John Burkhardt, Jr.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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

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.

She attended High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. Upon completion, she graduated with honors and went on to pursue her career in the United States Navy. She achieved numerous medals and commendations during her military career. Portia was a Quarter Master 2nd Class on Assault Craft Unit 1 on Coronado Island, CA. She had a passion for everything and everyone she touched. So much so, you could say that she was a perfectionist. Her family, friends, and colleagues, loved and admired her drive and determination. She left her smile upon everyone she touched. Portia was a very strong and strong willed individual. She could handle and excel in any task or assignment given to her with no supervision.

Billy-Jack, my son, I miss you so very much! I love you! I wish you were still around so I could give you a hug and tell you how much you are loved! Oh how I miss you son!   My heart still aches, and it always will.   The hole that’s in my heart is deep and indescribable! Even after 5 years, but at least it’s a little more bearable now, although some days are really hard.  I am just very thankful that your dad was spared this kind of heartache (oh how I miss him too).   I am doing my best in choosing to remember your life and not your death. It’s hard sometimes but at least it’s a start. 

Greg was born in Lansing, Michigan, to Patricia and William Semrau, the 3rd of 4 boys. Growing up in St Johns, he enjoyed the Boy Scouts, Little League, performing in the high school drama department, and time with family. Greg was a man of faith, raised and confirmed in the Lutheran church. He enlisted in the Navy directly after graduation, attending boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Academy, and serving at Camp LeJeune, NC and Camp Pendleton, CA furthering his training as a Hospital Corpsman specializing in nuclear medicine. One of his career highlights was saving a young woman’s leg from amputation by getting better medical images for the surgeons. Greg’s plans were to re-enter civilian life after serving out his second term with the Navy seeking employment at a hospital radiology department. Greg is survived by both parents, 3 brothers, sister-in-law, 5 nephews and nieces, and 1 daughter.

My name is Diana I am or was mother of HM2 Clayton ( Doc ) Beauchamp. Clayton was my middle child. He was so special. Never met a stranger and always took up for the people less fortunate and that were being  bullied. Clayton had such a fun loving personality. His teachers all looked forward to seeing him come to class because he kept it interesting. When he decided to join the Navy of course his dad was so very proud. I was also proud but you know how moms are we worry. But Clayton wanted to save lives so he became a Corpsman and did just what he set out to do. SAVE LIVES!  When Clayton decided to go to Afghanistan I could not talk to him for about a week because every time I tried to speak to him I cried. My worst fear was he would not return home safe and yet he did not return home at all until it was too late. On August 7th 2012 my life was forever changed. Clayton stepped on an IED. I learned later that Clayton did not have to go on foot patrol with his marines. He volunteered for every patrol because he was afraid one of his brothers would be injured in the field and would need him.  So he went voluntarily doing what he loved taking care of his brothers. We miss him every day, but know he is taking care of us from Heaven.

My son lived a life of courage, honor, and deep love. As a Navy sailor, he served his country with pride and unwavering dedication, embodying the very best of what it means to stand for something greater than oneself. He was taken from us far too soon in a tragic accident, leaving behind a love that continues to grow through his wife and the child he never got to meet. Though his time here was brief, his legacy is lasting; carried forward in the life they created together and in the pride we feel for the man he became. I am endlessly proud to call him my son (and his wife, my daughter-in-law, who’s also an active-duty Navy sailor). His strength, his heart, and his service will never be forgotten. He lives on in every memory, every heartbeat, and in the future of the family he loved so deeply.

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.

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.

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.