy Gold Star Testimonials