Sandra King-Young

One of Jeff’s greatest strengths was his compassion. It was rare to hear him say anything bad about anyone. He had a talent for recognizing those in need and lifting them up. Knowing him made you a better person. He led a life of service, starting at a young age. It was his desire to help others that led him to Iraq. He died in service to others, doing what he felt compelled to. He loved and was loved in return. He is dearly missed.

Ommy was a special boy since the day he was born. He was a quiet and shy little boy but very intelligent, honest, and outgoing. Ommy liked music and knew how to play multiple music instruments he also recorded his own songs, and he loved fashion. He loved being in the kitchen and cooking he also loved outdoors and going hiking. Ommy always wanted to do something special or the next big thing when he grew up. He was funny, goofy, caring and liked to help others that were in need. To me Ommy is the best son ever, very respectful to others and he will light up a room with his smile. Every person who met him always fell in love with him. Ommy grew up to be our hero.

Holden embraced the brotherhood of the submarine corp. Upon graduation from Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, he was stationed at Bremerton, Washington and served on the USS Connecticut and USS Jimmy Carter as a MMN. He was awarded both his "Dolphins" and a Navy Achievement Medal posthumously. He would have been extremely honored by these achievements.  Although he was proud to be a native Nebraskan, he grew to love the Pacific Northwest as an avid snowboarder and fly-fisherman. Unfortunately, we lost him on a beautiful summer evening in a civilian motorcycle accident. We think of him constantly and miss him terribly. He was fun. He was funny. He loved to laugh, and he could be goofy. He also had a unique intelligence, amazing curiosity and incredibly varied interests. He lived for adventure and new experiences, always with a great attitude and positive outlook. His life and memory will always be cherished especially by his parents, Philip & Heather, and sister, Taylor. Fair winds and following seas, Navy man. Godspeed, our son.

Ryne was born in Norfolk, VA on November 15, 1990. He grew up in Newcastle, PA where he enjoyed video games, paintball, and spending time with his friends. Ryne joined the Navy in 2009 and spent his enlistment as a Master of Arms. He enjoyed his time on the ocean with the U.S.S Enterprise sailing to places like Dubai and Djibouti. After his ship the U.S.S Enterprise was deactivated, he was stationed in Norfolk, VA. During this time, Ryne liked to spend his time outdoors and with his wife, daughter, and friends. In his fourth and final year of service, he passed away suddenly on May 4, 2014 in Norfolk, VA. Ryne is survived by his loving family in New Castle, Pa and his friends across the country who honor his memory everyday. 
 

Lieutenant Paul Fridley was lost at sea on August 31, 2021 while conducting flight operations aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) off the coast of San Diego.  His aircraft suffered a mechanical failure shortly after landing resulting in the loss of all five crew members.

Paul was born in Rota, Spain and grew up in Annandale, Virginia.  Paul came from a proud Navy family where both his grandfathers, his father and both of his sisters all served in the Navy.

Paul was an outstanding student attending W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax, Virginia where he was captain of both the football and lacrosse team. Paul was awarded a NROTC scholarship to the University of Virginia where he majored in Mechanical Engineering, but Paul’s greatest achievement at UVA was meeting and marrying his wife Sarah.

Loved by many, Paul is greatly missed by all who knew him.

Gregory Wayne Musselwhite Jr. was born in Mobile, Alabama on February 10,1986 & went to be with our Heavenly Father on June 25,2021. He was raised in Irvington Alabama. He attended Alma Bryant High School & joined the Navy right out of High School He served for nearly 18 years.He was fun, loving & kind to everyone. Dearly loved & Greatly missed by Family & Friends.

Navy Hospital Corpsman Riley Gallinger-Long

Died August 11, 2011 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom.

He was 19 years old and assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

He was KIA on Aug. 11, 2011, in Marjah district, Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting a dismounted patrol.

After his death, a local park in his hometown of Cornelius, OR was dedicated as Veterans Memorial Park to honor all service members who have given the ultimate sacrifice. See the news article here: https://www.oregonlive.com/forest-grove/2012/06/cornelius_dedicates_park_to_ve.html”

Writtten by Zack Gallinger-Long, Gold Star Sibling

As a Naval Aircrewman - Avionics (AWV), Thomas was stationed at NAS Whidbey Island, Fleet Air Recon Squadron ONE (VQ-1) “WORLD WATCHERS!” He served as a member aboard maritime patrol/reconnaissance aircraft. Thomas was knowledgeable as he also performed primary in-flight and ground duties as an aircraft In-Flight Technician. Thomas went on to achieve the rate AWV2 – on the EP-3E. Thomas enjoyed many hobbies during his free time. He liked tinkering with automobiles, playing video games, building computer gaming systems, and reading books. He also enjoyed driving and listening to music, big bonfires, and collecting and shooting various firearms. He loved being outside and went on many outdoor adventures.

Served in the Navy from 2012 - 2020.

Ethan was born in Mission Viejo, CA; two years later the family moved to Gilbert, AZ. After 10 years the family moved to Mesa, AZ where Ethan graduated from Red Mountain High School in 2010. Ethan’s love of the military strategy started very early with computer games, history books, movies and his beloved PlayStation. After 4 years at Safeway grocery store, Ethan decided to join the Navy in 2012. Ethan spent 5 years on the USS Gridley (DDG101) that included 2 deployments. USS Gridley was ported 4 years in San Diego and 1 year in Everett Washington. After completing duty on the USS Gridley, Ethan went back to San Diego for 2 years to USS Zumwalt (DDG1000) to get the ship sea ready. By July 2019 Ethan was assigned to the USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG108) in Hawaii which included 1 deployment. Ethan earned numerous awards and promotions including 5 Navy and Marine Achievement Corps Medals. Ethan was known by many shipmates to be consistently hardworking and someone you could count on. Ethan was known for caring for shipmates professional and personal issues. Ethan was known for smiling and using humor to help everyone get through the long days. Ethan leaves behind a family who loves him and misses him every day .

Jefrey Jatniel Rosario Rodriguez was a young man who loved God and his family. He always helped others and possessed a tender heart. He was a wonderful son, brother, and friend. Upon his passing, we were able to see just how many lives he had touched with his joy, love, and testimony. Today, we honor your life by remembering every moment we shared embracing, laughing, and weeping together. We will love you always, and you will live on in our hearts.

Jake was the gatekeeper of nicknames, lover of animals, and a damn good dad. Known for his funny personality, selfless heart, and cranky attitude if he didn’t get enough sleep; a true gem in the world we lost too soon.

USS Port Royal (CG 73)

Cade Edward Butler was born June 11, 1989. He went to Heaven August 8, 2011.

He was the youngest of three. Cade’s sister, Kaonii King and brother, Michael Horton.

Cade was a highly intelligent young man; he grew up way too fast! Cade was very social, he accepted everyone. When Cade was 15 yrs. He traveled to Guatemala with a mission’s group to help build the Guatemalans a church. Cade had lots of great stories of his trip. He had ordered himself a Pepsi one day, and the guy behind the counter asked him if he wanted a bottle (which cost more) or if he wanted it in a plastic bag with a straw. Cade thought this was hilarious.

Cade said he felt a calling of joining the Navy and enlisted in 2007. He was very responsible and was able to move up ranks quickly. He wanted to go from a Seaman to an Admiral. Cade was a Fire Controlman 2^nd Class. Cade explained to his mother that was not a “Fireman”, his job was to shoot down missiles that were aimed at his ship.

Cade will always be remembered for his big heart and smile. He will be forever missed.

Michael Pleasants was born in the Bronx, New York and moved to Teaneck, New Jersey. He excelled academically receiving an academic scholarship to Hampton University. In 2015 Michael enlisted in the United States Navy, continuing his family legacy of military service. He achieved the rank of Petty Officer Second Class, assigned as a Yeoman 2. He was twice selected as Navy Sailor of the Quarter and distinguished as Navy Sailor of the Year.  He was decorated with many medals and commendations. During Michael’s military service he earned two college degrees. He graduated with an Associate of Science degree from Bergen Community College and in 2021 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University. Michael was involved in entrepreneurial endeavors, creating variants of a software application that was designed to bring people together. He also had passions that included an in depth understanding of business and finance. 

Peyton joined the navy out of high school in December of 2011.  After boot camp at Great Lakes, he reported to VR-54 in Belle Chase, La.,  where for the next 4 years he was a loadmaster on a C-130. In that position he flew around the world several times, lost track of how many times he was in Hawaii and visited over 50 countries. He then changed jobs and became an airframe mechanic for the next 2 years. Peyton re-joined for 4 more years in February 2018, reporting to VFA-122 in Lemoore, Ca.  to work on FA18E/F Super Hornets.  While Peyton was there, he was chosen to represent VFA-122 as part of the West Coast Rhino Tactical Demonstration Team. In December of 2021 Peyton re-joined for 6 more years to get back to where he had started at VR-54 Louisiana. Sadly on 2/28/2022 he was struck by a car and killed.

Jose Luis (Joey) Resendez was born in Austin, Texas and grew up in El Paso, Texas. Joey graduated with distinction from Cathedral High School in 2014 and received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He graduated in 2019. At the time of his death, he was assigned to the U.S.S. Leyte Gulf (CG-55). His first ship was the U.S.S. Truxtun (DDG-103). Joey was always the life of the party, the “ride or die” and the standout in all he did. Joey lived a life of purpose and adventure. He never denied himself a challenge or an experience and that zeal for life was contagious to anyone lucky enough to be in his presence. He had an amazing sense of humor, a quick and enviable intelligence, and a gentleness and kindness rarely found. He had a beautiful and genuine smile, a huge heart, and a generous nature. RIP