Brandon G. McCoy

James was a very caring person. He volunteered at the USO in Guam before he passed away. He broke his wrist when he was in high school and we were driving 30 miles from home one day and blew a tire. He would not let me change the tire. He told me his casts were so hard it did not hurt to change the tire. I and his brother miss him so much. We love you James Dyer!!!

We love and miss you to the moon and back. Rest in peace-Mom, Dad, Brothers and Sister

#Peter the 3rd borne child of 5 & 1st of 3 sons that has enlisted into the United States Military. Both of his two older brothers joined the service ranks of the United States Army Rangers & United States National Guards men.  A Lover of the ocean. Peter was motivated by his grandmother to enlist in the United States Navy & served 6 years. He sailed the seas on three different Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. Following the 3 Nimitz-class Peter was stationed and worked the HSG-3 at NAS North Island, in San Diego, CA and lastely the Wasp Amphibious assault ship of the USS Makin Island LHD-8~IYASOYAS He has traveled many voyages to distant lands. To setting sails asea humbled by nature , a Kind Soul. Peter had Heart! A big Heart at that A rare breed of his time A lover in his own right . He expected nothing less than that of the same Love & Kindness in return.. Just an all around kinda guy. He was a world traveler, a reason to smile ,and an inspiration to be a better. Peter’s legacy will be honored as we celebrate his life & live everyday as he did. Thank you, Peter for your Service to our country and for your Sacrifices for our freedom. May the seas lie smooth before you. May a gentle breeze forever fill your sails. May sunshine warm your face, And kindness warm your soul. # FOREVERPETER♥  ♥mom ~Fair winds and Following seas, shipmate, we have the watch.

Petty Officer 1^st Class Brian Richard Stead was born on the Northshore of Boston on January 17, 1990. He grew up amongst a large and loving family and group of friends.

After college Brian enlisted in the Navy, wanting to be part of the world’s greatest team. He served proudly from 2013 until 2024. In the course of those 11 years, he achieved the rank of Petty Officer 1^st Class and earned several medals and accommodations. In November of 2021 Brian married Reiko Suzuki and in June of 2023 welcomed a beautiful daughter, Emi Stead. Sadly in April of 2024 we lost Brian as he was serving in the Navy. He is missed by all that knew him, we have all lost a fine man. He will forever be in our hearts. It is with pride that Brian served our nation.

Nathan Lee Watford was born in Saint Joseph, Michigan. He joined the Navy in 2008 where he excelled as an Engineering Laboratory Technician on a nuclear submarine, according to his was father, Trent. “Nathan was a bright young man with a very inquisitive mind,” he said. “He loved animals and at different times had a pet bird, a dog and cat.” He enjoyed playing video games and riding the family’s jet ski. He is remembered by his parents, Trent and Lynelle and his brother, Air Force Major Jonathan Watford.

Brandon Slatton loved to laugh, said his wife, Jenny. “He was definitely a people person.” Brandon was born in Pocatella, ID, but grew up in Pevely, MO where he attend-ed Herculaneum High School. He joined the Navy in 2004 and be-came a Damage Controlman where he managed fire systems aboard ships, taught firefighting at Boot Camp, and recruited young Sailors.A handy guy, Brandon was always working on something – be-tween building things for his two children or tinkering with his motorcycle or pick-up truck, his hands were rarely idle. According to Jenny, Brandon’s dream was to retire at 20 years and become a fire marshal as his second career, “or a mailman,” he would joke to his wife. He always had a smile on his face, “unless the Cardi-nals or Packers were losing,” says Jenny. He is remembered by his wife Jenny, his children, Gene and Emmie, his mother and father, Paula and Vern, and his siblings Nathan, Anna, and Danielle.

Robert was Navy Hospital Corpsman who served most of his years with the Marines. He loved being there for others and he loved helping any who needed him. He served almost 20 years before he was suddenly taken from us. He would have retired July 31, 2018 after serving 20 years. He loved what he was doing and loved the men who served under him. To his family, he was a hero. He loved his nieces and nephews and treated them as if they were his. He left a mother who loved him dearly, a brother and two sisters, who miss him so much.

Lt. William (Bill) Joseph McKeown was born July 21, 1981, in Dickinson, ND. Bill attended grade school in Marmarth and North Pole, Alaska. He graduated valedictorian from Rhame High School in 1999. From there, he went on to Tulane University in New Orleans, La., with a full scholarship from the Naval ROTC program. He graduated with a mechanical engineering degree and was commissioned an ensign in the Navy in 2003. Bill went on to serve in the Navy as both a mechanical and nuclear engineer following graduation. Bill received his nuclear training in Charlestown and in Utica, N.Y., then to diving school in Florida. Bill was stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii for 11 months, then to Guam for three years, where he was stationed on the U.S.S. City of Corpus Christi SSN 705. He then went on to Charlestown as a instructor in Nuclear School. Bill loved to hunt and fish and hang out with his family and friends and was also an avid car enthusiast. He had a true zest for life – he never let life get him down. He was a very determined and optimistic person throughout his entire life. He was a happy person with a love for his family and friends that all knew, felt and understood. He made sure of this. He accomplished so much in his short time here and never lost sight of who he was, where he was going in life or how he would get there – nothing stopped him – he saw no roadblocks in life. More than anything else in life, Bill cherished his relationships with family and friends.

Captain DeConto, a Sandwich MA native, was killed during the 9/11 Terrorist Attack on the Pentagon while on duty in the Navy Command Center. Captain DeConto was a dedicated Naval Officer who was respected and admired by those he served for and by those that served for him. He was a high-spirited , caring person who enjoyed many activities, one of which was running, and he enjoyed them most when they were shared with friends and family. His Navy career took him all over the world but he returned to Cape Cod whenever he could, and he spent the weekend before 9/11 in Sandwich with family and friends. The Captain DeConto Memorial Scholarship Fund was set up in his memory to honor him and the legacy he left behind which is one of service to his county, leadership, friendship and love of life and family.

ABH1 Timothy Justin Williams was born June 22, 1986 in Dublin, Georgia. He is preceded in death by his father, the late Jack Williams, Jr. and brother, Trey East. He faithfully served the United States Navy for 11 years as an Aviation Boatswains Mate Handler, achieving the rank of Petty Officer First Class. His duty stations included the USS Boxer (LHD-4), Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, USS Enterprise (CVN-65), USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) & USS Eisenhower (CVN-69). He completed three Western Pacific deployments & a Humanitarian mission to Central & South America as well as decommissioned the USS Enterprise. As a family man, he truly loved his girls. His three daughters and their dog, Mousse, were his pride and joy. He was an avid outdoorsman and a lover of all things camouflage, fishing and duck hunting as well as a proud Georgia Bulldog fan. His good natured love and laughs are truly missed by so many. ABH1 Williams passed away Monday, August 13, 2018. He is survived by his wife and three daughters, his mother and step-father, step-mother, grandparents, five sisters; and several nieces and nephews.

Jake was raised in Tyngsboro, MA and later moved to Plymouth, MA. Jake was excited to join the US Navy after realizing that college wasn't for him. He started his service in Groton, CT at the Naval Submarine Base where he made many friends and eventually was stationed at Pearl Harbor.

He loved video games, Pokemon, painting Warhammer figures, skiing, time with his friends and family, and his dog Evie. He had a talent for drawing and a great Christopher Walken impression. His family misses his boisterous laugh, quirky humor and sparkling green eyes. Jake was 24 at the time of his passing. 

SCPO D’Juna Marie Hayes-Jones was born to Gerald and Evelyn Hayes Sr. in New Orleans, LA, where she grew up with her brothers. She graduated from L.W. Higgins High School and joined the Navy in 1983 where she became a Corpsman. D’Juna loved her Datsun 210, ballet and Jazz as well as the New Orleans Saints. Her brother, Jarrett, said, “she had a love of life, friends and family, music, and good food. She enjoyed various foods from all over the world and heard all kinds of music and viewed artwork,” said her brother. “Yet, as she would say, ‘I’ve been around the world and tasted lots of great food, but no food compares to New Orleans cooking.” She is remembered by her father, Gerald Hayes Sr., her brothers, Gerald Jr., Stacey, Kapell, Djuan, Aristede, Yunaka Baham, Jarrett, Rubien, and Gerilyn as well as her husband, Earnest Jones Sr., and their children, Earnest Jr. and Danika.

Daniel J. Butler was born in Sandusky, OH, to Floyd and Mary Butler. The family relocated to Seattle, WA, where Daniel grew up with his brother and sister. Daniel graduated from O’Dea High School before briefly continuing his education at Seattle University before joining the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1941. Daniel was a Radio Operator/Gunner on a B-17 Bomber. “I don’t remember much about my brother,” says Dale Butler. “I was seven years old when he was killed. I do remember his two or three short visits in uniform to our home before he shipped overseas.” Dale recalls how his brother always brought him a toy when he visited. Daniel was among the first contingent of soldiers to be sent to England in 1942. His unit, the 91st squadron of the 322 Bomb group, was the outfit that the famous Memphis Belle flew with. He was only 22 when his B-17 was shot down over Schweinfurt, Germany, on August 17, 1943 on his 25th combat mission. Daniel is buried at the Lorraine American Cemetery in St. Avoid, France.

James M. Curran Jr. was born in Nyack, NY, and grew up in Pine Island, NY, where he attended Warwick Valley High School. “Jimmy,” as he was known, was a Seabee in the Navy and worked with Naval Special Warfare Group 2. He was preparing to go to dive school to learn how to weld underwater. He loved motorcycles, tattoos, music, running, building, and design. He is remembered by his wife, Alanna M. Curran, and his mother, Jeanette Shanahan.

Oscar was an amazing husband, a devoted father, a loving son, and a comical brother. He wore is heart on his sleeve and he immensely loved his family. He was dedicated to his job as a Master at Arms in the Navy and always did his job with integrity and dignity. He was always making people laugh and smile anywhere he went, and he loved and enjoyed life to the fullest.

From an early age it was clear that Will was destined to serve in the military.  He was simply built to protect. He was a highly intelligent young man who had a photographic memory.  He joined the Navy in January 2014.  He scored a 98 on the ASVAB and was offered anything he wanted.  He chose sonar and was the honor grad in A School.  He served his entire career aboard the USS Chafee, DDG 90.  He was well trained in martial arts and was also on the Anti-Terrorist Team. In his final deployment in 2017 there was a total casualty of the Array. It was unspooling and about to be lost at sea. He devised a way to reverse and repair the issue and was able to retrieve the invaluable equipment, put it back in service and affording the ship the ability to return to Pearl Harbor solo without delay. Today, every ship in the Navy has a manual with this procedure under his name.  The Navy named the Winch Room that houses the Array aboard the Chafee in Will's honor. 

He left behind his wife Whitney and newborn son Connor, who was only 6 weeks old at his passing, as well as a family who misses him each and every day. He made a difference in the lives of everyone he touched.  He further left a legacy of honor, dedication, valor and military bearing for his time served in the US Navy.

Jake was born and raised in Bakersfield, California.  Upon graduation from high school, Jake enlisted in the United States Navy in 2000.  He became a Cryptologic Technician Operator (CTO), and later became an Information Technician (IT), working with computers and radios as a part of Naval Intelligence communications.  He served for just over 10 ½ years and achieved the rank of First Class Petty Office (E6) (Surface Warfare).  Jake served in Yokosuka, Japan; Souda Bay, Greece; the NSA in Maryland; and lastly on the USS Antietam out of San Diego, California.  Jake was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his outstanding service.  Jake served honorably, earning Sailor of the Quarter (twice), a meritorious mast award, Surface-Warfare pin, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.  These were in addition to other awards and commendations.  He aided in the war in Iraq as intelligence communications for the Submarine Command out of Yokosuka, Japan.  He volunteered and served in Afghanistan in 2010 as technical support for the hospitals.  Jake also volunteered and served on naval funeral details in Maryland, Habitat for Humanity, and various other charitable endeavors.  Jake was a wonderful, loving son and a generous friend, known for his sense of humor and steadfast friendship.  He lived a very full and honorable life. He was a man of integrity, who is greatly missed and remembered by all who know and love him.

Timothy Matthew McGowan (IW/SW) enlisted in the Navy in 2012, and at the time of his death (2025) he was a Senior Chief for Cryptologic Technician Collection (CTRCS). He was awarded during his service three Navy Achievement Medals and one Joint Service Commendation Medal. He served on two deployments, with the first for the Global War on Terrorism, and on the second he earned a Realm of the Arctic certificate. Tim served on the USS Arleigh Burke and USS Oscar Austin, and worked at CWG-67 on multiple tours including as command career counselor. His last service medal earned was the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. 

Hayden is a beloved son, brother, and friend to more than can be counted. He proudly served two extensive deployments on the USS Abraham Lincoln protecting our country. He has been known throughout his life in and outside of service as one of the kindest, most thoughtful, and authentic human beings. He is exceptionally proud of his love for his family, commitment to the Navy and his placement on Seal Team Ten. While he is intensely missed on this earth, he will be carried in our hearts forever. 

CE1 (Construction Electrician) Tito L. Ruiz was born in the Philippines on April 2, 1974.  He graduated from Radford High School in 1993 and joined the Navy in January 19, 1999. 

His duty stations includes U.S. Naval Support Unit, State Department, NSA/NIOC Hawaii, NCTS FE Yokosuka, NMCB1 Gulfport Mississippi, and NCTS FE Det Sasebo where he served as the Base Communication Assistant Manager. 

CE1 Tito Ruiz is survived by his wife, Melody Ruiz and they have 3 children ( Fiona, Ysabella and Tj)

John A Deltoro, a wonderful son, brother, husband, and father. He lit up any room he entered with his smile and sense of humor. His laugh was infectious. He loved his children with his whole heart. They were his world and he made sure they, and his wife Heather, never went without. John and his sister Sarah had an unbreakable bond. He and his brother in law Philip were more like brothers than in laws. John and his brother James enjoyed spending time together. John always checked in on his mom and stepdad Carl, his dad and stepmom Kathy(although in our family, "step" wasn't a word), and other family members. He loved football and was a die hard Georgia Bulldawgs fan. He enjoyed woodworking and was an avid gamer. John was proud to be a member of the United States Navy and felt honored to serve his country. He is loved and missed by all he touched.

Jason D Jablonski, (‘JJ’), Orchard Park, NY, had the innate ability to be both encouraging and commanding as a leader. At a young age, he recognized that with hard work and dedicated effort, he could accomplish whatever goals he set for himself excelling in high school and at the United States Naval Academy accumulating multiple athletic and academic awards leading his athletic teams being voted captain of every team he played on. A a true leader who always put the team above self, in August 2016, just prior to his Senior year at USNA, JJ was diagnosed with Leukemia. In mid-November he learned he had been granted his first-choice service assignment to be commissioned as a Naval Aviation Officer upon the 2017 graduation. However, on November 27, 2016, due to complications related to his leukemia treatment, Jason passed away peacefully at the age of 21 surrounded by family and friends after being ‘pinned’ with Navy Pilot wings. He left behind his loving parents, Joe and Lori, two older sisters, Janelle and Casey, a dedicated girlfriend, teammates, company-mates, and an incredible number of friends.  In his Advanced Directives, he indicated the desire to address the unique needs of AYAs who are diagnosed with cancer, a Fellowship has been launched to fulfill his wishes.

Osiel was such an amazing person. He wanted to provide a better life for his family. He did his very best to not be tempted by the streets he grew up in. He was a basketball player for Compton high, he was an Explorer for the city of Compton. He was a wonderful father to his son and was so excited to be expecting a little girl. You are trully missed. We love you so much.

Matt was a soft spoken man who cared deeply for his family.  He loved hunting. One of his best friends in the Navy said what he remembered about Matt was his infectious laugh.  We were so proud of Matt’s achievement's and just knew he had a great future ahead of him.  Matt had a fierce pride in his service with the Navy.  Although we lost him too soon, along with the deep pain of his loss, we have a great pride in the man he had become through his family and his service.  

 

Joseph Anthony Reese II, Fire Controlmen II Petty Officer Officer 2nd Class was born July 6, 1996 and died September 19, 2020. Joseph served in the United States Navy. He loved life and he leaves his parents, Robert and Valerie Byas and 5 siblings, James Talley III, Janelle Talley,  Janee' Talley,  Christopher Talley and Christian Talley behind to cherish his memory.  Joseph brought joy to our lives and he will forever be missed.

On Easter Sunday, April 19th, 1987 at 3:06 am our darling Jacob was born.December 31st, 2010 was the last time I saw my son, Jacob. I’ll forever cherish the memory of him sledding down a friend’s driveway to usher in that new year. In his typical fashion, he added an extra kick to our fun day with his hilarious sense of humor. It was February 7th, 2011 at around 6:30 pm when THE knock on my door happened. My world collapsed when two uniformed Navy Commanders were standing at my door.... and their words "Ma’am, are you Audrey, .....on behalf of the United States Navy.....we regret to inform you........"Growing up, Jacob had an adventurous, daring, yet gentle spirit. He loved the Boy Scouts, Royal Rangers, BMX biking, snowboarding, and especially scuba diving. Each activity played a valuable part in preparing him for the success he showed in the Navy. Our hero, Jacob Keith Bare, joined the Navy after high school. He followed a family line of military warriors. His maternal great grandfather served in the German Army and is buried at Champigny-St. -André; Futelaye, France. His maternal grandfather is retired United States Army and served in the Korean war and did two tours in Vietnam. Jacob's maternal uncle served in the US Navy and Jacob's father was in the US Air Force. This spirit of selfless, honorable, and courageous service was carried out in our family and in Jacob. He valued absolute respect and duty to his Country. Jacob never wanted any accolades for any outstanding action on his part. He always deemed it a natural result of his love for his fellow man and Country. When Jacob saved a classmate's life at Jenkins High School in 2003, when he would donate blood to the Blood Bank, or when he earned the Meritorious Service Medal in 2010, we would hear of it from other people, instead of from him. In fact, we didn't even learn that he served in the Persian Gulf and in Iraq until it was engraved on his tombstone. When I would ask him about long deployments, his favorite quote would be, "Loose lips sink ships." Jacob spent time on the USS Shoup DDG-86 in 2006, graduated from Navy Dive School in Panama City, Florida in 2008, and completed the Airborne course in Fort Benning, GA in 2010 at the top 5 in his group. His duty station was in Pearl City, Hawaii with the Seal Delivery Vehicle Team One (SDVT-1). He earned many awards and accolades. His Commanding Officer, at the time of his death, said that he did his job well.I know that he has left an everlasting impression and presence in our lives and the many lives he touched with his loyalty, bravery, generosity, humor, and dedication. We are so very blessed to have had the miraculous gift that Jacob was in our lives and we are anchored in the hope to see him for eternity. -Written by Audrey Reese, Gold Star Mother

 

Michael Vecchio was born in Brick, NJ, and graduated from Brick High School. Growing up, “an energetic ball of curiosity,” said his dad, Michael. “He loved action sports such as snowboarding, surfing, golf, mountain biking, skating, and spear fishing – just to name a few.” He had a love of music and played harmonica and the ukulele and was a cunning chess player. Michael had an ability to see those in need and help them with absolute selflessness. “He would choose to do the right thing which was not always the easiest thing,” said his mother, Carol. Michael joined the Navy in 2016 and began training to become an Air Acoustics Systems Operator. He was scheduled to be part of the tactical sub hunting group, Patrol Squadron 30. “Michael did not have the opportunity to serve as he would have wished but his indelible soul will surely be transmitted into all whose lives he had touched and continue in his spirit of those who served alongside him,” said Michael. He is remembered by his mother and father, Carol and Michael, and his older brother, Vincent.

Our son, Raymond (Joe) Luckett III enlisted in the Navy when he was 25. After boot camp, Joe trained to serve as a Seabee. He was proud to serve as a Seabee and traveled the world, serving in Afghanistan, Japan, Sicily, Bahrain and Somalia. He also spent a short amount of time serving in Romania. Joe was well respected wherever he served because he always went above and beyond what was asked of him. Joe was getting ready to leave the States to deploy to Guam at the time of his death. He was proud to be a Seabee. He was especially proud to serve in the greatest Navy in the world. His family, fellow sailors, and friends miss him greatly.