Logan never met a stranger. He was always willing and ready to help anyone. He was loved by everyone.
Darica Slaughter
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Navy Brat and devoted Sailor.
Darica would attend grade school in Brownsburg, Indiana and Millington, TN. She was a member of the band, choir and would take up piano and tennis as hobbies. She graduated from Kadena High School in Okinawa, Japan in 2021; where she was a National Honor Society Member. She also played high school golf, worked part-time at Chilis and completed college courses on base with UMGC.
Darica, joined the military just 2 days after her 18th birthday. Darica, would go on to receive high marks during training making her a candidate for early advancement. Her, first and only duty station was NAS Sigonella, Italy before untimely death in September 2021.
Darica leaves behind a loving mother, father, grandmother and siblings who miss her dearly!
Navy Gold Star Tributes
Noely Makenda Nlandu,Your family mourns you with immense pride. Your disappearance has turned their lives upside down, especially that of your mother, marked forever by your courage, commitment and as a legacy of honor. Dynamic, smiling and always full of life, you brought light even in the darkest moments. Your strength, generosity and fighting spirit have touched everyone who crossed your path. You have been a true role model for the young people and hope. Leaving by fulfilling your duty, you leave behind a dignified and bright memory. Your memory will continue to live in our hearts, like a flame that never goes out. Thank you, my girl, forever. Robert Dawkins
Dad of son 5 years old. Graduated at Peace University New York. Join Usa Navy in May 2018.
With great sadness, we commemorate the life of SN Sergio A. Barrios Castellanos, who tragically passed away at the age of 30 in a motorcycle accident on October 10, 2022. He was the cherished spouse of Paola A. Baldomar Beltran. At the time of his untimely passing, Sergio left behind his nearly two-month-old daughter, Esmi A.
Barrios. Sergio immigrated from Guatemala City, Guatemala, arriving in the United States at the age of 12.
Serving his nation with honor, Sergio dedicated himself as a Logistics Specialist in the US Navy. He found immense pleasure in exploring new destinations, sampling diverse cuisines, engaging in soccer matches, maintaining his fitness at the gym, indulging in runs, and relishing family strolls. Sergio's gentle nature, infectious laughter, and quick wit are profoundly missed by his loved ones. The void left by his absence is immense, and our hearts ache with the overwhelming love and longing we feel for him.
Lieutenant Commander Erik M. Sweet enlisted in the Navy when he was only 17 and served 12 years as a nuclear trained Electrician’s Mate, achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
He then commissioned via the Limited Duty Officer program, where he served for more than 14 years as an officer. With only two shore duty assignments in his 26+ year career, he was a proud, sea-going nuclear operator, Mustang mentor and friend to everyone with whom he met.
He served his sea time onboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) for two tours – as a Petty Officer Second Class and a Chief Petty Officer. Onboard USS EMORY S. LAND (AS 39) as an Ensign where he earned his Surface Warfare qualification, and onboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) for three tours – as a plankowner First Class Petty Officer, as her Auxiliaries Technical Assistant and Electrical Officer, and, lastly, as the Ship’s Maintenance Officer.
His retirement ceremony was held aboard the STENNIS in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard on 6 March 2015. Erik’s retirement ceremony was attended by several hundred people, showing how much he was beloved by his friends, family, Shipmates, and the nuclear maintenance community.
I was the Commanding Officer of USS HALSEY (DDG 97), homeported in Pearl Harbor, HI in April of 2015. Erik and I were competing in a run/swim biathlon in Kailua, Hawaii. Four days prior to his official retirement date, on April 26th, 2015, at the age of 44, Erik drowned while competing in that biathlon.
All who knew or had even met Erik saw that he lived each and every day to the fullest, and he had the knack for making everyone whom he was with feel special and loved. Losing his mother to breast cancer when she was 47 (he was 30) profoundly impacted how intensely and sensitively he approached life and personal interactions. He’d often say, “I’m not here for a long time, I’m here for a good time!” A few days before he died, he told me, “I could die tomorrow and be the happiest man ever. I’m done with the Navy … my kids are taken care of and I am finally with you, the Love of my life. The only reason why I wouldn’t want to die is that I don’t want to make you sad.”
Erik Sweet was and is a gift to be cherished and his indomitable spirit lives on in the land of Aloha and in the hearts of everyone whom he loved.
-CAPT (ret.) Linda Seymour-Sweet, Gold Star Spouse
James ……”Jimmy” to us, was the third of our four children and our youngest son. He was the most laid back, easy going baby we had ever seen, never complaining always happy; in short a “joy”. As he grew up he became exceptionally talented in almost every sport but especially baseball. That talent would eventually lead to a college scholarship. His life long dream was to play baseball professionally But Jimmy had a serious and creative side writing poetry and even getting into rap. He would fill notebooks full of his poetry and drawings. And he had a heart of gold and a deep sense of fairness always taking the side of the disadvantaged. And from what we heard from his friends, he was quite the leader. He brought us so much joy in his short time with us and not a day goes by that we don’t shed a tear and at the same time remember a moment with our Jimmy. We miss and love him. He was a good person and we wish we had had more time to get to know him. But, one day we will all be together again.
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Joseph “Joey” Scandariato was 19 when he enlisted in the Navy on September 11, 2001. “Becoming a sailor was his way of helping, to right the wrong, and give help to the people that needed it,” said his mother, Donna. While in the Navy, Joey was stationed in Japan and served on both The USS Kitty Hawk and The USS Blue Ridge where he worked in the pit as a machinist. It was in Japan where he met his wife and “soulmate” Miki. He loved being a husband and father to their children RJ and Mia. As he was still considered active duty at the time of his death, The USS Blue Ridge blew their whistle one last time for him in 2008. Joey is remembered by his wife, Miki, his son, RJ, his daughter, Mia, his parents, Joe and Donna, and his brother, Brian.
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Chief Petty Officer Bruce Anthony Ambrose was born in Grove Hill, AL to parents, Johnny and Theresa Ambrose. Anthony grew up in Grove Hill with his sisters, Irish and Nicole and brother, Labaron. Bruce (known to hometown friends and family as Ant or Anthony) was a kind loving and helpful person. He is described by many of his classmates and fellow Navy colleagues as one of the most reliable best friends a person could ask for. Bruce enjoyed the outdoors. He was a true country guy who loved to fish, hunt, and ride 4-wheelers. During high school, Bruce won multiple awards for 4-H Forestry contest. After graduating Clarke Country High School in 1990, he joined the Navy. During his time in the service, he married wife, Beatrice and had 2 children, Julisha and Anthony. He continued to do anything to help his community and the people around him which was no surprise, to his family, that he choose and excelled in the Navy. Serving his country was an honor to him and his family. Bruce is remembered by his parents, siblings, wife, and children. “We have so many fun memories of Bruce, family BBQ’s and reunions were always his favorite. Bruce is truly loved and missed.”
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Born in Clinton, NC on 25 July 2000 to Charlie and Felisha Whitted. Darius has 3 sisters (Jasmine Jackson, Monay Jones, Tonii Whitted) and 1 brother (Cameron Jones deceased). Darius attended Fort Knox High School, Fort Knox, KY. In high school Darius was a two-sport athlete Football (Corner Back) and Basketball (Point Guard). His hobbies are four wheeling, playing basketball, playing video games, and horseback riding. Darius joined the Navy and graduated from Boot Camp 25 January 2018. He attended “A” school Aviation Machinist Mate (AD) in Florida and was assigned to the Airfield at Norfolk, VA where he completed his “C” school before continuing to his duty of assignment. Darius was advanced from E-1 to E-3 during his career and posthumously to PO3 (AD3). Darius is loved by all his family and friends. He loves the Navy with all his heart.
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Vaughn is my second child and the only child his father and I planned. We knew we wanted a boy and by the grace of God we got one. Vaughn was a great child even though he was slow to speak and walk and once he started speaking it was gibberish and no one understood him except me. Which is how life would play out, I would become his best friend. He shared a lot with me, especially his treatment in the Navy. He was stationed in Coronado and according to my son it was not the best experience. When my son died, he said mom,” I am finally happy” he was able to live out his passion and for that I am thankful to God. To God be the glory for the good things He has done. I will forever love you, Son. Isaiah 57: 1-2
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BU1 Michael Nordquest proudly served his country for 17.5 years as a dedicated Navy Seabee, embodying strength, honor, and unwavering commitment. He was not only a skilled builder in uniform, but also the foundation of his family—a loving husband and devoted father. Michael’s greatest pride and joy were his two children, Adelynn and Jaccson, who were the light of his life. He loved his family deeply and wholeheartedly, always putting them first and creating a life filled with love, laughter, and security. His sacrifice is immeasurable, and his absence is deeply felt every day. Yet his legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the service he gave, and the love he leaves behind. BU1 Nordquest will forever be remembered as a hero, a protector, and a man whose love continues to guide his family forward.
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This letter is in remembrance and honoring Lt. Commander Michael D. Edwards born October 13, 1970 who passed away in November of 2011. I’m thankful for this courageous husband and father, who spent most of his life serving our country. He has left behind to great young men Michael Jr. 23, who has now graduated college and is a computer programmer and Jordan 19 who is attending Sacramental State as a Business Major. They have surely stepped into their fathers shoes, with education in mind. We now stand and honor him since his loss by opening a Non Profit in 2012 named after his son’s MNJ Foundation. This nonprofit serves the Modesto California community by helping veterans, homeless, incarcerated and the less fortunate trying to get back to life in general. By providing job training skills, business skills and community resources to support the underserved residents. He inspired me with his giving heart to help others and always joking spirit when someone needed uplifting. Lt. Commander Michael D Edwards will always be honored as long his family is blessed to keep his legacy going.
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Stewart McGurk served his country as an EOD soldier during Operations Iraqi Freedom. He also courageously served in Operations Enduring Freedom.
A special tribute to CAPT Ronald Sollock, a caring and dedicated husband and dad of two sons. His loving family misses him dearly, including his two grandsons who never met him but who refer to him as “Papi Ron” with much love and pride.
Elizabeth “Beth” Kingsland, was born in New London, CT, and grew up in the nearby town of Mystic. After graduation from Fitch High School in Groton, she attended the University of Connecticut, earning a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics Philosophy. Beth enlisted in the Navy in 2009, and specialized in Cryptology, rising through the ranks, attaining the rank of Petty Officer, First Class. She spent a year at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, before being assigned to Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia. “Her passion was languages, and she qualified in more than a dozen languages, including several Arabic dialects,” said her mother. Beth’s ear for languages was, perhaps, related to her interest in music. She had an operatic voice, loved to perform in concerts. She is remembered by her parents, Barbara and Stephanie Kingsland; she was predeceased by her younger sister, Carrie.
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CMDR Russell J. Gates, US Navy Aviation, Decs, combat jet pilot, flew combat missions in Operation Desert Storm, Northern & Southern Watch, earned Air Medal six times, incl twice with gold stars. Was also Navy Test pilot serving with some of the eventual astronauts. The “Gator” was highly decorated and respected in the Navy aviation community. He saw no difference in the officer ranks vs the enlisted personnel. They were all his “friends”. From his athletic days, he loved the team camaraderie that such discipline entailed. Some years after his demise, people, groups still eulogize his loss. For example, a couple decades after his loss, his high school alma mater recognized him by electing him, posthumously, to its alumni Distinguished Hall of Fame membership. The Gator’s two cousins graduated from Purdue Univ, same as the Gator. They were inspired to follow in their cousin’s footsteps. To this day, Russell’s Gold Star parents still assimilate with several Navy families, all former “friends” of The Gator.
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Scott was loved by everyone who knew him, and at his memorial it was standing room only totally overwhelming. In both elementary and high school he played baseball, football and was an award winning wrestler. He wanted to serve his country and chose the US Navy for many reasons but mostly because his dad served for four years. We lost Scotty 35 years ago, miss him every day and wonder what it would be like if he was here. He was the best in every way and we are thankful to have had him with us for those nineteen short years. We have a rich military family history serving the country we love back to the revolutionary War and Scott proudly joined the ranks of those past and future.
Petty Officer Michael J. Gibbs was a man of humility and good character. Michael was a determined man who chose to create a better life for himself outside of his social norm by joining the United States Navy immediately after graduating from C.A. Johnson High School in 2001. He was born in Columbia, South Carolina and raised by his mother, Ms. Barbara Kanzater. Michael achieved great accomplishments during his time in the United States Navy, earning notable rank and medals. Michael was a wonderful artist and enjoyed drawing cartoon characters, playing video games, and enjoyed traveling and seeing the world as well as spending quality time with his family. Michael was a loving father to his namesake, Michael J. Gibbs, II and adored his devoted wife, Delia Gibbs who, with a host of family and friends cherishes his memory.
My Grandparents, Joseph and Iva Rule, had a large bee farm (or Apiary) in Chanute, Kansas, beginning in the late 1930's. My father, Arthur Rule, worked on the farm while in High School, but, after a short deferral to tend to the bees, furthering the war effort, he enlisted in the Navy in 1942. I have been unable to obtain the details of his service during WWII, but he attained the rank of Ensign. After the war, he became a flight instructor for the Navy, graduating his first pilot in 1951, at Malden Air Force Base. During this time, he purchased a surplus Howard DGA/15. He used his plane to pick up about 1.5 million passengers (bees) from Hessmer, La. in the early '50s. He, along with 2 other pilots, was killed in 1953, while returning from a Navy mission. He had attained a rank of LTJG at the time of his death.
Born: Winchester, MA Hometown: Wilmington, MA. Ken completed boot camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, IL in November 1995. Following boot camp, he com-pleted Seaman “ATD” School in Great Lakes, IL December, 1995. His first duty assignment was onboard the USS Os-prey MHC-51 in Ingleside, TX, where he completed three deployments, and advanced to Petty Officer Third Class. After a successful tour onboard the USS Osprey, he trans-ferred to Navy Cargo Handling and Port Group in Williamsburg, VA. During this tour, he attended Instructor train-ing School and facilitated the Command and Control and Cargo Handling Supervisors courses. In 2003, he trans-ferred to Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic Fleet for staff duty, where he served as the Admiral's Barge Coxswain. After a successful three year tour, he was assigned to Inshore Boat Unit 24 in Fort Dix, NJ. While in IBU-24 MESRON2 Boat Det B he deployed numerous times in support of OIF/OEF. There, he earned his Expeditionary Warfare Specialist device. Once his tour with MESRON 2 ended, he was happy to transfer to Navy Operational Support Center Manchester in Londonderry, NH where he could cheer on his beloved New England Patriots, as the Leading Petty Officer and Training Officer, and selected for advancement to Chief Petty Officer. After taking over as the Command Leading Chief Petty Officer, he took orders to Coastal Riverine Squadron Eight as the Sen-ior Enlisted Leader of HVU Detachment in Groton, CT and selected to Senior Chief. At the completion of that tour, he served as the Senior Enlisted Leader at Navy Operational Support Center New London in Groton, CT, and selected to Master Chief during his tenure there. Master Chief MacDonald’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal two awards, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal nine awards, Meritorious Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and the Antarctic Service Medal.
Spouse: Meaghan MacDonald Children: Lorelai MacDonald and Jason MacDonald Siblings: Amy MacDonald, Crys-tal Sullivan and Gail Belcher.
Xavier lived his life with the moto "Its me and my dad against the the world. I am the only person he can depend on and vice versa"! My favorite memory was the look in his face when he got his 1st car and when he and I got matching tattoos. I just want the entire world to know who he was and not just some nuts and bolts on the ship! And that he was my best friend, son and little brother I never had.
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A Lewes, Delaware native, Joseph also held an Associate in Applied Science - Turf Management Degree from Delaware Technical and Community College. Prior to joining the Navy, Joseph used his education with work on golf courses and in pest control. But he had the most fun spending many summers in the concession stand at a local waterpark.? He was a talented athlete who enjoyed analyzing and watching sports as much as playing them. He loved the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies, and Wawa, but hated that he couldn’t get a good hoagie or a Yuengling in Southern California. When he wasn’t on duty, Joseph enjoyed playing golf and finding new ways to experiment in the kitchen.
Our son Michael (EMFA -Electricians Mate Fireman Apprentice), affectionately known as Jamel was a proud member of the United States Navy. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his shipmates (onboard the USS Kitty Hawk) and worked on his qualifications with fervor. He was known as one who was eager to learn and serve His country, which prompted one of his commanding officers to remark, "That man was raised right." He was appreciated by his division, and performed his duties with talent and enthusiasm.
Jamel will best be remembered as a fun-loving, quick-witted young man who enjoyed seeing the lighter side of life. He was a leader among his peers and was looked up to by family and friends alike. He especially loved and adored his sisters.
His loss at the outset of Operation Enduring Freedom (being the 6th casualty) was a devasting blow, yet we are and have been comforted with divine strength and are encouraged with the knowledge that his life touched so many. To us, as it is inscribed on his headstone, he was ‘outstanding’.
LT Allison Marie Oubre was born in Athens, Greece, to Don and Judy Oubre. She primarily grew up in Slidell, LA, where she graduated from Pope John Paul II school. Allison joined the military in 2003 after attending college at Vanderbilt University. Her parents say she wanted to be a Navy pilot, nurse, and lawyer when she grew up. During Allison’s time in the Navy, she served as a Navy helicopter pilot. Growing up, she enjoyed playing soccer and tennis and was also a Girl Scout. She was fearless and had an adventurous spirit. She ran with the bulls in Spain, jumped 50 feet into the water off a cliff in Hawaii, loved kayaking, and of course being a Navy pilot. She is remembered as a gregarious, sweet, and adventurous person by her parents, Don and Judy, and brother, David.
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John A. Reiners was born in Haines City, FL on 12/23/1985. His first duty station was at the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Division, 10th Mountain Division (Light fighters) at Fort Drum, NY. During his time at Fort Drum, he was able to serve two different tours, honorably, as a United States army Infantryman, in Iraq once during the “Surge” in 2005 and then again in 2007 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His second duty station took him 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division (Ivy Division) at Fort Carson, CO. He was afforded the chance to become squad leader and lead Soldiers into Combat action in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. On February 13, 2010, Staff Sergeant Reiners was killed in action, as a hero, in Zhari Province. His wounds were sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with improvised explosives devices (IED).
PO3 Scott "Skee" Belonsky was born Oct 21, 1975 and passed away on Dec 19, 2001.
Scott graduated from Wheeling High School in Wheeling Illinois. After high school he worked in the air conditioning field. Scott would join the Navy June 18, 1998 to learn a trade, to make a career. After boot camp he was assigned to the USS Cushing which would then take him to Japan.
Those who served along-side Scott, said he was a very well liked person and a hard worker. He was a good sailor and a "good friend," "a great person," "a truly beautiful person with a heart of gold who would have given you the shirt off his back." He will always be remembered for his kindness and his sense of humor. Scott had a great heart, a positive outlook on life, and cheerful attitude. He was a lot like his father.
Sylvester was born in Morristown, NJ, and graduated from Weequahic High School. He loved his dog, Budda, and always wanted to be a pilot when he grew up. He enlisted in the Navy in 1979 where he worked his way up through the ranks to become a Master Chief Aviation Supervisor. In his free time, Sylvester enjoyed fishing and bowling. He was very committed to his military career and served for 20 years. His son, Jamel, spoke of working with his dad at a part-time job at a limousine service. Jamel cleaned the vehicles and his father would drive them. “It was the simple memories I miss about my father,” Jamel said. “I am super proud of him and his accomplishments.” Sylvester is remembered by his wife, Andriana, two sons, Jamel and DeSean, and a daughter, Nekia.
I would like to say a word or two about the life and legacy of AFCM (AW/SW) Sylvester Freeman, whom I had the honor to work with at HSL-34 (NAS Norfolk, VA) beginning during 1985 until 1987 and a second time, at HM-12 (NAS Norfolk, VA) from 1987 to 1990 and finally at NAMTRAGRUDET 1007 (NAS Oceana VA during 1996. He was a sailor's sailor at all times and loved the Navy. He should be remembered as being a sailor who was in his natural environment serving at sea faithfully aboard many ships. We salute his valor and courage, may he never be forgotten. Written by: Stan Killins AMHC(AW/SW) USN, Retired
Navy Gold Star Testimonials
Delrio Family
Thank you very much for everything Erick it was a pleasure to meet you in person, I hope that we are able to maintain communication with the Navy Gold Star program that represents so much satisfaction and happiness for us to unite with other families. Hugs
Carol & Andrea
Mrs. Jackson, you're such a blessing. We don't feel forgotten after our loss anymore. We greatly appreciate the moral support you provided to us. Thank you very much for all you do. Carol & Andrea
Gold Star Dad
Thanks Sabrina for your greatful assistance in obtaining gold star pins for me and my family. We do appreciate your hard work in making this possible.
Judi and Pat, Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.
We were very happy to see Gold Star Navy in the Resource Room at the Snowball Express in Dallas Texas. Rufus and Stephanie provided valuable information and also helped in the event. Thank you for being there for us.
Gold Star Spouse, California
As a survivor of a military serviceman, I'm so pleased for all of you in supporting and caring for those who have lost their love ones like mine. Your kindness and cooperation is being appreciated.
Gold Star Family
Susanna, thanks for all you do for the Gold Star Families. . .encouraging Dolores to submit a tribute for our son Rene was just another example of how you are always reaching out to care for and encourage family members to remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.Thank you! Bill & Dolores
Gold Star Family
'This was a great experience for me. I am so glad I did it. I appreciate all of the work and coordination from everyone involved. Thanks for your program. It meant a lot to me and my husband. We were taken on a tour of the hanger, meet some of the men now in the squadron, and had a very nice time. Thank you very much Sandra.'
KRIS ROMEO BISHUNDAT'S FAMILY
Patricia you are perfect for the job you do with the Gold Star Families. Talking to you over the phone felt like I have known you before and meeting you in person validate my feelings. After almost 14 years it means something special to meet other parents and families who have walked our path and the others who are now on that long painful journey our prayers are with all to find comfort.Gold Star Mom and Dad, Maryland