Jeffrey Matthew Silvas

Thomas was a loving son and oldest brother of seven children. Even at a young age, Thomas was drawn to serving his country in the Navy, desiring to follow in his dad's footsteps. He felt called to help those in need and to be a part of something bigger. Thomas participated in the Navy JROTC in high school in Rota, Spain. After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy in 2017. He dutifully served his country and was stationed at Ft. Meade at the time of his death. Thomas will be remembered for his dedication to his country, answering the calling to serve, and his love of the US Navy.

Seaman First Class Earl Eugene Halvorson USN, age 19, died February 27, 1944, on board the submarine USS Grayback (SS208), lost to enemy action during World War II.

Earl was born to Johnnie and Amelia (Possails) Halvorson in rural Lyon County Minnesota. After the death of his father, Earl (age 8) shouldered the responsibility as father-figure to his younger siblings during the Great Depression.

On December 20, 1941, thirteen days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Earl enlisted in the US Navy. Only 17, his mother reluctantly signed his enlistment papers, and December 31st  he reported to Naval Station Great Lakes.  Earl volunteered for Submarine Service and reported to Pearl Harbor. Scoring top of his class, he was ordered to active duty as torpedo-man on the USS Grayback. He served on her 7th, 8th, 9th, and  eternal war patrols.

So, it was bittersweet on November 11, 2019, news broke that a 75 year old mystery had been solved – the USS Grayback had been found resting off the coast of Okinawa; the final resting place of Earl and 79 comrades.

Earl is fondly remembered by his last surviving sibling, Elaine, age 93. Earl's legacy inspired future generations to volunteer for military service.   

MC1 Victor Walter Jeffries was born February 9, 1955 in Brooklyn, NY. He attended Louis Brandeis High School in the heart of the Upper West Side and excelled as a student athlete. He continued his education at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Exercise Physiology, 1979. Following higher education, Victor worked and lived in New York City, and played for the New Jersey Rams Semi-Pro Football team, 1979-1980.

Victor moved to Honolulu, HI in 1984 where he met his wife, Elizabeth. They had two daughters, Keshia and Chantel. He worked as a P.E. teacher and Head Coach of the J.V. Girls basketball team at Farrington High School, leading to a state championship. He was involved with the Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Academy as a mentor. An anchor in his community, he was always giving back with a smile and positivity.

In addition to Victor’s career with the Hawaii Department of Education, he served with the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army, and U.S Navy. At the end of his career, he worked at what is now known as Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, operating boats and equipment with the SEAL Team 1. He was later assigned to the Navy Expeditionary Logistics support group, Navy Customs Battalion Tango. They deployed on September 30, 2007 to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He later succumbed to injuries from a vehicular accident on December 30, 2007.

Preston Miles Mitchell  born to Ida and Jeffery Mitchell on November 22,1995 as young boy Preston was always thinking about others and how he could help. He was focus on doing something great being the best person he could be. And with that goal in mind he decided to join Navy  where Faith, Courage and Service with Honor would propel him. There were no other Petty Officer 2nd Class could replace a friendly, determined hard working, loveable young man. He was proud of his accomplishments as a Petty Officer 2nd Class. God chose Preston to depart this earth at early age on June 2, 2021.His sudden death has left a void in all of our lives but will forever be proud of Preston. Neither time or reason will change the way I feel. Be there in  my heart always.---Till we meet Again Son--- 

Love Mommy and Family.

Thank you for the years of happiness you gave me. And even if today, you no longer find in this world, your memory will remain within my heart and therefore you will always continue to live. You live in the hearts and memory of those who love you. When we remember you sometimes we cry and sometimes we smile remembering the moments lived with you and your absence hurts too much but it comforts us to think that now you no longer have pain or suffering in this world. A huge kiss to heaven I wait for the day she votes to be together to hug you again. Every moment shared I will carry forever as a treasure in my memories and in my heart. Don't forget that you live in the hearts of those who love you.

Gracias por los años de felicidad que me regalaste. 

Y aunque hoy, ya no encuentres en este mundo tu recuerdo seguirá dentro de mi corazón y por ello tú siempre seguirás viviendo.

Vives en los corazones y en la memoria de los que te amamos.

Al recordarte aveces lloramos y aveces sonreímos recordando los momentos vividos junto aty tu ausencia duele demasiado pero nos consuela pensar que ahora ya no tienes dolor ni  sufrimiento en este mundo.

Un beso enorme al cielo espero el día en que vota estar juntos para volver abrazarte. 

Cada momento compartido lo llevaré por siempre como un tesoro en mis recuerdos y en mi corazón. No olvides que vives en los corazones de quienes te amamos.

Ian attended RPI where he was an NROTC candidate with aspirations of becoming a Marine Officer. After graduating with honors, earning a double major in computer science and engineering and a minor in artificial intelligence, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt in the United States Marine Corps on May 18, 2007.  As an active-duty Marine, Ian was an Engineer Officer assigned to the 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp LeJeune, N.C. Ian was assigned as the 1st Combat Engineer platoon leader for the ABV, Assault Breacher Vehicle. His personal awards include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.  Ian was a lifelong athlete who enjoyed football, lacrosse, rugby, and wrestling.  He was an avid public servant who felt called to serve our country after 9/11, by joining the Marine Corps in order to help others.

Before entering the Navy, Christopher worked at the Langley AFB Commissary, VA during high school and while attending college.

Chris joined the Navy in 1999. He served as an Optical Technician at the Naval Medical Center San Diego, California for 3 years and was in training for Laboratory Technician at the Naval School of Health Sciences San Diego at the time of his death.  He was a faithful and devoted Sailor.  Being in the Navy inspired Chris to become confident, strong, and disciplined.     

Chris enjoyed music, singing, competitive running at PT, going on trips and spending time with his friends.  His military family and friends helped him fulfill his purpose in life.  When Chris came home, family time was important to him.  He enjoyed family gatherings and all the attention he received.

Chris was a loving and kind person with a cheerful disposition.  Chris was loved by everyone who knew him.   His smile and laughter were contagious.

 Chris was 24 years old when he died but his life was “a life well lived.”

Christopher was and always will be a Blessing to our family. We will love and remember him in our hearts forever.

 Mom, Dad, Clarence Jr, & Lisa

Commander Brian Bourgeois was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He was a 1997 graduate of James E. Taylor High School in Katy, Texas. As a proud Cajun and avid outdoorsman, he grew up hunting and fishing. He was a stand-out athlete on the football and baseball teams. His desire to serve, passion to lead, and determination drove his appointment to the United States Naval Academy. While at USNA, Brian was a four year member of the varsity football team where he left an undeniable legacy of friendship, perseverance, and commitment.

Upon graduation and commissioning in 2001, Brian was selected as a Surface Warfare Officer. After 3 years, he attended BUD/s and graduated with class 253. He went on to earn his master's degree in Defense Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School and received the Pat Tillman Leadership Award for his class.

Commander Bourgeois was the special combination of grit and determination coupled with an easy going personality. A leader of action, "Booj" showed care and concern for those with whom he served and was present to listen and provide help when needed. He had a mindset of service to others and engaged meaningfully within the community. 

Nothing brought Brian more pride and joy than his wife, children and dogs. He remained a constant source of love and strength in their lives and was determined to be a regular presence despite the high operational tempo of his profession. Brian and Megan recently celebrated 20 years of marriage, and she was the love of his life. Brian was immensely proud of his wife and five children and never missed an opportunity to talk about them.

Brian’s many awards and decorations over the past two decades included a Bronze Star with valor. .

Brian is loved and missed by many. 

Honoring 2nd class petty officer Zachary Soussa, just an outstanding Sailor in the United States Navy. An all-around great person. He lights up a room when he enters it. He was taken from us way too young and way too soon.

He was the oldest of three children born to Debbie and Jeffrey Faehnrich. As a child he always had a smile on his face and loved everybody,  so easy going and caring for others. Devon attended Legacy High School in Broomfield, Colorado and graduated in 2020. He then enlisted in the United States Navy, April 20, 2021.  After finishing his training at the top ten percent of his class, he reported to the Navigation Department on the Virginia-class submarine, (PCU) Montana (SSN 794) in Norfolk, VA on March 30, 2022. He was a member of the crew during the ship's commissioning which gave him the prestigious honor of becoming a Plankowner.

Devon loved the outdoors. He grew up hunting, fishing, hiking and camping with his family.  He loved playing sports and was always up for an adventure and was fearless in everything he did.  Our hearts are broken without him.

NEVER FORGOTTEN

Shawn was born February 27 1981 in Petersburg, VA.  Born into a military family, Shawn then moved to Radcliff, Kentucky (where he would return to and go through basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky) and from there to Covington, Virginia.  Shawn originally was going to be a tanker but changed his MOS in Iraq to Scout.  

Shawn graduated from Alleghany High School in Covington, VA and enlisted in the Army.  He had his first tour in Iraq when he was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas and his second tour of Iraq was when he was stationed at Fort Drum, New York.  

Shawn was a good natured young man and had many friends.  He liked to fish, attempt magic tricks, and liked to snow board.  He is missed by his family and friends.  

Cameron was born and raised in Memphis, TN. He was always such a great child, kind, loving and smart. He loved being outdoors playing baseball, hiking and riding bicycles. He also loved playing video games. Cameron was a talented drummer and was on his high school drumline. As he got older, he grew to love photography and was becoming quite good at it. He stated at an early age he was going to be in the military. That dream came true when he joined the Navy. After bootcamp, he was stationed in Pensacola, FL at Corry Station for both CTR “A” and “C” school. Cameron is so loved and missed every single day.

My son was a beloved big brother and sibling. He leaves behind his brother and two sisters who  looked up to him.  Justin aka “J.J” was the role model for his siblings.  Being a single mother of four, J.J set the bar for his siblings. As an example, when he said he wanted to join the Navy because he “needed that discipline on how to be a man”, I couldn’t have been prouder of my son and his service!  We as his family, honor him today and forever; he will never be forgotten! We love you J.J, and you are always missed.

Submitted by his loving mom, Crystal Brown

Scott was a loving son, brother, and father who proudly served in the U. S. Navy.  He was easy-going and lived life to the fullest.  Scott began his Naval career in 2004 and served on the USS Enterprise and the USS Harry S. Truman.  He worked diligently to reach his goal as an officer.  Scott was an avid reader, a computer expert, and enjoyed playing his guitar. He especially loved his visits back home to southern Louisiana where he relished being with family and eating Cajun cuisine.

He will be forever loved and missed.

Kevin’s passion for helping others, especially through medicine and technology, was clear at a young age. This passion ultimately led him to pursue a healthcare career. After graduating from the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program at LaGuardia Community College, Kevin worked as an EMT in New York City. In January 2022, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class (HM3) as a Hospital Corpsman stationed at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Okinawa, Japan. In this role, he played an essential part of the medical team, offering direct patient care to service members and their families. He had plans to further his education in biomedical science and physical therapy. Kevin had a passion for music, cars, motorcycles, playing video games, and fashion. He leaves behind his family, friends, and colleagues who will forever cherish his memory and uphold his legacy.

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, he was an energetic, happy, and loving son, brother, nephew, grandson, and friend. Known for his loud voice and big smile that could light up any room, Tyon touched many lives with his caring nature, love and joy. From age six, Tyon loved playing basketball, the color red, and running track. After graduating from Pickerington North High School, he fulfilled a long-held dream and joined the US Navy. Tyon reported to Great Lakes for boot camp in July 2023, quickly becoming a leader in his barracks. His shipmates admired him for his hard work and dedication. He was so excited about his future, including plans to start school and continue his leadership journey in the Navy. He was always eager to help others and had a generous spirit. Our beloved son gained his wings at age 19 from a brain aneurysm; today, his legacy lives on through the many accomplishments he achieved in such a short time.